Top 18 Tips for Healthy Winter Skin

Winter Skin  Care Tips

Ø  Cold, dry air& low humidity in winter can steals natural moisture away from your skin and leave your skin itchy, red, and irritated. Combat dry winter skin with these tips for retaining your skin's natural moisture.

Ø  Harsh winter wind outside can leave your skin feeling raw, whether indoor heat further robs the air of moisture, as do hot showers or baths and harsh cleansers by stripping it of its natural oils.

Ø  According to dermatologists , there are many simple ways to combat the causes of dry winter skin and help keep your skin feeling moist, healthier, hydrated and supple all season long, including some easy changes to your everyday routine.

1. Invest In A Humidifier To Keep Moisture In The Air

·   Heating systems dry out the air, so use a humidifier in your home, particularly in your bedroom or office to add moisture back into the air and help keep your skin hydrated. Run a humidifier in the rooms you spend the most time in, including your bedroom.

·   According to, Dr. Angela Lamb, director of the Westside Mount Sinai Dermatology Faculty Practice in New York City, our skin “is the barrier that keeps water inside of your body, so when it is dry and cold, water evaporates off of the surface faster and easier.”

·   To prevent dryness, Lamb recommended using a humidifier and suggested “drinking an extra glass or two of water.”

2. Wash In Lukewarm Water

·   Avoid hot water  always because hot water dry your skin quickly your skin can develop cracks and winter eczema, instead use lukewarm water to avoid stripping as many oils away from the skin. After washing immediately apply a moisturizer that contains hyaluronic acid and ceramides. This will keep the moisture barrier intact and prevent dryness

3. Limit Shower Time And Temperature,Moisturize Immediately Afterwards

Winter Skin Care Tips

·   Try to avoid taking hot showers because hot water actually dehydrates our skin. Take lukewarm shower within 5-10 minute. Your skin not only needs more moisture, but moisturize right after you wash. Applying moisture to damp skin helps seal that dampness into the skin. Keep a bottle near the bathtub, shower stall, and at every sink and use liberally every time you wash.

·   According to Dr. Stein Gold, applying a hand cream after each washing can help. She also recommends wearing waterproof gloves when washing dishes or cleaning around the house.

4. Choose Gentle, Fragrance-Free Cleansers

Winter Skin Care Tips

·   It’s the time to change your skin care product accordingly. The wrong soap can worsen itchy, dry skin. Choose mild, fragrance-free, non Toxic( Specifically no Allergens and Irritants )moisturizing cleanser or gel ( do look for products specifically labeled “fragrance-free,” because "unscented" product may  contains fragrances)  that contains moisturizers to avoid stripping your skin of its natural moisture barrier.

·   If you have acne or breakouts, use products containing ceramides, hyaluronic acid, hydration serums, and glycerin to help in repairing the moisture barrier of your skin.

·   Lamb, director of dermatology at the Institute of Family Health and an assistant dermatology professor at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai said “I LOVE Dove foaming body wash for body. [It’s] very moisturizing and does not strip moisture away from the skin.”

·   Avoid masks and peels, astringent lotions, and any product that contains alcohol as they make your skin dry during the winter season.

5. Choose Your Facial Skin-Care Products Carefully

·   During the winter months, choose cream-based cleansers,for moisturizer go for an oil-based rather than a water-based solution as it’s more likely to help your skin retain moisture in the winter.Try to avoid  astringents ,alcohol, petroleum-based ingredients which can further dry your skin in the winter months .At night, use a richer moisturizer on your face.

·   Dr. Samer Jaber, a board-certified dermatologist based at Washington Square Dermatology in New York City, provided different suggestions for face and body.

“For your face, you might want to use a more bland cleanser, something like Cetaphil,”

·   According to Jaber When choosing a cream for face, look for a product containing ceramides that are noncomedogenic (so it won’t make you break out) and fragrance-free.

·   Another ingredient to look for is a vitamin B derivative called niacinamide, Isaac suggested. She’s also a fan of Neutrogena’s Hydro Boost moisturizer, which contains hyaluronic acid, as well as Aveeno and Eucerin products.

6. Lip Care

·   And don’t forget your lips. Applying a color& fragrance free moisturizing balm (such as petroleum jelly or another ointment) can help heal dry, cracked lips and keep them from getting chapped. If, however, your lip product causes a stinging or tingling sensation, try switching to a different product. When your lips are dry and don’t lick them more it makes the problem worse

7. Apply Sunscreen & Protect Your Skin

Winter Skin Care  Tips

·   According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, on bright winter days, snow reflects the sun’s rays up to 80 percent, increasing your risk of exposure. The warm sun rays feel pleasant, but winter sun can be just as damaging as summer sun, so apply a safe option like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide to any exposed areas.

·   Before you stepping outside, apply a moisturizing, broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher to all exposed areas of your body.

·   You need to protect your skin from the cold wind or snow or rain if you are stepping out in winter. Get used to wearing gloves or mittens, scarves and caps to protect skin from cold winds, rain, and snow.

8. Overnight Moisturize

·   Areas like hands, feet, elbows, and knees have thin skin and tend to lose moisture faster than other areas on the body. Consider slathering on a deep moisturizing balm or oil at night, then wear cotton gloves and socks to seal in the moisture until morning.

9. Go For Comfortable, Nonirritating Winter Wear

·   Many cold-weather fabrics can aggravate dry winter skin. "Keep wool and rough clothing from directly touching your skin," Stein Gold says. "This can cause dry skin to get irritated and itchy."

·   Avoid anything that irritates the skin, choose light layers made from soft, breathable materials directly against your skin, and then pull on your heavier, warmer sweaters. If possible, go for winter wear made from cotton.

10. Take Care Of Your Diet And Stay Hydrated

Winter Skin Care Tips

·   During the cold weather consume a lot of seasonal fruits and veggies that are rich in vitamins and antioxidants to stay healthy. The air is drier in winter ,hence, you need to keep your skin hydrated by having water, soups, salads, juices, and milk.

·   According to Dr. Barbara R. Reed, MD, a dermatologist in private practice at Denver Skin Clinic, "Sometimes when skin is very dry, it can be helped by foods or supplements that contain omega-3 or omega-6 fatty acids, such as fish oil and flaxseed oil. For the most part, however, it is important to help the skin moisturize from the outside."

11. Exercise

Winter Skin Care Tips

·   Health is wealth. . Exercise on a daily basis will pump up your heart rate, which in turn, pumps more blood to your organs and skin. As a result it will keep your skin naturally healthy and glowing.

12. Gently Exfoliate

·   Exfoliating your skin once a week is fine – this helps in getting rid of dead cells, boosting skin regeneration and better penetration of your moisturizer . Also, you should exfoliate depending on your skin type.

·    If you have very dry skin, exfoliate your skin lightly. If you have combination and oily skin, once a week is fine. Gently exfoliate your face, body, lips then follow immediately with moisture to truly see a smoother difference. Exfoliating body washes are also helpful in the winter months.

13. Take Care Of Your Feet

·   Choose glycerin-based creams and petroleum jelly to moisturize your feet before going to bed and wear socks to seal in the moisture until morning. Also, make sure you exfoliate the skin on your feet occasionally so that it can absorb the moisturizer easily.

14. Don’t Ditch The Sunglass

·   This is especially for those who live in places where it snows heavily. The UV rays from the sun and snow can damage the skin around your eyes and cause brown spots, fine lines, and other issues. So, whenever you step outside, make sure that you wear good quality UV protected sunglasses, preferably with wide arms.

15. Lower The Thermostat To Avoid Dryness

·   When it's chilly outside, what's the first thing you want to do? Crank up the heat! But central heat can make the air in your house even drier. Try setting the thermostat at a cool yet comfortable setting — 68°F to 72°F — to maintain healthy hydrated skin.

16. Use DIY Masks

·   Homemade hydrating masks can provide needed moisture in the winter months. Use natural moisturizing ingredients like honey, avocado, yogurt, olive and jojoba oils, almond oil, bananas, and aloe or oil massage. Mix what you like together to create a cream or paste, and leave on skin for 10-30 minutes for lasting hydration.

17. Maintain A Daily Skin Care Routine

·   You need to follow a very basic and simple skin care routine to have healthy and glowing skin during the winter. Cleanse your skin once or twice a day with a gentle cleanser, preferably in the morning and before going to bed.

·   After washing your face in the morning, apply a light daily moisturizer to seal the moisture in. And at night, use a heavy moisturizer or overnight cream or oil massage. This should be done on damp skin because just-washed skin absorbs moisture better.

18. Do Not Wear Wet Clothes For Too Long

·   Wearing wet clothes and shoes, gloves, socks, and pants can further irritate your skin and cause itchiness, be sure to remove them as soon as possible.

·   If you still experience dryness, itchiness, discomfort, and irritation after trying these healthy skin tips, Stein Gold suggests using an over-the-counter, 1 percent hydrocortisone cream. "If you don't see improvement in a few days, talk with your doctor," Stein Gold says. You may need a prescription-strength moisturizer to overcome winter's drying effects on your skin.

Ø  Do you have any special winter skin care secret? Share it with us by leaving a comment in the comments section below.If this article is useful to you, keep following us for more such tips and hacks. Till then, Be glamorous, stay healthy.