There’s something a little romantic about the winter season. Sure, skies are a bit dreary and trees look bare compared to their springtime colors. But the cold weather draws us inside, cozied up to a fire, wrapped in the arms of the one we love, feeling the warmth of the yule log as strong as the holiday spirit.
One thing that’s not romantic, though? The havoc that cold weather can wreak on your delicate complexion. Whether you’re bundled up next to beau as you brace the cold and forge across a parking lot to your evening matinee, or you’re cuddling in bed on a lazy Sunday morning, you’re sure to have plenty of close-up encounters that provide prime viewing opportunity of your skin that’s either soft, smooth, and pure as snow, or dry, brittle, and red as Rudolph.
Even if you’re not participating in Cuffing Season this year, it’s in your interest to maintain a good skincare routine during these colder months that might tempt you into shrugging your shoulders and hiding under a beanie until the snow starts to thaw. That way, by the time spring rolls around, you’ll look as radiant and revitalized as the changes in scenery! Ready to shine brighter than Rockefeller Center on a New York night? Follow these three tips for healthy skin in winter—you’ll be glam and glowing in no time!
- Exfoliate 2-3X per Week
One of the biggest complaints that women have with their wintertime complexion is dull skin. Our cheeks, nose, and forehead begin to look rather ashen, drained of color, appearing tired and flat. We watch our bronzed radiance gradually fade to a pasty white and hardly recognize who we’re staring back at in the mirror.
The key to battling a lackluster look is to be sure to exfoliate at least two to three times per week. Why? Because dead skin cells are the biggest obstacle standing in between dull, dry flakes and bright, glowing skin.
Regular exfoliation will help slough off dead skin cells and any other impurities hiding inside your pores to reveal new skin that’s softer and smoother underneath. Added bonus: any other topical skin care products you use in your beauty routine will be much more effective on skin that’s been exfoliated!
We suggest avoiding harsh chemicals and sticking with natural products that won’t cause your skin to flare up. Start with once per week and work your way up—especially if your complexion is prone to sensitivity!
- Moisturize Non-Stop
A lot of women think of moisturizer as a summertime skincare essential that helps ward off the drying, damaging effects of the sun’s UV rays. And while this is important, no doubt, you shouldn’t ditch it during the winter months out of “lack of necessity”.
Here’s the problem: the air is drier in the wintertime compared to the humid summer season. Cold air can’t hold as much water as warm air; it’s just facts. And if the air around you is drier than your skin, it will literally leech hydration without you even noticing (that’s why your cuticles and lips get chapped and cracked this time of year, too!).
Your skin gives up its precious H2O in attempt to reach equilibrium with the ambient air, and the end result is skin so dry that you have to double-check whether those are snowflakes or skin-flakes spackled across your cheeks.
Upgrade to a thicker, creamier moisturizer when it’s cold outside to lock in hydration—and be especially mindful to nourish your skin after those long, indulgent soaks in a hot tub with your favorite bath bombs.
- Plot Twist: Get Your Blood Pumping!
You might be surprised to see exercise listed as one of our winter skin care tips, but too many of us fall into sedentary habits when we feel safely bundled beneath thick layers and everything tells us to go home and curl into bed at the end of a long day. But the key to glowing skin, even in drab conditions? Blood circulation!
The blood flow to your skin cells is responsible for dropping off oxygen and nutrients vital to its health, while carrying away toxins that can lead to blemishes and breakouts. Exercise gets your heart pumping and is one of the best ways to increase your blood circulation—plus it offers handfuls of other health benefits! If you really struggle to force yourself out the door when it’s dark and cold, invest in at-home workout program that can ensure you, your skin, and your figure are ready to rock the spring season!
Take care of your skin now and say “Wow!” to the new you in the winter dew.
