As the temperatures start to drop, so does the humidity, creating a hostile environment for our skin. Unfortunately, cold weather can be harsh on our skin, and if not properly cared for, our skin can dry out, feel tight, and become irritated. To ensure that our skin stays healthy and hydrated this winter season, it’s important to take steps in protecting it from the cold. In this article, we will discuss what you need to know to help keep your skin safe and happy even in the chilliest of temperatures.
1. Combatting the Effects of the Chilly Temperatures
As the weather takes a turn for the icy, layering on appropriate pieces of clothing is an essential part of staying warm and healthy. Wearing multiple layers of clothing ensures that air gets trapped between layers and creates insulation, as well as the ability to take on and off certain garments. It’s important to choose the right fabrics when it comes to winter clothing; natural fabrics such as wool, mohair, and cashmere are best for maximum insulation.
Staying hydrated and eating plenty of nutrient-rich foods will fuel the body, helping it stay warm. It is also important to stay active to create heat, while avoiding being outdoors for too long and overextending yourself. Hot soups and drinks can be a great way to not only improve your overall health, but also to enjoy some comfort food while keeping your body warm.
Given how cold climates can dry out the air, it is important to keep our skin hydrated. Applying a moisturizing cream immediately after showering not only hydrates the skin, but will also help your ski to stay soft and hydrated. Regular use of a humidifier in the home is also a great way to bring essential moisture into the air and protect against dry winter climate.
- Choose the right fabrics for clothing
- Stay hydrated and eat a nutritious diet
- Keep your skin hydrated
2. Simple Steps to Help Protect Your Skin in Cold Weather
The colder and more inclement weather rolls in, so does the need to be more vigilant and careful with the wellbeing – and health – of your skin.
The good news is that there are some simple things you can do to keep your skin in tip-top condition:
- Change your Moisturizer: Heading into the cold season means switching to a heavier, richer moisturizer so that your skin can lock in moisture.
- Wash with lukewarm Water: Use lukewarm rather than hot water when washing your face as it won’t strip your skin of its natural oils.
- Be Sun Smart: The sun’s rays can still penetrate through the clouds during the winter season, so it’s important to wear a facial sunscreen when going out.
In addition, dressing appropriately is key when temperatures are dropping outside. Wear as many loose layers as possible to keep out the cold and stay away from extremes in the temperature as much as you can. Keep your skin hydrated by stocking up on your favorite cold-weather moisturizer and staying away from soaps and cleansers full of harsh chemicals. This is your skin – you have to look after it!
3. Dress to Keep Yourself Warmer
Layer Up
Layering warm clothing is the key to keeping yourself warmer when it’s cold outside. Make sure to choose items made of wool, fleece, cotton and other materials specifically designed to retain warmth. Depending on how cold it is outside you may need to layer multiple items to keep yourself as warm as possible. Don’t forget to add a coat or jacket, gloves and a hat to complete your outfit.
Boots
Investing in a warm and sturdy pair of boots can make a big difference when trying to stay warm outside. Choose boots that have insulation or waterproof liners that can help keep the cold away. Make sure to get a pair that fits properly and is comfortable enough to keep on your feet for long periods of time.
Accessorize
Accessorizing you outfit can be a great way to stay warm as well. A thick wool scarf and gloves can help keep away the chill while providing you with the perfect opportunity to add a bit of style to your winter wardrobe. Consider adding a vest or a headband to your attire for an additional layer of warmth.
- Choose materials known to retain warmth
- Invest in a sturdy and comfortable pair of boots
- Don’t forget to accessorize
4. Combat Dry Air with Humidifiers
As dry air creeps into your home during the winter, it can cause all sorts of unwanted issues. A dry environment is especially hard on sleep quality, as well as your skin and sinuses. Humidifiers can help alleviate this problem and combat the uncomfortable, and sometimes dangerous, side effects of dry air.
Humidifiers come in all kinds of shapes and sizes. For larger areas, a console model that stands on the floor can provide enough comfortable humidity for a whole family. Alternatively, smaller units, such as ultrasonic and cool mist humidifiers, can be used in single rooms to provide relief to just one person.
Here are some additional benefits of using a humidifier:
- Increase comfort level in the room
- Help combat sore throats and dryness
- Prevent allergies from getting worse
- Reduce respiratory problems
Using a humidifier is an easy and inexpensive way to add moisture to the air during the cold and dry winter months. Keeping the atmosphere balanced can help protect your health and keep your family comfortable.
5. Make Double Sure You Stay Hydrated
No matter your physical activity level, staying hydrated is essential in keeping your body functioning optimally. Hydration keeps the heart healthy, helps lymph flow, flushes out waste, and helps your body recover.
Make sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day. Headaches, fatigue, muscle cramps, and dizziness are all signs of dehydration.
- Set a reminder. Have a trigger to remind you to drink water. Step away from your work if you forget.
- Keep a bottle handy. Carry a reusable water bottle with you throughout the day. Make sure it’s easy to refill.
- Plan ahead of time. On long days or high-intensity outdoor activities, measure out how much water you need for the time you’ll be away.
When you make hydration a habit, you’ll feel better, work smarter, and perform stronger, no matter your activity level.
6. Choose Your Products Carefully
Making smart product choices is important for creating a successful retail business. A thoughtful selection of products is a critical part of developing customer loyalty and meeting customer needs. Here are a few considerations to help you select the right products for your store:
- Product Quality: You should always consider the quality of the products you source for your business. Customers are looking for reliable products they can trust, so you want to make sure you’re stocking your shelves with high-quality items.
- Consumer Trends: Understanding the latest consumer trends is an important part of developing an effective product selection. Knowing what kinds of items customers are looking for in your market will help you ensure you are stocking the right products to meet their needs.
- Retail Strategies: Your product selection should be driven by strategies and goals for your business. Think about the story you want to tell customers and consider the types of products that will best help you achieve your goals.
By carefully choosing the right products for your retail business, you will be able to craft a unique shopping experience that meets customer needs and delivers consistent results. Always keep quality, trends, and strategies in mind as you work to develop the perfect product selection for your store.
7. Regular Exfoliation is a Must
Regular exfoliation is essential for keeping your skin healthy and vibrant. It removes the top layer of dead skin and aids in cell renewal, which can help reduce wrinkles and blotches. Regular exfoliation can also unclog pores, reducing the buildup of dirt and bacteria, and help prevent blackheads.
There are a number of methods for exfoliating your skin. You can use products like scrubs, exfoliating masks, brushes or loofahs. Additionally, chemical exfoliants like AHAs and BHAs have become increasingly popular in recent years.
Here are a few tips for exfoliating so that you get the most out of it:
- Start with a gentle exfoliant if your skin is sensitive.
- Use only a small amount of product, as excess can irritate the skin.
- Gently massage the product into your skin using light circular motions.
- Rinse the product off with lukewarm water.
Regular exfoliation can help keep your skin looking its best, so be sure to add it to your beauty routine!
8. Slather on the Sunscreen
It’s always important to wear sunscreen, even on days that feel more chilly than sunny. Sunscreen plays a vital role in preventing future damage to your skin, so no matter what the weather, you should make sure to apply some daily! If you plan to spend some extended time outdoors, especially in the beach or pool, make sure to slather a few extra layers of sunscreen to prevent sunburn and other skin damage.
When selecting a sunscreen, make sure to only choose products that have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and have an SPF of at least 15. Don’t forget to consider your needs as well; if you’re spending extended time in the sun, opt for a sunscreen with a higher SPF. Additionally, if you’ll be sweating or swimming, select a waterproof sunscreen.
After applying some sunscreen, wait at least 15 minutes before you head outside so it can sink in and work effectively on your skin. Also, don’t forget to reapply every two hours, every 40 minutes if you’re in water, and every two hours whenever you’re sweating a lot.
- Sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15.
- Wait at least 15 minutes after application.
- Reapply every two hours, and more frequently when sweating or swimming.
By following these few simple tips, you can guarantee that the sun’s damaging rays won’t get the best of you!
9. Eat Healthy Foods and Take Supplements
Fuelling your body with the proper nutrients is essential for a healthy and balanced lifestyle. Eating a well-rounded diet should provide your body with the components it needs to sustain itself, such as vitamins, minerals, and essential fatty acids. However, if your diet still doesn’t provide enough of the right nutrients, taking supplements can help make up the difference.
Healty Diet
Eating a variety of nutrient-rich foods is the best way to ensure your body is getting the proper vitamins and minerals. Having a mix of colourful fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats will provide you with essential vitamins and minerals like calcium, magnesium, potassium, iron, and B vitamins. Eating lean proteins such as beans, fish, and poultry will provide an ample amount of protein.
Supplementation
Though eating a well-rounded diet is important, you may not always be able to get all the nutrients you need. That’s when supplements can come in handy. Common types of supplements are omega-3s, vitamin D, and probiotic supplements. Supplements can help make up for any nutrients lacking in a normal diet, but it’s important to consult with your doctor before taking them.
Benefits
Eating healthy and taking supplements can benefit your overall health and well-being. A nourishing diet can help to reduce your risk of developing chronic diseases, while supplementation can help to fill any nutrient deficits that you may not be getting from food. Getting the proper vitamins and minerals can also help to boost energy levels, support your immune system, and maintain a healthy body weight.
10. Be Gentle with Your Skin
Taking care of your skin is important. And being gentle with it is key! Here are a few tips on how to do just that.
- Cleanse: A good cleansing routine is the foundation of any healthy skin. Use a cleanser tailored to your skin type that won’t strip away its natural oils.
- Exfoliate: Exfoliation helps to remove dead skin cells from the surface and brighten your complexion. However, it takes some trial and error to find out which one works best for your skin—just be sure to go easy on the exfoliators.
- Moisturize: Keep your skin hydrated with a moisturizer that’s free of synthetic chemicals. Look for natural moisturizers that build skin’s natural barrier and provide intense hydration.
When it comes to skin care, a little goes a long way. Don’t overwash or scrub too harshly, as this can irritate and dry out your skin. And while applying skin care products with your hands is fine, don’t forget to invest in some good quality tools like brushes, sponges, and cleansing cloths to help ensure a gentle, even application.
In the end, gentle skin care is key to maintaining a healthy, glowing complexion. With the right products and routine, you’ll soon start to see the results. So be gentle and your skin will thank you.
The winter months can be harsh, but equipped with the right knowledge and products, protecting your skin can be easier than ever. Wrap up warm, moisturize, and stay mindful of sun exposure, and you are sure to kiss dry, wintery skin goodbye!