Winter weather can be harsh - especially on our skin. For those of us living in cold climates, we know all too well that cold temperatures, dry air, and bracing winds can leave our skin feeling less than happy and supple. 

This is especially true for the skin on our face and hands - as these areas of the body tend to get the brunt of winter’s wicked ways head-on. The resulting irritated, dry, itchy, skin can leave us feeling less than our best during the winter months.

Ease the discomfort of chapped hands, tight-feeling cheeks, and other winter-related skin irritations by taking action this season. In this article, we’re going to share 6 easy steps you can start now to help your skin feel healthy and look radiant this winter. 

Cleanse Dry Skin Carefully

Dry skin brought on by cold air and low temperatures can feel itchy, appear red, and ultimately just be plain irritable. The urge to scrub your skin with the nearest cleanser using the hottest water is understandable. But, before you do, consider the area you’re treating and ask yourself if the product you have is right for that body part.

Facial Skin is Delicate

Delicate facial skin is susceptible to damage caused by more than just weather conditions. Often, the products used to cleanse and care for our winter-battered face can also add to skin problems. This results in the outermost layer of our skin, the epidermis, to appear dry and flaky.

To avoid further damage from occurring to facial skin that’s already dry and irritated, use a gentle cleanser and warm water. Gentle facial cleansing products prevent the stripping of the acid mantle, your skin’s outermost layer. Your acid mantle is essential to protect your skin and body from external contaminants, as well as to prevent signs of ageing.

Dry Skin Care Secret: Cleanse Less!

If your skin is especially prone to dryness or is naturally sensitive, cleanse your face only in the evening. However, if the thought of not washing your face in the morning is unsettling, gently rinse your face with warm water in the morning.

Apply a Deep Moisturizing Toner to Dry Skin

Facial toners used to clean your skin’s pores and deep-layer tissues can also be a useful tool for addressing dry skin. However, be sure the toner you select is alcohol-free and contains moisture-infusing elements. 

When toning solutions contain ingredients that can lock-in moisture, such as Vitamin B3 and Aloe Vera extracts, they can help your skin retain moisture and prevent your skin from becoming further dehydrated. 

Heal Irritated Skin

Skin that feels and appears irritated usually does because damage to one of the skin’s layers has occurred. This commonly results from exposure to a harsh environment, such as spending time outside during winter. Signs that winter’s frosty touch has damaged skin can include skin that:

• Has a scaly or rough texture
• Appears red
• Is cracked or even bleeding
• Feels itchy
• Stings

Skin is one of our body’s amazing organs that truly takes care of us from the inside out! And, when skin becomes irritated from winter weather, we can find ways to help it heal more quickly. 

After cleansing your skin from impurities, apply a serum or barrier repair product to help soothe and nourish dry skin patches. Simply apply the product to a cotton pad or your fingertips, and glide the serum gently over your face. This will help alleviate inflamed tissue and enable a proper moisture balance.

A Hydrating Facial Oil Is Great to Heal Dry Skin

Another layer of healing goodness your winter-weary skin will appreciate is a hydrating facial oil. Facial oils are created to work with the natural oils in your skin; they can be instrumental in keeping your skin’s oils in balance.

Facial Oil Secret: Squalane Oil

Squalane oil, the more-stable derivative of squalene oil, is effective at hydrating skin, and minimizing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Recent research suggests that Squalene oil is non-irritating, making facial oils containing squalane oil ideal for those with dry and sensitive skin.

Moisturize Dry Skin

After cleansing and treating dry skin, it’s a good time to protect your skin from further damage and seal in hydrating oils with a good quality moisturizer. The best moisturizer for dry skin will create a thin, protective barrier that serves to prevent more moisture loss from your face, neck, and decolletage.

Moisturizer selection should match your current skin type and skincare needs appropriately. 

Don’t Forget Sunscreen!

The importance of using sunscreen cannot be overstated. And, sunscreen should be applied every day, regardless of the time of year. Your skin needs sunscreen in the winter, summer, fall, and spring! Let me say that again. Apply sunscreen DAILY. Every. Single. Day. 

Sunscreen products are best applied after your daily moisturizer. It can be worn under make-up, or if you prefer, choose make-up products with built-in SPF.

Alleviate Dry Skin with Self-Care

Great looking skin is achieved more easily when you take a whole-body approach to your skincare wellness routine. After all, skin reflects your body’s health and is often the first area of the body to communicate signs of poor health. 

Easy self-care steps to reduce winter-induced dry skin include:

Drink Water.

Hydrate dry skin from the inside out. Drinking water and other caffeine-free beverages throughout the day will help your skin have access to the moisture it needs.

Layer Up.

Wear appropriate clothing to prevent skin from being exposed to the cold and windy conditions during winter. Gloves for your hands will help prevent them from chapping. Woollen scarves can keep the chill away from your face and neck. 

Learn Your Skin Type.

Understanding your skin’s unique needs will help you know how to treat different skin conditions, including winter-related dryness. 

Eat Well.

Foods rich in antioxidants and moisture can do wonders for your dry skin, in addition to increasing your overall health. High fibre fruits, vegetables, and non-processed meats are great for your skin’s appearance. 

Limit inflammatory foods that can increase inflammation, such as alcohol, foods high in sugar, and processed foods.

Learn More Great Skincare Tips From Glow Jar Beauty

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