Best Proven Tips to Keep Your Skin Hydrated during the colder season

The frosty season is almost here, and the temperatures continue to dip with each passing day [I love every bit of dip]. So, while everyone is busy upgrading their wardrobe with winter staples–let us talk about our skin. So, how do we protect our skin from dryness during the colder months? Today we are discussing how to keep your skin hydrated during the colder season.

Xerosis, cracked feet, flakes, and irritation makes life miserable during the cold months. The indoor heating system keeps us warm and cozy, but it is not helpful.

Here is a four-part skincare routine to keep your face and body hydrated.

Part 1–Facial Care

The facial skin tissues are smaller and thinner than the rest of the body. Hence, the face tends to dry up more quickly than the body skin [made of thick fat layers underneath].

Using face cleansers with harsh chemicals and excessive washing can affect the pH balance. This can become worse in winter.

• Use a water-based face wash for hydration and softness
• Add a hydrating serum while the skin is damp [this is where you get creative with multiple serums if necessary].
• Massage your face with moisturizer within five to ten minutes after washing your face to plump up the dry cells
• Apply a face oil or balm after your moisturizer to lock the moisture
• Massage your face with coconut oil|sweet almond oil at least twice a week [before bath] to keep your face healthy and glowing in winter
• The facial skin is exposed to a large amount of dirt due to exposure to wind and pollution. Exfoliate the skin with a chemical or physical exfoliant at least twice a week
• Do not forget you need a morning and evening routine—do not skip either for maximum hydration.

Double Cleanse to Remove Excess Oils and Makeup

An oil-based face wash is your best bet to remove extra dirt, oil deposits, and makeup. But following up with a water-based cleanser is necessary to restore hydration. This double-cleansing routine works excellently in winter.

Do not Wash Your Face with Hot Water.

Hot water removes the essential sebum oil and causes severe dryness. In addition, it can cause skin peeling, cracking, and itchiness.

Use lukewarm water [room temperature is even better] when washing your face.

Part 2- Essential Winter Body Care

The easiest thing to do is to switch up your body soaps and washes to accommodate the seasons. A cream- or glycerin-based bathing soap during the dry season is ideal. Even better if you use a moisturizing body wash. Regular use keeps your skin smooth, glowing, and healthy.

Apply a Moisturizing Lotion After Taking a Shower

If you are suffering from acute dryness, you should apply ointment or oil-based body lotion while your skin is still wet or at least damp. It prevents moisture loss while keeping the skin soft and supple.

I love reapplying moisturizer every few hours if I am home–it combats itchy, dry skin. But it also works wonders if you have eczema or other skin concerns. In extreme cases, seeking the help of a Dermatologist is the best choice you can make for your skin.

Exfoliating the Body is Crucial in Winter.

People are wary of summer sweat, excessive oils, and pollution. But exfoliate at least once or twice a week in winter. Excessive use of oil-based moisturizers and dead cells can clog the skin pores. So I like to get an exfoliating body treatment somewhere between Autumn and Winter and again before the summer. I have been doing it for over a decade and love the results.

Gentle exfoliation using a body scrub with natural granulated extracts works on the dirt and grimes. Open pores allow natural body oil secretion for essential nourishment and hydration.

Dry brushing is also helpful during the colder months for exfoliation, and it detoxifies your skin by increasing blood circulation and promoting lymph flow and drainage.

Part 3–Caring for Cracked Heels and Dry Feet

Footcare is often overlooked amid the hurly-burly in daily life. However, leaving your feet untreated in winter makes the hard tissues vulnerable to heel cracking, frostbite, and other foot problems. Simple foot care measures at home can help you live comfortably.

• Clean your feet properly while bathing every day. Pat dry your feet properly after washing and apply foot cream within five minutes to lock the moisture.
• If your feet are dry and lifeless, get a pedicure. Pedicures are perfect during the colder months, but a medical pedicure is even better.
• Apply a regular hydrating body lotion to your feet at least twice daily.
• If you have cracked heels or severely dry feet, soak your feet in lukewarm water, and use a foot file to remove the dead skin. Then dry your feet and apply Glycolic Acid to cotton pads and apply to your feet. Finish with a generous amount of moisturizing foot cream, coconut oil, or even better good old Vaseline Petroleum Jelly for intense moisturization, and wear socks to help the process. Again, bedtime is best for this routine.
• Taking care of your feet at bedtime keeps away dry cracked feet. A nightly foot massage with foot cream or Vaseline at bedtime helps you sleep better by improving blood circulation, relaxing the nerves, and allowing the body to unwind.

Part 4–Do not overlook the Lips

Chapped lips with blood oozing out can be extremely painful. This is a common problem during the cold season for people with xerosis.

• Use a lip balm with SPF 30 before you go outdoors whether you see the sun or not.
• Most people tend to pick the flakes formed on dry lips. Biting or removing the peels forcibly may lead to bleeding, cold sores, and pain. Apply lip balm every couple of hours. The dead cells will soften and come off after some time without causing any irritation.
• Licking the lips trigger severe dryness. Always carry a petroleum-based lip balm in your bag for quick access whenever needed.
• Wear lip balm at bedtime. Products with shea butter, coconut oil, and glycerin are good for healing cracks and dryness.
• Exfoliating the lip is also a critical step we sometimes forget and should be done at least twice a week and followed up with a lip mask.

DO NOT FORGET SUNSCREEN.

Most people skip sunscreen during the Autumn and winter months. While sun rays are not that intense during the colder months, UV radiation is always harmful to skin health. For those who indulge in winter sports like skiing, biking, jogging, or walking it is safe to use an SPF 50 sunscreen. The snow and water surfaces reflect UV rays posing higher risks.

The rule of thumb is to apply sunscreen [SPF 40 or above] on exposed areas before you step outdoors during the daytime and reapply every two hours.

Drink Water and Fresh Fruit Juices to Stay Hydrated

External skin care does no good if you are dehydrated. Water and liquid foods aid the circulatory system and maintain the accurate hormonal balance in the body. Eating seasonal fresh fruits [whole, juices, or smoothies] at home and drinking water also protects the skin cells from drying out.

However, daily intentional care as mentioned above is equally important to nourish your skin.

Do you have any tips to keep the skin hydrated during winter?

Share your best ideas in the comments.