The winter is a time of the year that our skin can take a beating from the elements. The wind and rain can do more than ruin our makeup. If you would like to make it to the new year with flawless skin, check out our top tips to ensure that your skin stays glowing during the winter months.
Moisturiser
The cold winter wind can do a great job of drying out our skin so it is important that we use a daily moisturiser to ensure that it doesn’t get damaged. The cold weather has a habit of drying out our skin and we don’t notice until it is too late. Make sure that you moisturise daily to keep your skin looking fresh and clear. Make sure that you are using the right one for your skin to help it stay clear as the wrong moisturiser can make your face break out in spots.
Sunscreen
Just because it is the winter doesn’t mean that you should abandon using sunscreen. The winter sun can be just as harsh as the summer sun. However, it can be even worse for our skin as the light can be reflected off the snow or surfaces that are wet from the rain. Always wear sunscreen, and if you can get your moisturiser or foundation with an SPF, then this is even better. And, don’t forget, sun damage is one of the main causes of wrinkles so never skip your SPF.
Stay Hydrated
The last thing that you want to do on a cold winter morning is to drink down a cold glass of water but you still need to hydrate. Herbal teas are a great alternative, especially if you can add some yummy honey for some extra boosts for your skin. If you are not a fan of drinking water, check out some of the new herbal infusions that you can add to your water to make it taste better. Although, if you are wanting something hot to drink, stay away from the coffee as caffeine can dry your skin out.
Avoid Extreme Cold
If there is one bonus that has come out of working from home, it is that you don’t have to go out in the cold and get a face full of winter chill. The extreme temperature changes that come from leaving your house and going outside can cause your skin to change and dry out. Just because it is cold doesn’t mean that water isn’t evaporating from your skin. The extreme cold can cause your skin to dry out massively so make sure that you bundle up and protect your skin from the elements.
Wash your Face
This should go without saying but a lot of people don’t wash their faces at the end of the day. After you have been out and about, you should wash your face to remove the dirt and makeup that is on your face. After you have washed your face, make sure that you add some moisturiser to ensure that your skin is rehydrated again. The trick with washing your face in the winter is to use warm water, not hot. Some people use water that is too hot and it damages the skin so try to keep it a bit cooler.
Don’t Use Soap
On the back of the last point, we would like to remind everyone not to use soap on their face, especially during the winter. The formulas in most soaps are very drying and can cause sores on your skin. If you are going to use a bar of soap, make sure that it has been formulated for face washing to minimise the damage. Ideally, you should be using a face wash to remove the grime and makeup but a decent bar of soap will do.
No Tanning Beds
This might not apply to everyone reading this, but If you are a person who likes to use sunbeds or likes to lie in the sun during the summertime, now is the time to ditch that habit. As a general rule, tanning beds are bad news for your skin as they can cause wrinkles and skin cancer. Give your skin a break and protect it from the UV rays. If you can’t seem to leave them alone, try using a self-tanner to make your skin glow and shimmer rather than subject it to harsh UV rays.
Save Time - Use Overnight Treatments
If you are pressed for time, you might not have a chance to invest in a huge beauty routine to protect your skin. In this case, you will need to use an overnight treatment to make sure that your skin is being repaired. This can be as simple as falling asleep with a sheet face mask on and removing it the next morning. Only do this if it is a moisturising mask and not a refining one as you could end up with a skin burn. And yes, we know a lot of them say to leave on for 20 minutes but there have been many a night that we have fallen asleep with one on and woken up with it still there the next morning. Just choose your sheet mask wisely.
Save Energy - Turn Down the Heating
It might be tempting to turn the heating up but this can have a terrible effect on your skin. If you can, dial the heating back a little bit and have your home a little bit cooler. If you can’t do this, try and use a humidifier to add some moisture to the air. Our home heating has a habit of drying out our skin. But this isn’t the only place, your car is an even bigger culprit. If you can, try and keep the heating down low there too as we have noticed it can dry your skin out in no time. Try using a hat and gloves when you are driving to help keep you warmer. But if you start shaking with the cold, you definitely need to dial it up a few degrees.