Drink Water
Cold weather’s primary threat on your skin is its drying effect. When the weather is cold, humidity is low. While this may sound appealing to people who suffer through high humidity in the summer, the dry air actually sucks the moisture out of your body. This leaves your skin dry and taught. Definitely not appealing! By drinking the recommended 6-8 glasses of water a day, you’ll help fight off the cold air’s dehydrating effects on your dermis.
Exfoliate
Your skin naturally sheds its dead cells, but sometimes they do not totally fall away. When this happens, the dead cells build up and make your skin look dull. Exfoliation removes this dull layer and is a great step to incorporate into your routine year-round. In the fall and winter, it is especially necessary. For your face, look for a scrub with a mild exfoliant, and, once a week, scrub your whole body with a loofa and an exfoliating wash.
Use Creams
Moisturizer should be used year-round, but in the colder months, you may want to trade your standard lotion in for a cream. Creams leave a thin oily layer on your skin, which helps keep out the harmful cold air and lock in moisture.
Protect Your Skin
You may be tempted to put SPF products away with your tanning oil, but don’t! Just because the sun doesn’t seem as harsh, doesn’t mean you’re safe from harmful rays. The sun reflects off snow and can get through winter clouds. Keep your complexion safe and streamline your routine by using cosmetic products with SPF.
Take Care of Your Lips
Our lips suffer from weather damage throughout the year, but the winter weather can cause severe cracking. Cracked lips can make it painful to even talk and eat. Use lip balm with SPF, so you can keep your smackers moisturized and protected.
Liz Childers is a freelancer who writes about tents for Camping Gear Outlet and picnic backpacks for Picnic World.