How to moisturize your skin in the winter
For many of us, winter is a season of cold, blustery days and warm evenings spent in the comfort of your home. Whether or not you enjoy winter weather, there's no doubt about it: the outside elements and indoor heating can wreak havoc on your skin. From wind-burned cheeks to chapped lips, your skin can become quite uncomfortable if not moisturized properly. Try these tips to help keep your skin soft and supple all winter long.
Moisturize Your Face Daily With the Right Products for Your Skin Type
Whether your skin is dry or oily (or a combination of both), winter's cold and dry air will take its toll and make daily moisturizing even more necessary. Be sure to select a moisturizer appropriate for your skin type: all skin types can benefit from a moisturizer.
If you normally have oily skin but notice dry spots on your cheeks and forehead as a result of windy weather or indoor heating, apply a light moisturizer all over and follow with a heavier cream on the drier areas.
First, wash your face using lukewarm (not hot) water then gently pat your skin dry. Apply moisturizer while your skin is still slightly damp since this helps to lock in moisture. Allow your skin to absorb the moisturizer completely before adding sunscreen or makeup.
Keep Your Lips Soft and Supple
Remember to moisturize your lips several times throughout the day. Dry indoor air coupled with unconsciously licking your lips can cause them to become chapped during the winter months. This might prompt you to lick them more to relieve your discomfort, but that just leads to further dryness. Break the cycle by keeping a lip balm or moisturizing lip gloss handy.
Some people worry about becoming "addicted" to lip balm and refuse to use it, but this myth has actually been debunked. What really happens is that people end up licking off flavored balms, which again results in additional chapping. It's important to avoid licking your lips if you can, so stick to unflavored balm or lip gloss if you can't resist the temptation.
Moisturize from the Inside Out
Another secret to keeping your skin moisturized in the winter is to stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water and other non-alcoholic beverages throughout the day to help reduce skin flaking, chapping and the other annoyances of dry skin.
Keeping your skin soft and supple all winter long can take a few extra minutes each day, but when you avoid the chapping, dryness and discomfort that can accompany the cold and wind of winter, you'll be glad you spent the extra time. Remember to drink enough fluids and use the products designed to add moisture to your skin.
