Struggling With Dry Winter Skin? 8 Tips That Help

Do you own a cat? Those white streaks on your face are not looking pretty. It seems as if your pet scratched your face. This is the story of almost everybody in the winter. The face looks lifeless, the skin appears dull, and the lips are usually chapped. Also, some people have dry skin throughout the year. So regardless of what the weather is or what the humidity level might be, they keep on struggling with these problems. 

If You Struggle With Dry Winter Skin Every Season, You Might Be Exhibiting the Following Symptoms

• Extreme dryness especially on and around your mouth 
• Flaky skin texture, especially on your cheeks 
• Cracks appearing on the chin and cheeks 
• Rough patches that can appear randomly 
• Redness around your nose, lips, and forehead especially in people with lighter skin tones 
• Itching around your nose and corners of your lips 
• A feeling of stinging or similar sensation, especially when you go out in the sun

These symptoms may get worse if you do not follow any regular and winter-specific skincare routine.

A Few Basic Tips That You Can Always Try To Prevent This from Happening 

• Stay hydrated throughout the day 
• Incorporating food items that have healthy fats into your diet 
• Minimizing your caffeine intake 
• Decreasing your overall alcohol intake 
• Avoiding smoking as a part of your face care regimen
• Making sure that you sleep on time every night

But this is not going to be that easy. If maintaining skin and its texture was such a cakewalk, especially during extremely low temperatures, you wouldn't be reading this blog in the first place.

Now Let's Get to Some Serious Talk by Giving You A Few Tips That Can Actually Help

1. Invest In a Winter Skincare Routine

You do not have to go all out and spend a truckload of money. Just be careful about the ingredients used in your skincare items. 

• Always begin your skincare routine with a fragrance-free face wash made from natural ingredients only
• It is important to go for a water-based and lightweight skin cleanser that is 100% organic 
• Remember to buy a toner that can effectively seal the pores on your skin and especially your T-zone
• Buy a moisturizer that suits your skin and make sure that it does not have any artificial fragrance
• You can also include organic castor oil or vitamin E oil for your face and make sure to use it just as directed

2. Always Take Moisturizing Seriously

Remember, moisturization is often underrated. If you follow the same pattern that you have been following till now, you will not have healthy skin in the winter. It’s important to choose moisturizers that are appropriate for your skin type and, if necessary, recommended by your healthcare provider or dermatologist. The dry wind of the winter steals the natural oils present in your skin contributing to dryness. Your face, hands, and often your neck, elbows, and knees become extremely dry. It is important to stock up on moisturizers that suit your skin type and do not cause pore blockage.

3. Do Not Let Go of Your Sunscreen

A lot of people might think that sunscreen is only for hot days but this is not true. Even the faintest presence of the sun is enough to cause dryness, fine lines, redness, inflammation, and a lot of other problems. Winter sun is almost as harsh as the summer sun and this is why you need to invest in at least SPF 30. There is always a significant amount of UV light present in your environment. Using sunscreen with SPF 30, along with a moisturizing barrier, can help protect your skin from UV damage and dehydration.

4. Humidifier Anyone?

While you are home, you can always enjoy the miraculous benefits of a humidifier. Having more moisture around you in your room is going to keep your skin hydrated and healthy. You will notice that the dry patches are gone and the irritability that you always used to feel doesn't exist anymore. You can also add a bit of essential oil for natural fragrance.

5. Dial Down Your Shower Temperature

Skin experts and dermatologists all over the world would want you to avoid extremely hot showers in the winter. You can keep the temperature somewhere between lukewarm and warm but nothing that results in lots of steam. Warm water is still safe for your face because it doesn't rip your skin off its natural oils. This way you can prevent dehydration without much effort. Also, remember not to rub your skin with the towel once you are done showering. Make sure to perform light movements or perhaps gently pat your skin dry with a soft towel.

6. Some Oils to Pamper Your Skin

Now this is a great way to restore hydration in your skin. Dermatologists and skin experts advise you to pat your skin dry with a soft towel so that a thin layer of moisture still remains behind. The idea is to use natural oils such as olive oil, vitamin E oil, cocoa butter, shea butter, and the like on your skin right after your shower. The tiny droplets on your body get dissolved with the oil and form a protective and hydrating layer all over your body. This is a great way to soak in all the moisture and make your skin glow again.

7. Hydrate Your Body Regularly

Staying hydrated can help maintain your skin’s moisture balance from the inside. It is important to follow a diet that is rich in antioxidants, Omega-3 fatty acids, and hydrating fruits and veggies. Some people choose health supplements containing astaxanthin, which may support skin health from within as a part of this hydrating change. You must consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement to ensure they are appropriate for your needs.

8. Exfoliation Is the Key

Do not forget to exfoliate your skin, especially in the winter as a part of your daily face care regimen. The dry skin forms a dead layer on your face. It is important to scrub it out gently so that new skin cell formation can be encouraged. It is also very critical to moisturize your skin once you are done with exfoliation. Remember to follow a circular movement with your ring fingers and do not push the exfoliant too hard into your skin.

Should You See A Doctor?

It is not a common occurrence that anybody would need to see a doctor when it comes to doing away with dry winter skin. However, if you find that the damage to your skin has become somewhat irreparable, it is advised to seek professional help. For everything else, there is Wellness Extract for you, always a click away.