The cold winter air dries out the skin and can cause roughness, flaking and even cracking. Especially for dry and sensitive skin, the weather during winter can cause irritation. It is therefore important to give your skin special protection during this period. Find out how to take care of your skin in winter and what to use to deal with irritation.
The basis of winter skin care is a face cream that will provide proper hydration as well as act as a protective barrier against harmful external factors. Those with dry skin should use creams with a thick, oily or semi-oily texture that will leave a protective layer on the surface of the skin to prevent dryness. For oily or combination skin, emulsions and lighter creams are more appropriate. To soothe irritated skin, use a product that has ingredients such as allantoin, panthenol, aloe vera, chamomile extract or calendula extract.
Most of us think that using sunscreen is necessary only in summer. This is a mistake! UV rays reach us throughout the year and can penetrate the skin even on cloudy days. Their action negatively affects the skin at any time of year. So, let’s remember to use creams with UV filter also in winter to provide our skin with adequate protection.
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If your skin gets very dry in winter, it is better to use oil-based cleansers or milky cleansers instead of gel cleansers. Avoid products that have alcohol and soap as they dry out your skin. You can also try facial cleansing without water – hard tap water also contributes to dry skin. Instead, use a micellar liquid that perfectly removes impurities and washes away makeup.
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If you want to take care of your skin in winter, don’t be a minimalist! Layering is a great way to give your skin the hydration and protection it needs, especially at this time of year. Before applying your night cream, give your skin a dose of nourishing serum, which will intensely moisturize and regenerate it. Remember to tone as well, which should be the next step after cleansing. It is also a good idea to apply a nourishing mask to your face to help replenish your skin. Especially those containing in its composition: avocado, mugwort extract, algae, honey or hyaluronic acid will be effective. An extra layer of makeup, i.e. foundation and powder, can provide additional protection from the cold air – especially useful on cold days!
In winter, the skin of your lips is especially prone to dryness and cracking, so it needs proper protection and care. To take good care of it, use moisturizing and lubricating lip balms and lipsticks. It is worth to reach for those containing natural oils: linseed, argan, avocado, evening primrose or coconut. Cocoa and shea butter can also help soothe cracked lips. Also remember to moisturize your lips at night to allow your skin to regenerate. Regular lip exfoliation, which can be done using a ready-made product or preparing the preparation yourself, will also work well. We can make a homemade product using coconut oil and sugar, for example.
To adequately protect your hands, it is better to rely on greasy creams or butters during the winter months. Light and delicate preparations, which are usually more pleasant to use, are unlikely to do well in winter. In addition to drugstore and pharmacy products, it is worth trying natural oils, such as argan or olive oil, as well as cocoa and shea butter. Especially the latter will help alleviate irritation. You can also successfully reach for petroleum jelly. You should provide similar care to your feet. Especially after bathing, remember about proper moisturizing. The above-mentioned natural substances will also work great for foot care.
To combat dryness, use lotions and butters that moisturize, lubricate, and help retain water in the skin. Preparations rich in ingredients such as glycerine, urea, ceramides, hyaluronic acid, lanolin, vitamin E, or the already mentioned vegetable oils and butters and aloe vera will help. Use body lotion regularly and after each bath.
