We love to snuggle up inside in cold weather, but the inconvenience of itchy skin always curbs the fun. While you may think it’s an unavoidable part of winter, you should think again.
We’ve gathered ten tips for you to enjoy the next few months with itch-free, soft, and glowing skin.
Keep the Room Temperature Cool
It’s natural to set the central heating higher in cold weather, but a very high temperature is not suitable for your skin. Hot air makes the blood vessels in your skin to dilate and will cause itching. High temperature could also dry out the air, which in turn dries out your skin.
Keep the thermostat at a comfortable setting between 68°F to 72°F.
Add Extra Moisture in Your Home
In cold weather, the air is generally drier, and it’s a good idea to add moisture indoors. Place a humidifier in the area where you spend most of your time. Not only will it increase the quality of the air, but it will help your skin to stay hydrated.
Keep Your Warm Showers Short
The shower’s hot water is especially inviting in winter, and we love to stay there for as long as we can. Yet, taking a hot shower or a long bath is not friendly to you or your skin. Excessive hot water dehydrates your body and strips your skin of natural oils. Red and itchy skin means that it’s dry, and you’ve likely lingered too long in hot water. Instead, keep your shower time short and the water only warm enough to be comfortable.
Drink Enough Water Is Not Only a Summer Rule
Keeping our bodies hydrated will also keep our skin moisturized. In cold weather, we tend to forget to drink water, but we still need to do so throughout the day. Water keeps our bodies healthy and hydrates our skin from the inside out. If you shudder at the thought of eight glasses of cold water every day, substitute some of them with tea. Natural, caffeine-free tea is a cozy and healthy alternative to stay hydrated.
Eat Healthy-Skin Food
Eating water-rich fruits, including plums, blueberries, and strawberries, will hydrate all the cells in your body. At the same time, foods with essential fatty acids are also beneficial. There’s a direct connection between a healthy tummy and radiant skin. Include avocados, walnuts, salmon, olive oil, fish oil, and flaxseed to get your daily dose of healthy fat.
Be careful not to drink too much alcohol or caffeinated drinks. It causes your body to dehydrate and will have the same impact on your skin.
Keep Your Legs Covered and Choose Natural Fibers
Pantyhose is not protecting your legs as much as pants against the weather. Try to minimize the time that you wear pantyhose. If you have to wear them for work, find a suitable moisturizer, and use it daily.
Warm clothes tend to be irritating, not breathable, and may cause you to overheat. Overheating, sweating, and irritation can aggravate itchy and dry skin. Find clothes with non-irritating, natural fibers to wear against your skin.
Remember to protect your hands by putting on gloves when you go outside.
Be Careful When You Choose Your Facial Cleanser
Choose cleansers with ingredients that will be gentle on your skin. Chamomile and oatmeal are soft and moisturizing, while fragrances, alcohol, and additives strip away the skin’s natural oils. Look for cream-based cleaners and use toners and astringents only when necessary.
A Little Light Exfoliation
Exfoliation won’t only remove the dead and dry skin cells, but it also stimulates new cells to grow. Find scrubs with natural ingredients or a fun recipe online and mix up a batch in your kitchen.
Use an exfoliator two to three times a week, but if your skin is extremely dry, use a wet washcloth instead. After exfoliating, follow-up with a moisturizer.
Use a Quality Moisturizer and Always Remember Your Sunscreen
To give your skin the best protection against cold weather, use an oil-based moisturizer. It forms a protective barrier that keeps natural oils in your skin and prevents moisture loss. Water-based moisturizers won’t prevent moisture loss, and you need to apply them more often. Always use yours right after washing for the best results.
A deep moisturizing mask applied once a week is beneficial and will give your skin a moisture boost. It adds more moisture by forcing it into the skin.
Treat yourself, find a quiet space, apply the mask, sit back, and relax for ten minutes while the product works for you.
Before you leave the house, apply sunscreen. Yes, even in winter. Come rain or shine or even snow on the ground; the harmful UV rays are always present.
Use the Time That You Sleep to Feed Your Skin
Follow this bedtime routine, and you’ll wake up every winter morning to healthy skin. Remember that your evening shower must be warm but not hot and not too long. Use a creamy cleanser instead of harsh soap or body washes. Apply a thick body moisturizer within one minute of getting out of the shower.
The skin around your eyes is relatively thin and quickly loses moisture. Use a gentle eye cream after applying your face moisturizer to lock-in extra goodness.
Our extremities suffer the most in the cold and need a little extra care. Give them a special moisturizing treat and put on a pair of cotton socks and gloves. It will keep the moisturizer away from your sheets, and you’ll wake up with softer hands and feet.
