Beat The Winter Chill With These Skincare Hacks

Depending on the climate that you live in, the winter season can be relentless on your skin. Skin that was once soft, smooth and moisturized is soon dry, rough and cracked. This uncomfortable dryness is commonly experienced on the face, hands, and feet.

In some cases when the skin becomes too dry, it begins flaking and becomes inflamed. The weather may be unsightly, but that does not mean your skin has to fall victim to the cold winter climate. Following these quick tips can help minimize and prevent dry skin.

Moisturize frequently.

Year-round, people use moisturizers on the face, hands and other areas of the body. However, there is a significant difference between the moisturizers people should use based on the season.

During the spring and summer seasons, you want to use a moisturizer that is water-based. Throughout the warmer seasons, your skin will most likely be oily and sweaty from being outside in the heat. Your skin needs hydration that will not add excess oils that your skin does not need.

A NEOGEN skincare article shares, “Water-based moisturizers might just be your ideal solution to proper summer skin hydration and nourishment without the fear of breakouts and oiliness.” Yet, during the dry, winter season you want just the opposite of that-oil-based moisturizers. Oil-based moisturizers will serve as a protective barrier to the skin and retain more moisture. Be sure to choose your oils carefully.

Pay extra attention to your hands.

We use our hands for almost everything. Grabbing, touching, turning--you name it. Aside from being used the most, hands are almost always exposed. Shirts, coats, and sweaters do not cover our hands, only gloves and pockets are sometimes used for protection.

This constant use and exposure can lead to super dry hands. The skin on the hand is thinner and has fewer oil glands than anywhere else on the body. This means it is difficult to keep them moist, especially in the cold winter weather.

One thing to avoid during the winter season is excessive hand-washing in warm water. The University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Health Library article informs readers that water alone (especially hot water) can actually worsen the problem of dry skin by removing the normal, protective skin oils. Hot soapy water depletes the natural skin oils to the greatest degree.

Don’t forget the sunscreen.

Many people think that sunscreen is only used in the summer season but really,sunscreen should be used on your face year-round.

This is why you will find most skincare companies include sun protection factor (SPF) in their facial moisturizing products.

Even in the cloudy winter season, your skin is exposed to the sun. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, you are able to get sunburned even on cloudy days, in fact up to forty percent of the sun’s UV rays reach the earth on cloudy days. Make sure to protect your face and hands.

Peel back on the facial peels.

Facial peels on skin that is already dry and damaged are not always ideal. Avoid harsh masks, peels and alcohol-based toners or astringents that can further dry out the skin.

These products can strip the skin of the already scarce oils on your face.

A MedicineNet article informs readers that basic dry skin prevention steps include avoidance of harsh soaps and chemical cleansers.

Good for products that are “hydrating,” opposed to clay-based products that draw out moisture from the face.

These quick tips could be the deal breaker to ending your battle with dry, winter skin!

Shelby Pauling is an Economics major, Mathematics minor student at Spelman College from Chicago, Illinois. When Shelby is not studying, she ignites her creative side by researching upcoming health and beauty trends. Shelby’s understanding for the importance of health literacy in the black community led her to join Spelman College’s NAACP Chapter and the Health Careers Club, where she indulges in conversations and community service activities focused on stimulating dialogue amongst her peers and local Atlanta residents.