Curling up by the fire qualifies as one of life’s great joys. Dry, cracked winter skin, on the other hand? Not so much.
Forced indoor air can dehydrate your complexion. Then, you step outside, and the wind buffets you with icy blasts. Have no fear — you can keep your cheeks looking both rosy and soft with these tips.
7 Healthy Skin Tips for Colder Fall Weather
1. Exfoliate
Ashy-looking skin stems from dead cells on the surface. Once you slough these off, you reveal the glowing complexion within.
Steer clear of store-bought exfoliants containing plastic microbeads. These enter the ocean, and scientists have found them in animals dwelling in the deepest trenches of the sea. Use coconut oil and sugar to make a homemade and all-natural exfoliant. Don’t scrub too hard — this can damage your skin and cause your pores to produce more sebum.
2. Soak up Some Hyaluronic Acid
Did you know that women store more subcutaneous fat? This is fat under the skin that provides a layer of insulation over the muscles. However, as you age, you begin losing this layer, leading to sunken, wrinkly cheeks. Is there any way to plump your skin?
Yes! Hyaluronic acid is a clear, gooey substance your body produces naturally. Its primary function is keeping cells and tissues well-lubricated and moist. You can find pure hyaluronic acid at online retailers for less than $20 and apply it directly to your skin to help plump and smooth your appearance.
3. Change Your Cleansing Routine
Taking a hot bath relaxes your body and mind. However, in the winter, it can also dry your skin. Don’t worry! You don’t have to give up long soaks entirely. But do consider showering every other day and keep most cleansings less than five minutes. Shortening bathing times will keep precious oils in your skin — and save water, to boot.
4. Create a Barrier with Oil
In the summertime, you might get by with a water-based moisturizer. These products do help you avoid acne breakouts. But if you’re prone to dryness in the winter, switch to an oil-based lotion.
Mineral oils create a barrier between your skin and the outside air. However, they can clog your pores. Look for moisturizers containing argon or coconut oil instead — these let your skin breathe.
5. Keep Yourself Hydrated
If you’re thirsty, it will show on your face. Many moisturizers contain emollients that draw moisture to the skin’s surface, but they need water to pull.
Keep a reusable water bottle with you wherever you go. If you forget to sip as the temperatures fall, set a timer to go off every 30 minutes on your phone. When your alarm sounds, drink up.
If you adore hot beverages on a cold day, opt for herbal tea instead of coffee, at least some of the time. Caffeine increases urinary output, dehydrating you faster. Try some green tea — evidence suggests the antioxidants in this brew benefit your appearance.
6. Invest in a Humidifier
A humidifier can be your wintertime best friend for many reasons. Dry, indoor air evaporates the mucus in your nasal passages, leaving you open to germs. Keeping a desktop humidifier at work can help when the latest bug makes its rounds.
These devices also work wonders on itchy, flaky skin. For added benefit, use a version that doubles as an aromatherapy diffuser. Add a few drops of sweet orange or lemon to energize you, or lavender for relaxation.
7. Cover up When You Head Out
Maybe you feel like a bank robber wearing a ski mask. However, when it’s -10 degrees and windy, cover up your cheeks to keep them from drying out. If you don’t want to mess up your ‘do, wrap a scarf around your neck and pull it up over your face.
Remember, it’s not only the skin on your face that counts. Your hands also show your age. Wear gloves when you head outside on frigid days. As a bonus, wearing mittens helps alleviate pain if you have arthritis.
Keep Your Skin Glowing This Fall
You don’t have to resign yourself to the lizard look until spring! By following a few simple tips, your skin can look soft and supple any time of year.
