cold weather skincare guide

Life moves fast these days. It seems like only yesterday, the sun was shining and the air conditioner was on full blast. Now? Temperatures are dropping at a rapid pace and Christmas decorations are starting to pop up in stores. While it’s easy to get excited about the upcoming holiday season, there are some major drawbacks to consider. Like the fact that cold weather and indoor heating can wreak havoc on your skin. Before you stress yourself out....take a deep breath and relax. All you need to do is change up your skincare routine. Say goodbye to dryness, flaky patches, and irritated skin this season. These tips and tricks will keep you looking beautiful from head to toe. Ready to get started? Here is your cold weather skincare guide.

Start With the Scalp.  The fall and winter months are typically filled with parties, formal events, and family get-togethers. This year? Things have been very different. That doesn't mean you need to let your skincare slide. This is the perfect opportunity to pamper yourself. When the weather starts to get cold, every part of the skin is affected. Even your scalp. This season, trade in your regular shampoo for something that gives your scalp some much needed attention. Choose a moisturizing shampoo that focuses on reducing flakes. It will give your scalp the hydration it needs and get rid of that uncomfortable itchy feeling.

Change Up Your Moisturizer. During the colder months, nothing, and I mean nothing, is more important than a good moisturizer. It is the best way to deal with dryness. Before you reach for your everyday lotion, stop and take a look at the ingredients. Not all moisturizers are made equally and they shouldn’t necessarily be used all year round. Certain moisturizers work better in certain temperatures. For instance, during the fall and winter months, your moisturizer should be much thicker. Keep a lookout for products with vitamin E or shea butter as they are ideal for extreme climates. Be careful what moisturizer you use on your face, though! Something too heavy can clog the pores. 

Don't Forget to Exfoliate. Have you ever noticed how dull and lifeless your skin can look in cold seasons? There is one easy solution…exfoliate. Using a body scrub or exfoliating mitt, exfoliate your skin twice a week to remove any dead skin cells. Not only will this make your skin look brighter and healthier, but it will also allow your moisturizer to skin in deeper. This means your skin will stay hydrated for even longer.

Get the Perfect Pout. No one likes having dry or chapped lips. They irritating and can be painful. This year, avoid this all too common problem by staying hydrated. Drink lots of water (which is great for all of your skin throughout the year), use a lip balm with an SPF in it, avoid licking your lips, and stay away from lip products that contain petroleum. Why? Petroleum can actually make it harder for moisture to get to your lips.

Use a Hand and Foot Cream. It’s important to take care of every part of your skin. This includes your hands. They are often exposed to the cold during the winter, which can make your hands dry and cracked. (Plus, all of the extra hand washing these days can make the problem worse.) Use a hand lotion when you get up and before you go to bed…and don’t forget to wear gloves when you leave the house. Your feet can also take a hit in cold weather. Wearing wet socks and boots can make the skin on your feet extra sensitive and dry. The solution? Use a foot cream or lotion that has either petroleum jelly or glycerin. 

Other Cold Weather Skincare Tips:  

• Stay away from hot showers. Even though a toasty shower sounds wonderful after you come in from the cold – don’t do it! The hot water can lead to a loss of moisture in your skin. Opt for warm showers instead.
• Use a humidifier in your home. Indoor heating can seriously dry out your skin. By using a humidifier, you’re putting more moisture back into the air.
• Apply sunscreen. Even though it is cold outside, the sun can still affect your skin. Be sure to use sunscreen before you go out to avoid doing any damage.

Cold weather can be awfully hard on your skin. Take care of your body from head to toe by following this cold weather skincare guide. It won’t be long before you see (and feel) the difference.

Do you have any cold weather skincare tips? Be sure to sound off in the comment section!