The cold, dry winter months can be brutal on skin. For many of us, the winter is a constant battle against cracked heels, rough elbows, dry hands, and a dull complexion. And if you’re like me, your skin goes into overdrive with redness and flakiness. It can be a nightmare!
If you can relate, you know that lotion isn’t always enough during the icy season. But don’t worry – there are a few things we can do to combat winter skin and keep the complexion healthy and glowy.
So set your New Year’s resolution early and make this the year you take care of your skin. Here are three tips to get you started for the winter season:
1. Refresh Your Cabinet and Makeup Bag for Winter
Every few months you replace your toothbrush – you should also do the same with your makeup sponges, bathing sponges, makeup brushes, and loofahs. They are a prime hiding place for bacteria, and mold.
Makeup brushes can be expensive, but if they are worn or moldy, you need to throw them away. If the brushes just have makeup buildup, you can clean them. Tap or shake off any loose powder into the sink. Then hold them under very warm running water with the bristles pointing downwards. Take a small amount of liquid dishwasher soap and gently work through the bristles. Rinse again. Repeat until the water runs clear. Set aside to dry, before using.
This beauty refresh also applies to old beauty products. I often hear about people using their favorite product sparingly, trying to make them last as long as possible. This is a big mistake for two major reasons:
- If you have a good product – use it! Most products are formulated to be used a certain way. If you use less than the intended amount, you are not going to get the result you are looking for.
- Every time you open the product and touch it, you’re exposing the product to contamination. And, no matter how tight you seal the cap, the product changes due to evaporation.
So go through your bathroom and throw away all makeup and skin care products that are over six months old and replace them with new, fresh products.
2. Switch to a Winter-Friendly Beauty Routine
As the weather changes, your skin becomes exposed to different elements. It’s helpful to update your skin care and makeup routines so your skin can handle the winter air.
If winter means dry air where you live, I recommend switching out your lightweight serums and gels for heavy hydrating creams. That means trying an eye cream instead of an eye gel.
And for those susceptible to age spots and uneven skin tones, consider an age spot treatment. Now is the time to repair any sun damage your skin may have gotten from summer and spring.
3. Winter Moisturizing Tricks
Staying moisturized is one of the hardest parts of taking care of your skin in the winter.
Staying away from bar soap and washing with an SLS-free liquid soap instead helps to lock in moisture after showering. If you can bear the cold air, don’t completely dry yourself after getting out of the shower. Instead, dab yourself with your towel and then apply your moisturizer. The moisture from the water is going to seal all of the moisture into your skin.
Here’s another one: Lip balm is your new best friend in the winter. To keep your lips hydrated, drink out of a straw instead of a water bottle. The water evaporates on your lips, taking some of their moisture with it.
Stay Moisturized This Summer
It’s no secret that the winter months can be tough on our skin. Between the cold weather and indoor heating, our skin becomes dry easily. So if you want to have healthy skin this winter, make sure you are using clean tools and keeping yourself moisturized!
For more tips on how to take care of your skin during the colder months, check out my post on picking a moisturizer that works for your skin.
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