November already, can you believe it? With much of the year gone, we’re now heavily into the season of harsh weather conditions. By now you’ve likely prepared your vehicle and your home for said conditions, but what about your skin? You’re probably aware that your summer skincare routine doesn’t quite have the same level of effectiveness in the winter. So, what should you do to ‘winterize’ your skin?
Moisturize.
Moisture is good for your skin all year-round, but the cold weather conditions tend to dry out skin more than warmer months, especially when your skin is forced to adjust from the frigid outdoor temperatures to the tropical heated oasis of your office or home. Moisture acts as a barrier for the skin, protecting it from free radicals and environmental elements. In the winter months, use a heavier moisturizer that will stick around and hydrate longer. Moisturizing during the day to boost that barrier of protection is a great idea. If you don’t want to compromise your foundation and other makeup, try a facial mist for mid-day hydration. Using warm or cool water when you wash your face, rather than hot-as-you-can-handle H20 can also help your skin maintain moisture. Try a hydrating mask a few times a week in addition to your regular daily routine.
Use sunscreen.
Say what? That’s right, sunscreen is just as important during the winter months as in the summer. True, you’ll likely be outside basking in the sun for fewer hours a day, but that doesn’t mean you should neglect SPF protection. Remember, 90 per cent of the visible signs of aging are attributed to sun damage. Just because it’s cold outside doesn’t mean the sun decides to put away its radiation. In fact, when there’s snow on the ground, the reflection of the sun off snow is around 80 per cent, while the reflection of the sun off sand is closer to 18 per cent.
Stay hydrated.
Similar to the need for an extra effective moisturizer, hydrating your skin from the inside out will prevent your skin from flaking and drying out. Want something more interested than water but don’t want to over-caffeinate? Try hot water with lemon and honey. In addition to benefits such as improved oral health, lymphatic cleansing and assisting in flushing unwanted toxins, this delicious beverage option can help clear your skin, acting as an ingestible antibacterial. For best results, drink hot water with lemon and honey in the morning an hour or so before your first coffee or tea.
Talk to us about your skin routine. We can help you winterize your regimen to keep your skin glowing and beautiful this winter.
