‘Tis the season. And by season, we mean winter, which means snow, sweater weather, the holidays, … and all too often, dry skin. While you can’t control the weather, you can definitely give your skin some help in combatting it this season. Winter does not need to be synonymous with unhappy, dull, dry skin. That’s why we’ve put together a list of 6 skin care tips and products that can keep your skin soft, glowing and merry all winter long.
#1. Water, Water and more Water
No matter the season, it’s important to stay hydrated. Drinking lots of water every day, all year round is one of the simplest thing you can do to combat dry skin. Frequently, too little water intake can be the culprit behind dry, dull skin even more so than harsh wintry weather. All of the cells in our body need water to function properly, and skin cells are no exception to that rule. Bottom line, try to drink at least 8 glasses of water every day (even if some of them are tea) throughout the winter to keep your skin hydrated and refreshed from the inside out.
#2. Apply a Hydrating Moisturizer Daily
All moisturizers are not for all seasons! When it comes to choosing a moisturizer for the winter, you should look for organic formulations that are rich, protective, and hydrating. Hydration can be provided by ingredients like aloe Vera, honey, hyaluronic acid, and antioxidants while nourishing avocado, coconut and olive oils help create a light barrier on the surface of the skin to keep moisture locked in. And if you can throw in some SPF, especially if you’ll be hitting the ski slopes, your skin will definitely thank you this season. We recommend applying a hydrating moisturizer daily as a key part of your winter skincare regime!
#3. Soothe Skin with a Pure Aloe Vera Gel
Aloe Vera is not just for sunburns! In fact, it can actually be just the thing for winter skin woes. Organic aloe vera contains many nourishing and hydrating properties that are ideal for soothing dry, irritated skin. Plus, there are tons of options when it comes to incorporating aloe Vera into your skin care routine. It can replace your daily toner, be mixed with your favorite winter moisturizer, or be applied directly to the skin as a refreshing mask. Pure aloe Vera is an especially potent skin care solution for dry, sensitive skin.
#4. Exfoliate Dry Skin Away
Give your dull winter skin some “tough” love this season with weekly exfoliation. Exfoliation is crucial for sloughing off dry, dead skin cells and cleaning out clogged pores. This in turn enables your skin to better absorb hydrating skin care products such as masks, oils, serums and moisturizers. However, exfoliation is definitely one of those things where a little bit goes a long way. Don’t overdo it as too much exfoliation too abrasively can irritate the skin and make things even worse. Some of our favorite gentle and organic exfoliation ingredients are fruit acids, clays and oatmeal flour. You can find these in exfoliating masks and peels, or cleansers.
#5. Pamper Your Skin with Nourishing Masks
Treat yourself (and your winter skin) to a nourishing, hydrating mask several times a week. Organic masks are a potent way to infuse your skin with a serious dose of much-needed moisture.
Some particularly nourishing organic ingredients to look for winter masks include coconut oil, shea butter, hyaluronic acid, antioxidants, seaweed, honey, and aloe vera. Any combination of these will do the trick. Not only are organic masks an effective way to achieve glowy, moisturized, soft skin, but they give you an excuse to feel luxurious and pamper yourself with an at-home spa treatment.
#6. Protect that Pucker
Chapped lips are an all-too common downside of wintertime. Often, it’s because we don’t give our lips the extra protection they need during low temperatures and harsh winds. Especially considering the fact that our lips are way thinner than the rest our skin, and thus are more susceptible to losing moisture and getting damaged by the sun. A key ingredient for winter skin care is a thick, organic lip balm that is hydrating and has SPF.
