When the temps plummet into the negative digits, winds kick up, and artificial heating is everywhere, it becomes clear that winter is officially here. While you can certainly bundle up under the covers and sip a cup of hot cocoa to warm up, unfortunately that same tip doesn’t always work for the skin. The colder months are notorious for stripping our skin of moisture, thanks in part to the low levels of humidity in the air and in our indoor environments. When the skin is stripped of moisture it can become dry, dull in appearance, and even tight and flaky. What’s more, a lack of hydration can cause wrinkles and fine lines to become more apparent. If this is the story of your skin each winter, read this! We rounded up 5 simple tips and tricks to help maintain moisture and tackle the season head on! Slough the SurfaceWhen skin appears to be dry and dull, you may actually find that exfoliation can help. Often it’s a buildup of dead skin cells on the skin’s surface that causes the rough, lackluster appearance. Dead skin cells don’t reflect the light the way healthy-looking new cells do and thus our complexion can’t possibly look its best. Regular—no more than 1-3 times per week—exfoliation helps to remove that buildup and allow your lotions and moisturizers to do their job. Learn more about how to exfoliate the right here!Find the Right FormulaSure during the steamy summer months you were all about lightweight gels and water-based moisturizers, but in the dead of winter you may want something a little heavier. After all, you wouldn’t wear a light jacket in a blizzard…would you? If you find your skin skews dry as the weather does, reach for rich products like oils, balms, butters, or creams that have been formulated with ingredients like hyaluronic acid or ceramides. We share a few of our favorite cold-weather hydrators here.Invest in a HumidifierWhether you get a travel-sized option or you get a full-house one installed, a humidifier can help to add humidity back into the air which in turn can help your skin retain moisture. Learn more about the beauty benefits of humidifiers by reading our interview with board-certified dermatologist and Skincare.com consultant Dr. Dhaval Bhanusali.Don’t Lick Your LipsFor most of us our lips are one of the first areas of skin to fall victim to the winter weather, becoming chapped and dry if neglected. While you should absolutely keep a lip balm on hand that’s been formulated with ingredients to help soothe and hydrate chapped lips, you’ll also want to avoid licking your lips. While it may feel good in the moment, licking your lips—especially while you’re outdoors in the cold—can cause them to quickly dry out. If you have the urge, reach for a lip balm instead!Gloves…On!Our hands are another area of skin to show signs of dryness from the winter weather. The cold weather, paired with the blustering winds, can quickly cause the skin on your hands to become dehydrated. While hand creams should be kept…well, on hand, to hydrate your mitts on the go, you’ll also want to make sure you’re wearing gloves anytime you go outside.Want even more winter skin care advice? Read this!
