5 Ways to Look After Your Skin in the Winter Months
It's that time of year when we have to work a little bit harder each day to maintain the high quality of our skin's appearance. With dry air both inside and out, you may have noticed some cracks and fine lines developing. Don't be alarmed, I'm this is perfectly normal, and thankfully there are several ways you can counteract it. Keep reading below for some of the best ways to look after your skin in the winter months.
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REDUCE EXFOLIATION
If you're used to exfoliating your skin it can be hard to break the habit, even in winter when the air outside is dry and heating inside is always on. The trouble with exfoliating is that it also removes the nourishing oils that build up.
In the warmer months, these nourishing skin oils are not quite as vital as they are in the winter. Your skin doesn't dry out as much in warm humid weather. In winter, when everything is dry, you need your skin's oil to protect and hydrate it.
USE SUNSCREEN
UV rays from the sun are the near enemy or healthy youthful looking skin. Intense UV light, which can affect your skin in the winter as well as the summer months, is quite effective at breaking down the collagen in your skin and causing it to age.
This is where sunscreen can help. You might think it's a little strange to wear sunscreen in the winter, but the sun's UV rays don't discriminate. They can deplete the collagen in your skin just the same. Avoid this by using high factor sunscreen.
HAVE A NIGHTLY ROUTINE
At night while you sleep, your skin replenishes and rejuvenates itself. This is the time when new collagen grows and the skin secretes the oil it needs to protect it from dust particles and dry air. You need to support this process with the right products.
Try to find products with polyhedron acids retinol, and ceramides. These components are the best for protecting your skin in the winter and giving it the resources it needs. Apply the products that work best for you before sleep.
TRY A FACE LIGHT MASK
For some people, over the counter products for winter skin protection don't always work effectively. Some people don't respond well to creams and gels and prefer some of the newer options on the market. One of these is a light face mask.
A light mask, such as the Omnilux face light uses two different wavelengths of light to stimulate collagen and elastin production. This reduces wrinkles and improves blood flow, it also oxygenates the skin making it look and feel healthier.
INCREASE VITAMIN D
Needless to say there is less sunlight in the winter months. The nights are shorter and there are fewer opportunities to go outside. For these reasons, many people have a vitamin D deficiency in the winter. A vitamin D deficiency can cause skin problems and a hormonal imbalance.
Vitamin D protects your skin in the winter and ensures your mood stays balanced. Consider supplementing your diet with vitamin D. This will help to defend against inflammatory conditions such as acne, rosacea, and eczema. It will also enrich your skin bringing out the best in it.
Try out these tips and do what is best for your specific skin type. Contact your doctor or skincare professional if there are other major concerns that you need help with.
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