Not only can Winters be cold, but they can also be harsh on your skin. During the winter, when the humidity drops and the air is cold and dry, water evaporates from your skin more quickly. This can make your skin look and feel dry and tight. Add that to the dry indoor air from indoor heaters and your skin can really become dry and chapped in the winter. Fortunately, there are a few beauty tricks to help your nourish dry, Winter skin so you can have healthy and moisturized skin year-round.
Moisturize, Moisturize, Moisturize
One of the biggest mistakes you can make for your skin in the Winter is not using moisturizer. With the environment and elements working against your skin, using a strong, nourishing moisturizer every day is key to having healthy-looking winter skin. Choosing a moisturizing cream instead of a lotion will help your skin get the extra moisture it needs. (Lotions usually aren’t as thick and don’t provide as much moisture.) Moisturize often, and don’t forget your hands!
Take Cooler, Shorter Showers
As tempting as it is to turn that water up to scorching hot, your skin prefers cooler, lukewarm water temperatures. If the water is too hot, it could actually dehydrate your skin. The reduced water temperature is less irritating to the skin and doesn’t strip away as many beneficial skin oils. Also, taking shorter, 5-10 minute showers or baths to help prevent your skin from drying out. If you do take a hot shower, following up with an after shower spray like Desert Essence’s Jojoba & Sweet Almond After Shower Finishing Spray will provide moisture to your skin, helping to prevent dry, itchy, Winter skin.
Desert Essence Jojoba & Sweet Almond Body Oil is designed to provide 24-hour moisture with an antioxidant-rich blend of Vitamin E, Jojoba, and Sweet Almond Oils. Just spray it on to damp skin after showering or bathing and rub in. The oil absorbs quickly into the skin and doesn’t leave any sort of greasy or oily residue. I noticed an immediate improvement in how my skin felt after using this finishing spray.
Use an Exfoliator (or Not)
A gentle exfoliator helps to remove the surface layers of dry, dead skin. Doing so not only speeds up your skin’s regeneration, but it also helps moisturizers better penetrate the skin. Once a week, I like using the Desert Essence Detoxifying Salt Scrub. This all-natural exfoliator both cleanses your skin and exfoliates. It uses sea salt to detoxify and buff away dead skin and almond meal and walnut shells to scrub and polish. Finally, a blend of Shea Butter, Sweet Almond, Jojoba Oils, and Honey provide deep moisture. My skin feels incredibly smooth and soft after each use. It also helps prevent irritating ingrown leg hair.
That being said, exfoliating isn’t for everyone in the Winter. In the winter, your skin won’t be as strong due to the dryness and cold air. If your skin is dry or overly stressed, skip the exfoliation and moisturize it!
Water, Water, Everywhere
The main cause of dry winter skin is lack of water! Lack of water in the air. Lack of water in your skin. To remedy this and help prevent dryness, you’ll want to increase your water intake and add water to the air using a humidifier. Try to drink 1 or 2 more glasses of water each day to keep you AND your skin stay hydrated. Consider getting a desk or room humidifier to add moisture to the air. (Bonus, using a humidifier will actually make your home feel warmer too!)
For more skincare products to help your nourish dry, Winter skin, consider Desert Essence’s collection of natural skin care products at www.desertessence.com. From exfoliating body scrubs to moisturizing oils, their skin and hair care lines are a luxurious treat for your skin. Plus, each of their products are made with cruelty-free, vegan, and all-natural ingredients. Select Desert Essence products are also available on Amazon.
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