Tips for Winter Facial Skin Care

Posted: December 13th, 2013

With winter comes freezing temperatures, biting wind and runny noses. Those affected by indoor irritants such as dust mite allergies may also find winter a tough time. All of these factors can have a deleterious effect on the skin of your face. Your skin my dry out to the point that it is flaky or scaly, and your lips can be crack. Fortunately, there are steps you can take in your skin care routine to help negate these conditions and keep your skin healthy and glowing year-round. Avoid harsh soaps. While you may prefer a strong soap during warmer months if you have oily skin, you should not use one in winter. Instead, opt for a gentle cleanser that will not strip precious natural oils from your face. Cold weather dries out your skin, so you want to do everything possible not to dry it out further. Use a quality, oil-free moisturizer. Moisturizer is a good idea year-round, but becomes an absolute necessity once the temperature begins to drop. If your face becomes extremely dry in the winter, you may also want to use a heavier moisturizer at night or place a humidifier in your bedroom to help. Pay special attention to your lips. While lipstick looks great, a lot of it is actually quite dry and doesn't offer much protection from the elements. Instead, choose a balm for the winter, preferably one that has a thick feel to it and really locks moisture into your lips. Don't forget the sunscreen. Some people forgo sunscreen in the winter, rationalizing that a bit of sun is good for skin. However, skin care shouldn't stop when the temperature drops and the UV rays from the sun can actually be quite intense during clear winter days. The sun's rays can also bounce up from snow and burn under your chin, so slather on sunscreen before you are exposed to sunlight. For those who suffer from dry, irritated skin in the colder months, these tips will help to keep discomfort at bay. By carefully guarding your skin from damage, you can have a lovely glow all year round.