Winter can be a challenge in a lot of ways. Not least of which because of the number it does on the skin. The cold weather outside and the warm air from heaters inside can make our skin dry, itchy, and irritated. It’s important to understand that the skin care routine you follow during the warmer months might not be as effective in winter.

This is because your skin needs more protection and hydration to fight against the harsh conditions. Taking care of your skin during this time is easy when you have the right strategies in place. In this article, we will go over a few tips to help you keep your skin looking great this winter.

1 – Moisturize

During winter, the air is much drier, both outside and inside our homes, which can lead to our skin losing moisture quickly. This is why one of the most important steps in your winter skin care routine should be to switch to a more hydrating moisturizer. Not only should a good skin moisturizer add moisture to the skin, it should create a barrier to prevent it from leaving.

Adding overnight treatments like face masks to your routine can also make a big difference. These products work while you sleep, penetrating deep into the skin to repair and hydrate it. They’re designed to take advantage of your skin’s natural healing cycle, using hydrating agents to help repair the dry and damaged skin.

You’ll get the best results from applying these moisturizers when your skin is still damp. After a shower is the ideal time.

2 – Exfoliate

Taking off the layer of dead skin during the winter is important. But, doing it too much can hurt your skin, especially when it’s cold and dry outside. The reason is that when you exfoliate you take off the out layer of skin along with the dead skin over it.

One of the biggest reasons to exfoliate in the winter is that when you remove the dead skin, it allows the products you use to get absorbed more easily. Also, exfoliating can help prevent dry, flaky skin patches that are more common in cold weather. You’re less likely to see those dry spots that can make your skin look and feel rough.

3 – Protect your skin from the environment

Protecting your skin from the elements is just as important in the winter as it is in the summer. Even on cloudy days, it’s important to wear sunscreen. The sun’s rays can still reach your skin through the clouds, and the snow can reflect sunlight, increasing your exposure to harmful UV rays. Applying sunscreen can help prevent sunburn and protect your skin from long-term damage such as skin cancer.

Wearing protective clothing and accessories is another key step in guarding your skin against the harsh winter weather. Gloves and scarves can shield your skin from cold winds, which can dry out and irritate your skin.