The winter season can be harsh on the largest organ of our body: our skin! Listennnn, dry air and cold temperatures can rob our skin of its natural moisture leaving it feeling parched, chapped, and sometimes irritated. However, a few changes with our habits and products can help keep our face and body hydrated, soft and with a beautiful glow. Read on to check out my recommendation on what do to protect your skin this winter season.
1. Daily Intake of the Right Foods: Yes, our nutrition matters for our skin health. In addition to your skin routine, eating foods that are rich in fatty acids like olive oil, avocado and walnuts may help with dry skin. This time of the year is often filled with libations but be careful not to overdo it with wine and alcohol. Even though it's cold out, your water intake is still important.
2. Avoid irritating soaps and body washes: These soaps may strip your skin of its natural oils. Look for creamy mild cleansers like Dove Nourishing Body wash or Aveeno Body Wash Daily Moisturizing.
3. Shower Temperature (and length of time) Matters: After a long day, you might be craving the heat from an evening shower. However hot showers can add to dehydration. Use lukewarm water and limit your time in the shower (Consider about 10 minutes)
4. Pat your skin dry instead of rubbing harshly with a towel. The rubbing can irritate the skin and increase the risk for dryness.
5. Don’t be afraid to go heavy on the moisturizer. This is important for your body AND face. After showering, pat dry your skin and immediately apply a moisturizer to help restore moisture that was lost (like within a minute) to damp skin. It may help to look for thick creams with hyaluronic acid and ceramides to help prevent the skin’s barrier from breaking down. Some favorites include Neutrogena Hydro Boost Body Gel Cream, Cerave Moisturizing Cream, and La Roche- Posay Lipikar Balm AP+.
