The Best Ways to Take Care of your Skin this Winter

By: Stephanie Gonzalez 

For us in Arizona, we welcome the colder days, and even colder nights that come in the winter. We can all bundle up and get out those chic coats and boots and have our toasty hot lattes; but unfortunately, with the cold, breezy weather comes a very uncomfortable dryness to the skin.

In winter there is less humidity in the air, and when there is a chill, it removes the moisture from your skin quicker. The dryness can come to the face, hands, and any other exposed areas, and even the non-exposed places. It can be very bothersome to most due to the itchiness and cracking that comes with it.

With the Holidays fast approaching, and all the parties and get-togethers, your skin should be the furthest problem from your mind. Your skin should glow all year around!

But with many factors working against us, we have to take the time to take care for ourselves; and there are definitely ways of making our skin as beautiful as it can be this winter season.

Here are some easy ways that you can keep your skin looking it’s best during the colder months:

1. Hydration

I probably sound like a broken record player when I say that drinking water is one of the most important things you can do for your skin and overall health, but it especially applies in the wintertime. It is difficult even for me to get into the habit; but drinking water throughout the day will replenish your body and skin, and you’ll see and feel the difference.

Photo Credit: veryhealthywater.org

Omega-3s

Our diet should consist of healthy fats to defend against dry, itchy skin. Omega-3’s help maintain our skin’s natural oil retaining barrier. There are many foods that can with this essential fatty acid. Try walnuts for a mid-day snack; and for dinner, have salmon, halibut, or even tuna. These foods give you the boost that your body needs for the winter cold. Or, if fish and nuts are not your thing, a daily Omega-3 pill will do the trick.

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No Hot Showers

I know this is a crazy thought, since there is nothing better than a long hot shower in the wintertime – especially after being outside in the crisp weather. But the result of that long hot shower can be the loss of moisture in the skin, and cause dryness. Try bathing with warm water and you’ll still get that great feeling without the dryness. (Also, try taking a shorter shower in the winter; it will make a difference, and your skin will thank you for it.)

Photo Credit: www.smh.com.au

Moisturize

The last, but probably most important (and simple) step to take, is to moisturize whenever you can. That regular moisturizer you use year round may not cut it. A lotion or cream that is very rich and has the healing properties you need for repairing dryness will help lock in that essential moisture. It is good to get a lotion or cream with an oil-base that will retain the moisture on the skin. And even though it is winter, sunscreen is still very important, especially on the face. Make sure to cover up with an oil-free SPF moisturizer for daily wear, alone or under makeup.

Photo Credit: soparaelas.com

So keep your skin healthy this season with these easy tips and you’ll be ready to show off that winter skin!