Winter Wellness: How to Keep Your Summer Glow Well Into the Cold Months
Winter comes with many cozy moments, from building snowmen to enjoying hot cocoa stirred with peppermint sticks. But what Jack Frost does to the skin can leave us looking dry, parched, and pale. So, how do you keep your summer glow all winter long?
From long boots to cashmere sweaters, we adore many things about the colder months, but the lack of moisture and sunlight are not among them. They can steal the dove summer glow right out of your skin. But you can reverse the trend with these winter skin care tips.
Be Gentle
When it comes to your face, many dermatologists recommend only hand washing during the winter months. So, no cleansing brushes, washcloths, or buffs. It also means putting away toners, exfoliation pads and products, and AHA creams.
Why? Because these products strip your face of its outer layer of skin. This results in less moisture retention and the infamous dry skin of winter.
Avoid the Heat
You also need to limit hot showers and baths this time of year. Yes, we know these can feel delicious when it’s cold outside, but they also pull precious moisture from your skin. So, keep them brief.
And make sure you reach for the moisturizer the moment you step out of those showers and baths. Remember, keeping moisture in proves easier than trying to replenish it later. For body moisturizers, look for ingredients such as aloe vera, jojoba oil, and shea butter.
Go for Oil
From oil-based cleansers to moisturizing products featuring coconut or argan oil, your facial skin needs extra TLC this time of year. Oils help to seal in moisture providing extra support for the outer layer of skin that we mentioned earlier.
Oil-based cleansers prove gentle. Look for ones containing extra soothing ingredients such as bergamot, lavender, and honeysuckle. As for moisturizers, stick with rose hip, argan, or virgin coconut oil for optimal moisturizing.
Don’t Forget the Sunblock
Just because temperatures drop during the winter months doesn’t mean your sunblock habit should. Remember that 80 percent of the sun’s UVA rays filter through even on cloudy days. Exposure to UVA leads to sunburns, increased aging, and even skin cancer.
The best way to avoid this damage is by remaining faithful to your sunscreen regime no matter the time of year. Remember that certain winter conditions, such as snowy days, actually intensify UVA rays putting your skin at increased risk for damage.
Stay Hydrated
Everything from decreased humidity in the air to central heating sucks the moisture out of your skin. What’s more, eating poorly and drinking more alcohol than usual exaggerates the effect.
How can you fight the dehydration? By drinking at least two liters of water each day. It’s one of the best ways to keep your skin plump and hydrated.
Eat Nourishing Food
While the holidays tempt us with lots of simple, sugary carbs, make eating nutritious, whole foods a point. That means putting down the cookies and cakes and choosing:
- berries
- fruits
- vegetables
- good fats
- high-quality proteins
These foods prove rich in essential minerals and vitamins, which will keep you vibrant all winter long. Make a point to search out and eat these and other foods rich in copper, vitamins A and C, omega 3s, and zinc.
This also marks an excellent time to supplement your diet with multiple vitamins. Look for a multi that gives you a healthy dose of vitamin D, which your body lacks during the winter due to decreased sun exposure. Vitamins A and E, as well as echinacea, also help get your winter glow going.
Keep Moving
Yes, it’s tempting to stay inside wrapped in a blanket once the weather gets ugly. But you need to keep moving, or else your skin will suffer. So, stay consistent about your cold-weather exercise regime.
Exercise gets your heart pumping and moves more nutrient-rich blood to your skin. It’s also essential for lymphatic drainage, which contributes to more energy and a radiant glow. Just remember to remove your makeup before working out so that you don’t inadvertently clog your pores.
Exfoliate… Your Body
Yes, we told you to put away the exfoliating pads when it comes to your face. But that doesn’t mean the rest of your body couldn’t use a scrub. Exfoliation helps body moisturizers absorb more effectively into your skin. It also removes the layer of dead cells that can make your body skin appear dull.
What’s the best way to exfoliate your body? Give dry brushing a try. It will ensure your body glows all winter long by increasing skin circulation and removing dead cells.
Shave Carefully
During the winter, it’s easier to get razor burn, which leaves your skin red and irritated. It can even lead to painful rashes and ingrown hairs that can put a damper on wearing your bathing suit for a winter dip in the spa or pool.
How can you avoid this? Shave with the grain and use moisturizing shaving cream. Change your razor blades often.
And, of course, always remember to moisturize newly shaved areas as soon as you step out of the shower or bath. Need a little motivation to keep this routine going year round? Start shopping now for a bold, sunshiny bathing suit to brighten those winter doldrums and make your skin a priority.
Massage the Winter Blues Away
When it comes to maintaining your summer glows, massage can work wonders. In fact, you can use deep tissue massage techniques on your face to relieve tension and increase blood circulation.
Do this by using your hands to work outwards from the center of your forehead to your temples. Make sure you press firmly throughout and repeat this outward motion eight to ten times. Do this a minimum of three times per week to see improvement.
Keep that Summer Glow All Winter Long
Maintaining a summer glow all winter long involves pampering yourself and making sure that you eat right and drink lots of water. Make sure you get plenty of sleep, too. And instead of using blazing hot showers or baths for cold-weather relaxation, turn to exercise and facial massages.
Stay proactive, and your skin will look amazing all winter long. What’s more, you won’t feel hesitant to jump in your bathing suit and go for a mid-winter soak in the hot tub.
Interested in more handy tips to help you rock life? Check out our self-improvement blog and start living your best life today.