As the weather gets cooler, it’s time to make some changes to your beauty routine. The winter weather can do a number on your face, skin, and hair if you’re not prepared — but taking action ahead of time to get your skincare sets in order will keep you looking hydrated and nourished all winter long. Here are 11 beauty tips for colder weather:
Turn down the water temperature.
Taking a long, hot shower may feel soothing in the moment, but it strips the moisture from skin, making it dry. As the weather cools, try to take shorter showers and avoid soaking in the bath. You should also turn the water temperature down to lukewarm instead of hot both when you shower and when you wash your face.
Choose a gentle cleanser.
Cleansing is an essential part of any skincare routine, but it can also be the harshest step of all. If washing your face leaves it feeling dry and tight, it’s time to rethink your cleanser. While foaming or gel cleansers might feel refreshing during the summer, they are often too drying in the winter. Consider switching to a moore soothing cream of milk cleanser that will leave your face feeling fresh and clean, not dry and tight.
Be careful with actives.
Retinols, vitamin C, and other anti-aging skincare products are a must-have in any skincare routine. However, these active ingredients can be drying, especially when used in high concentrations, so you need to be careful when applying them in winter. If you’ve been using them every day, then you might need to reduce the frequency as the weather gets cooler to avoid drying out your skin.
Moisturize often.
Moisturization is absolutely essential during the wintertime, whether you have a dry, oily, or normal skin type. You should be applying a moisturizer every time you wash or rinse your face, which for most people means morning and night. You might want to choose a thicker moisturizer at night to help prevent water loss while you sleep, so that you wake up to a smooth, plump complexion.
Keep wearing sunscreen.
If you think that you stop wearing sunscreen in the winter because the sun isn’t shining as much, then think again. You should wear sunscreen all year round, even if you’re not going outside as much as in the summer, since UV ray exposure is the no. 1 contributor to visible signs of aging. You should also apply sunscreen to all exposed skin, not just your face but also your ears, neck, and decollete.
Use soothing masks.
Face masks aren’t an essential part of a skincare routine, but they can be very helpful in the wintertime when your skin needs extra nourishment. Choose a soothing or hydrating mask — as opposed to exfoliating or brightening — if you are struggling with dry, dull skin. Most of these masks are designed to be worn for a set period of time and then washed off. However, you might also want to look into a sleeping mask, which is a super-thick moisturizer designed to be left on overnight for super-intense nourishment.
Experiment with a humidifier.
If you live in a very dry climate, then using a humidifier during the cooler months can be a game changer for your skin. A humidifier puts water back into the air, nourishing dry, flaky skin in the process. Many people run a humidifier in their bedroom at night while they sleep, but you might need to use it more often if you have very dry skin. Make sure that you use clean water and that you are disinfecting the humidifier at least once a month to prevent mildew from forming.
Avoid the elements.
Between the sun, the wind, the wind, and the ice, winter weather is incredibly tough on your skin, which it’s why it’s important to avoid the elements whenever possible. Limit your time outside, especially on days when the weather is inclement. If you must go outside, keep your trip as short as possible and cover up your skin to protect it. Hats, gloves, and scarves are a must for protecting your skin in the winter.
Protect your lips and hands.
The skin on your lips is very delicate, yet exposed to many irritants in the form of food and drinks. Meanwhile, the skin on your hands is typically the first area to dry and crack due to all the handwashing during the cooler months. That’s why it’s essential to use quality lip care products like a nourishing lip balm and a hand cream not just when you sleep at night, but all throughout the day. By constantly covering your lips and hands in a protective layer, you will help to prevent dry, cracked skin.
Take care of your body.
Your face, lips, and hands get most of the attention, but it’s essential to take care of your entire body during the cooler months — after all, dry skin can develop anywhere. Choose a gentle body wash that won’t dry out your skin. You should also apply moisturizer in the shower, while your skin is still damp, to lock in the moisture. While this may seem like a small change, it can make a big difference in your skin during the winter.
Nourish your hair.
Did you know that your hair can get dry and brittle during the cooler months as well? It’s true. Using a gentle, nourishing shampoo and washing your hair less often may stop your hair and scalp from drying out. You should follow the shampoo up with a conditioner each time. You might also want to incorporate a deep conditioner or hair mask once or twice per week to give your hair some extra nourishment if it starts feeling brittle.
What else are you doing to prepare your beauty routine for the cooler weather? Let us know in the comments below!