5 Tips for Healthy Winter Skin

Taking care of your skin in winter seems to be extra challenging than in any other season. Even walking a short distance out in the winter weather without protection can cause red, itchy spots on our faces and hands. And personally, I think skin care is overrated, but of course we do want to take practical care of our bodies to look and feel good! Today I want to share some tips for preventing chapped skin this winter.

1. Wear hats and gloves. I know this is an extra hassle -at least it usually is for me!- but taking this extra step really does make a difference! Wearing gloves outside in the cold helps keep my hands from getting instantly flaky and cracked, and a hat or hood can help shield the face! I didn’t always take as much care to use winter gear like these, but I learned from experience that they do make such a difference! (And they can be such cute accessories too!)🧤

2. Use lotion. Even though I now often use gloves and mittens, my hands still end up becoming dry in the colder months. I’m not really a fan of lotion, because I don’t like the greasiness and the way it feels, and that dust and other things stick to it, but I do try to use it when I notice my skin showing signs of dryness, and it really helps! Some kinds or brands may be better than others, but the key is truly consistency! Using it once isn’t going to magically make all your problems go away. Keep using it! Maybe use some as you get into bed each night, or the time of day you’re just going to be relaxing at home. Use it often! It will help prevent chapping and will help heal the skin if chapping does occur. 🧴

3. Use moisturizer. Even if you don’t want to make a big deal out of creating a skincare routine, I would definitely suggest at least using moisturizer! I use an oil-free facial moisturizer twice a day. Once in the morning after cleansing my face and before doing makeup, and once in the evening after taking the makeup off. I really like moisturizer because it keeps my skin from getting dry, helps my face look better -especially if I’m not using makeup for the day- and it helps my makeup stick when I do it! I used to put on way too much to where it was visibly shiny, but as time has worn on, I’ve figured out I only need a thin layer. A little squirt on each cheek and my forehead pretty much do it! I also used to avoid the eye area, but that’s changed too! I make sure to get it all over my eyelids and under my eyes, which really helps! If you notice dryness around your eyes, I encourage you to carefully apply the tiniest bit around them!✨️

4. Use lip balm. I have become quite the lip-product fan in recent years. I use lip balm every night when going to bed and any time in the day I notice my lips feeling dry. I also really like lip oil, which I use specifically when going out. I love the simple, shiny look clear lip oil gives me, and I really like the look of tinted oil with certain outfits! I’m not much of a lipstick person, but I do love my glosses! Again, I don’t feel as though brand necessarily matters all that much as long as you’re consistent! If you haven’t tried using lip balm or oil consistently, start now and enjoy the difference it makes!💄

5. Drink water. Just because it’s winter doesn’t mean you’re adequately hydrated! Drinking water helps keep your skin (and hair and nails!) healthy, and you have to maintain plenty of it for it to work properly. So don’t abandon your good hydration habits just because you’re not getting hot and sweaty outside anymore! Drink water to stay healthy and to keep your skin looking and feeling good! 💦

Habits take time to form, but if you want to see results you must take action and be consistent! Your skin doesn’t have to feel miserable this winter. Keep lotion, lip balm, and water on hand, put cute lippie sets on your wishlist, take a trip to Bath and Body Works, do whatever you need to do to start helping your skin! I’m not telling you to go overboard and make skincare your life; I’m saying take care of it! I know what cracked and bleeding hands are like and it’s not fun! (Doesn’t using good-smelling lotion and cute lip oil sound fun??)

I hope this list proves helpful to you this winter and you won’t suffer the consequences of the bitter wind! Have a great day!!