How To Keep Your Skin Hydrated In Winter

Cold weather or winter can be harsh on your skin, leaving it dry, flaky, and irritated. The drop in temperature, combined with low humidity and indoor heating, saps the moisture from your skin, making it essential to take extra care during these months. If you’re struggling with keeping your skin hydrated in winter, you’re not alone. But the good news is that with the right approach, you can keep your skin hydrated, smooth, and glowing all winter long.

In this post, you will learn how the skin protects itself and how to keep your skin hydrated in winter. But first, let’s know about the skin

A Little Bit About The Skin

The skin is made up of complex structures of cells, proteins and lipids that protect against invasion of micro-organisms and allergens but more importantly, the skin prevents excessive water loss. The presence of lipids and proteins such as amino acids, organic acids, urea and inorganic ions make up what we call “Natural Moisturizing Factor (NMF)”. The NMF is critical for skin hydration and thickness.

Weather affects the skin; be it spring, summer or winter. However, during cold weather, the skin is more prone to dryness. For some people – it may be due to genetics, for others – it may be due to low humidity and cold temperatures.

Now that you know how the weather affects your skin, let’s get to 10 tips to keep your skin hydrated in winter.

10 Tips On How To Keep Your Skin Hydrated In Winter

1. Do Nothing

This is funny because you came here to do something. Why should I tell you to do nothing? OK, I will explain what I mean by that. If your skin is not affected by cold weather, why are you eager to change something? I know there is a lot of advice out there. Once the weather is cold, there is this need to fix up and look for something or a product.

There is a chance that your skin isn’t affected at all and you may not need to do anything. Like the saying goes “If it’s not broken, don’t fix it”. When you keep changing your routine now and then, it may lead to irritation and you would have to start all over again. So let your skin be if you ain’t affected.

2. Reduce Your Cleansing Frequency

This is not compulsory but if need be, try to reduce the frequency at which you cleanse your face or your body. If you wash your face twice a day, consider reducing it to once a day preferably at night. The following morning, just put on sunscreen and you are good to go.

If the cold weather greatly affects your skin, there is no need to wash your face in the morning. Frequent face wash may end up removing the natural lipids from your skin just like I explained earlier on how your skin protects itself.

You may also consider reducing bathing frequency in cold weather. Don’t go for hot showers, I know they feel good but it can dry out your skin. Consider tepid water rather than hot showers once a day and time spent showering should be limited. This method can help maintain surface skin lipids.

3. Swap Lotions For Creams

One of the most effective ways to prevent dry skin in cold weather is to moisturize frequently. Opt for a thicker, richer cream or ointment rather than a lotion, as these provide a stronger barrier and help retain moisture. Look for moisturizers with hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and ceramides, which help lock in moisture and repair the skin barrier.

Tip: Apply your moisturizer immediately after showering or washing your face when your skin is still slightly damp. This helps to seal in moisture.

In addition to moisturizing creams, use ceramide-containing creams because ceramide is the major component of intracellular lipids. When your skin is dry, it means the ceramide level is low. So when buying creams, check for creams containing ceramides to replace lost ceramide in the skin.

You may also include petrolatum like Vaseline. It is an excellent emollient and should be used sparingly. It may be unpleasant when you apply too much so use sparingly. Don’t forget your lip balms and covering clothes when outdoors. You should also consider hand creams to protect your hands after each hand washing.

4. Humidify Your Living Space

Indoor heating can significantly reduce humidity levels, leading to drier air that pulls moisture from your skin. Using a humidifier in your home, especially in your bedroom, can help maintain moisture in the air, preventing your skin from becoming too dry.

Tip: Keep the humidity level between 30% and 50% to create an environment that’s less likely to dry out your skin. When you have a humidifier in your room, your skin is more hydrated and glowing. Humidifier makes a huge difference on your skin.

5. Exfoliate Less And Gently

I know you hear it a lot “You need to exfoliate, you need to exfoliate”. While exfoliation is good and it helps remove dead skin cells that can make your skin look dull and feel rough. It’s important to exfoliate gently, especially in cold weather, to avoid irritating your skin.

Tip: Use a mild exfoliant once or twice a week to help your moisturizer penetrate better and leave your skin smoother. Don’t scrub your skin with mechanical exfoliants or use washcloths during winter because they can tear your skin causing more water loss.

6. Wear More Clothes And Use Sunscreen

When stepping outside, protect your skin from the harsh cold and wind. Wear gloves to shield your hands, and use a scarf to cover your face. Cold wind can strip moisture from your skin, so it’s essential to create a barrier.

Tip: Don’t forget to apply a moisturizing lip balm with SPF to prevent chapped lips, which are particularly vulnerable in cold weather.

Even in winter, UV rays can damage your skin and contribute to dryness. Make sure to apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 to any exposed skin, even on cloudy days. UV protection is essential year-round to prevent premature aging and skin damage.

Tip: Choose a sunscreen with added moisturizing ingredients to keep your skin protected and hydrated at the same time.

7. Use Facial Oils

Don’t forget oils, they help to keep you moisturized by getting into your skin cells and helping your skin do what it does best. Even if you have oily-acne-prone skin, you can benefit from facial oils. You should read this post on the best oils for your skin type. It will help you know the best type of oils to use for your skin.

Apply your facial oils first, then use moisturizers to keep your skin well hydrated.

8. Stay Hydrated from the Inside

While moisturizing externally is crucial, hydrating from the inside is equally important. Drinking plenty of water throughout the day helps keep your skin hydrated and flushes out toxins that can contribute to dryness. Additionally, incorporate hydrating foods into your diet, such as fruits and vegetables with high water content like cucumbers, oranges, and watermelon.

Tip: Herbal teas are a great way to stay warm and hydrated during cold weather, offering a comforting alternative to cold water.

9. Use a Gentle Cleanser

Harsh cleansers can strip your skin of its natural oils, exacerbating dryness. During the colder months, switch to a gentle, hydrating cleanser that cleans your skin without removing essential moisture. Avoid foaming cleansers and those with alcohol, which can further dry out your skin.

Use soaps like Aveeno, Cerave, syndet bars generally.

10. Include Probiotics In Your Diet

Lastly, probiotics can improve your skin’s hydration from the inside. Having yoghurt in your diet can improve your skin’s moisture and improve nutrient uptake. Learn more about the gut-skin axis in how to heal your skin from the inside

Conclusion

Preventing dry skin in cold weather requires a combination of protective measures, proper skincare, and hydration both inside and out. By following these tips, you can keep your skin healthy, hydrated, and glowing, no matter how low the temperature drops. Remember, consistency is key, so make these practices a part of your daily routine for the best results.