Keep Your Skin Looking Its Best During The Harsh Winter Weather

The cold, harsh winter can take a toll on even the healthiest of skin. During the colder months, we experience dryness, cracking, and irritation that all work together to reduce our natural glow. The good news is that we have the technology, specialists, and natural remedies that help us in our time of need. Follow this guide to winter skincare and you'll glow like it's summer, even in the coldest months!

Know Your Skin Type

Rosdiana Ciaravolo/Getty Images
Rosdiana Ciaravolo/Getty Images

It can be a good idea to visit a skincare specialist, who can help to confirm your skin type. When choosing your cleansing products and building your skin-care regimen, your decisions should be based on this information.

Whether it's oily, normal, dry/dehydrated, acne-prone, mature, or sensitive, learning your skin type can make all the difference when it comes to self-care during the winter months and year-round. Learning your skin type is where it all starts.

ADVERTISEMENT

Moisturize Daily

ADVERTISEMENT
170211_clayton__nz_0114-34423
Tim Clayton/Corbis via Getty Images
Tim Clayton/Corbis via Getty Images
ADVERTISEMENT

This is an easy one that anyone can remember -- moisturize daily! The winter wind and cold temperature will dry out your pores and make for an uncomfortable season. Depending on your skin type, you'll want to find a moisturizing product with the appropriate ingredients.

ADVERTISEMENT

Choose your moisturizer based on your skin's natural moisture and sensitivity levels. Oil-based lotions can be great for people with dry skin but will be too much for those who already have oily skin.

ADVERTISEMENT

Don't Go Outside Without Gloves

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
woman-wearing-gloves-923325640
Venturelli/WireImage
Venturelli/WireImage
ADVERTISEMENT

During the winter, it's important to cover up your hands to prevent cracking between the fingers and stiff joints. The oil glands in your hands are limited, so they're especially susceptible to itchiness and dryness. This is an absolute must for anyone who struggles with psoriasis or eczema.

ADVERTISEMENT

As a bonus, your hands will be warmer and more comfortable when you're wearing gloves. Many are now equipped with touchscreen capabilities, so you can go about your normal business in them.

ADVERTISEMENT

Yes, You Need Sunscreen In Winter

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
968_20_idm7342-90309
Education Images/UIG via Getty Images
Education Images/UIG via Getty Images
ADVERTISEMENT

Sunscreen is an important component when it comes to protecting your skin from developing cancer in the summer, but you might be wondering why you should wear it during the winter as well. It turns out that it's just as important to wear that SPF in cooler temperatures.

ADVERTISEMENT

The winter sun can still damage your skin, even when you're not feeling its warmth. To help prevent premature aging and skin cancer, always wear sunscreen.

ADVERTISEMENT

Keep Your Clothes Dry And Clean

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
58898200-17657
Eli Meir Kaplan/Getty Images
Eli Meir Kaplan/Getty Images
ADVERTISEMENT

It's important to leave the house with dry, clean clothes during the winter time. Your skin is more likely to crack and itch like crazy if you haven't done your laundry properly. This tip is important for all clothing items but is especially the case for gloves and socks.

ADVERTISEMENT

Keeping your body parts warm will help your skin's oil-glands retain moisture and be less negatively affected by the cold weather conditions.

ADVERTISEMENT

Soak In An Oatmeal Bath

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
GREAT-BRITAIN-TG1795-29039
Tim Graham/Getty Images
Tim Graham/Getty Images
ADVERTISEMENT

Oatmeal does wonders for the skin and you should take advantage of its properties during the winter months. Oatmeal has chemical elements that relieve the skin of itchy patches and dry spots, making it the ultimate moisturizer.

ADVERTISEMENT

You'll notice a difference in the softness of your skin after just one bath. You can either buy a commercial product or you can make your own at home using good old fashioned oats.

ADVERTISEMENT

Use Cleansing Milk

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
nikolai-chernichenko-S1HuosAnX-Y-unsplash
Unsplash/Nikolai Chernichenko
Unsplash/Nikolai Chernichenko
ADVERTISEMENT

Cleansing milk won't just rid your skin of excess dirt and makeup, it will also provide a mild, natural lubricant for dry skin that's sensitive to the winter cold. Cleansing milk products are usually recommended for people with dry skin that is easily irritated and shouldn't necessarily be the go-to cleaner for anyone with oily skin.

ADVERTISEMENT

After just a few uses, you're sure to notice a difference in how smooth and supple your skin feels.

ADVERTISEMENT

Moisturize Your Feet

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
1006_30_tn080429055-41158-48502
Jeffrey Greenberg/UIG via Getty Images
Jeffrey Greenberg/UIG via Getty Images
ADVERTISEMENT

Like your hands, the oil glands in your feet can only do so much. Dry, clean socks aren't always enough to stop the moisture from escaping your toes, leading to itchy heels and dry cuticles.

ADVERTISEMENT

Rub a generous amount of lotion on your feet after each shower during the wintertime and keep those piggies warm when the moisturizer sets! For extra moisture, some people use a heavy-duty moisturizing product overnight.

ADVERTISEMENT

Exfoliate Your Skin Weekly

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
lty00899-18738-11975
Leisa Tyler/LightRocket via Getty Images
Leisa Tyler/LightRocket via Getty Images
ADVERTISEMENT

If you forget to exfoliate your skin, you'll never get rid of the dead cells blocking your pores from soaking up as much moisture as possible. Exfoliate once or twice a week to see cleaner, brighter skin and then moisturize to avoid irritation (if your skin is sensitive).

ADVERTISEMENT

Exfoliating body washes are also essential for the winter months. Just don't overdo it and remember to moisturize right after your exfoliating treatment.

ADVERTISEMENT

Avoid Skin Irritants

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
73230490-95480-23997
Mario Tama/Getty Images
Mario Tama/Getty Images
ADVERTISEMENT

Sensitive skin can be easily affected by certain clothing materials and ingredients in cleansing and moisturizing products. It's best to use products with natural ingredients that are oil-based. Water-based products will only contribute to dryness and don't protect your skin from outside irritation.

ADVERTISEMENT

If you're having trouble keeping your gloves and socks on during the winter because they irritate you, switch to products made with cotton or other natural materials.

ADVERTISEMENT

Avoid Allergens

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
99119599-11427-55782
VCG via Getty Images
VCG via Getty Images
ADVERTISEMENT

This one may be a bit obvious, but we can't stress enough how important it is to stay away from allergens that cause your body harm or discomfort. Skin that reacts to an allergen could develop hives, redness, and patchy areas that might eventually create scarring from itchiness and scratching.

ADVERTISEMENT

During the winter your skin is more likely to react to any allergens that you come across. Try to keep things natural if your allergies are triggered.

ADVERTISEMENT

Try Some DIY Masks

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
0554E579-79430-98882
John Greim/LightRocket via Getty Images
John Greim/LightRocket via Getty Images
ADVERTISEMENT

Who doesn't love a good DIY mask? Shopping for natural remedies beats spending money on expensive products at the store and you can mix and match ingredients until you find what's best for your skin type. For dry skin during the winter, we suggest an avocado-honey mask that will moisturize your face (and you can even use it on your body).

ADVERTISEMENT

If you're not the DIY type, no worries! There are plenty of commercial products available.

ADVERTISEMENT

Switch Out Your Toner

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Product from Kaya Kwok Yi-ki (NOT pictured), founder of The Preface which sells organic skincare products and encourages customers to bring their own bottles, room 1327, 13f, Berkeley Commercial Centre, 87-105 Chatham Road South, Tsim Sha Tsui. 17JAN17
K. Y. Cheng/South China Morning Post via Getty Images
K. Y. Cheng/South China Morning Post via Getty Images
ADVERTISEMENT

Toner is an important part of any skincare routine but it can become a real pain when it's cold and dry outside. Fortunately, there's a solution to this problem.

ADVERTISEMENT

To continue using toner in the winter, we recommend substituting your Clean & Clear or other drying product for one that moisturizes instead. Vegan toners are less abrasive to the skin and still manage to balance your Ph levels after you've washed your face.

ADVERTISEMENT

Buy Natural Aloe Vera

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
928_09__D6-02388v10pd-49446-54418
Education Images/UIG via Getty Images
Education Images/UIG via Getty Images
ADVERTISEMENT

Aloe vera is the ultimate plant for skincare. The magical gel in its leaves has healing properties that can relieve almost any area of the skin, from irritation to a cut, and enhances the body's texture with natural ingredients.

ADVERTISEMENT

Store-bought aloe sometimes contains additives that irritate the skin, so opting to go straight to the source is an excellent way to go! Not to mention, keeping a succulent garden can be a lot of fun and is a great stress reliever.

ADVERTISEMENT

Pat Down Your Face After Washing

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
dry
Debrocke/ClassicStock/Getty Images
Debrocke/ClassicStock/Getty Images
ADVERTISEMENT

It might feel natural to wipe down your body and face after you've taken a shower but that doesn't make it the right thing to do. After you've cleansed, it's important to gently pat down your face and body to get dry.

ADVERTISEMENT

Wiping eliminates water that your body is still trying to absorb, so gently pat yourself down and only take away the excess droplets left on the skin's surface.

ADVERTISEMENT

Layer It Up

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Ryazan resident wins Mrs Grandma Europe international beauty pageant
Alexander RyuminTASS via Getty Images
Alexander RyuminTASS via Getty Images
ADVERTISEMENT

For anyone who struggles with acne or a similar skin problem, putting heavy creams and moisturizers on your face can be uncomfortable. To avoid the discomfort but still treat your skin during the winter, grab a liquid serum and a light-weight cream.

ADVERTISEMENT

Put the serum on first and let your skin absorb its molecules, following with the cream to trap the hydration into your pores and keep your skin comfortable and moisturized.

ADVERTISEMENT

Use Fragrance-Free Products

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
 Mike Reinhardt/Condé Nast via Getty Images
 Mike Reinhardt/Condé Nast via Getty Images
ADVERTISEMENT

Skin products that are laced with fragrances often come with toxins and lots of unnecessary irritants. Sensitive skin reacts quite negatively to any unnatural scents and exposure can lead to breakouts, dryness or rashes.

ADVERTISEMENT

Stick with fragrance-free products and you'll notice a difference in the texture of your skin during the winter. Today, there are many skincare companies that cater to people with sensitive skin, so it shouldn't be hard to locate fragrance-free products.

ADVERTISEMENT

Try A Thermal Mist

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen Around - February 2018 - New York Fashion Week: The Shows - Day 3
Mike Coppola/Getty Images for New York Fashion Week: The Shows
Mike Coppola/Getty Images for New York Fashion Week: The Shows
ADVERTISEMENT

Facial mists provide you with the opportunity to moisturize yourself without jumping in the shower. To achieve the best results when applying lotion you should start off with a damp base by lightly misting yourself. This way, you don't have to wait to apply body or face lotion until after you've showered.

ADVERTISEMENT

As an added bonus, facial mists can be used to hydrate skin on-the-go, such as while traveling. Some high-end bottled water companies, such as Evian, make facial misting products.

ADVERTISEMENT

Hydrate Your Insides

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Robert Alexander/Getty Images
Robert Alexander/Getty Images
ADVERTISEMENT

A healthy body can help lead to healthy, strong skin. Staying hydrated will moisturize skin naturally, from the inside, outside. This doesn't just apply to drinking water. Eating water-based fruit and vegetables will also hydrate your skin effectively.

ADVERTISEMENT

According to Windsor Dermatology, "If you want to fight off wrinkles and give your outer layer a healthy glow, don't allow yourself to get dehydrated." Sounds like a pretty good reason to increase your water intake!

ADVERTISEMENT

Pick Up A Humidifier

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Dieter Bohlen 'Tapete goes Fashion' Press Conference
Thomas Lohnes/Getty Images
Thomas Lohnes/Getty Images
ADVERTISEMENT

Humidifiers work wonders during the wintertime. To prevent your skin from drying out, set up a humidifier in your bedroom. By doing this, you'll release moisture in the air around you and help keep your skin hydrated.

ADVERTISEMENT

You can also keep one in your office, living room, or any other place you spend a lot of time. Just be sure to keep your humidifier clean. You don't want any mildew building up.

ADVERTISEMENT

Shower With Warm Water

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Modern ceramic bathtub with towels.
Godong/Universal Images Group via Getty Images
Godong/Universal Images Group via Getty Images
ADVERTISEMENT

We know it's tough to say no to a hot shower in the dead of winter but it's completely necessary if you don't want your body to lose all of its moisture. Hot water strips away the skin's natural oils and leaves you feeling dry.

ADVERTISEMENT

Shower with lukewarm water instead, then soak up the warm air in your bedroom courtesy of your new humidifier. Be sure to pat yourself off gently when you're done -- don't want to lose all that moisture!

ADVERTISEMENT

Moisturize Overnight

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Horst P. Horst/Condé Nast via Getty Images
Horst P. Horst/Condé Nast via Getty Images
ADVERTISEMENT

A long night's sleep is the perfect opportunity to give extra care to the dry areas of your body. Your feet and hands deserve some attention during the cold, winter nights, so slather them in lotion before putting on clothing that's cotton-based.

ADVERTISEMENT

To really get the full benefits, after lotioning up you should wrap your hands and feet up in cotton gloves and socks to lock in the moisture. You won't believe how soft they'll be in the morning.

ADVERTISEMENT

Switch To Alcohol-Free Soaps

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Soap for sale in Roussillon market, Vaucluse
DEA / ALBERT CEOLAN / Contributor
DEA / ALBERT CEOLAN / Contributor
ADVERTISEMENT

Eliminating any alcohol-based cleansing products from your skincare routine can definitely help to make a world of difference. According to Everyday Health, alcohol can "disrupt your skin's barrier. A disrupted barrier allows moisture to escape skin and gives potential irritants entry in, resulting in redness and inflamed skin."

ADVERTISEMENT

Face washes, hand sanitizers, and shampoos that contain alcohol will only further increase any dryness of your skin, so switching them out for sulfate-free options is the best game plan.

ADVERTISEMENT

Rub Honey On Your Rough Edges

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Honeybees On A Honeycomb
Creative Touch Imaging Ltd./NurPhoto via Getty Images
Creative Touch Imaging Ltd./NurPhoto via Getty Images
ADVERTISEMENT

Honey may be the stickiest option we've presented to you but it'll certainly help to take care of the elephant skin on your knees and elbows. These are the two places on the human body that lose moisture the quickest and honey will fix that in an instant.

ADVERTISEMENT

You can even use the honey directly on your skin, or you might opt to purchase a commercially-produced moisturizer containing it instead.

ADVERTISEMENT

Soak In A Milk Bath

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Crabtree and Evelyn Nantucket Briar foaming milk bath. 06 January 2004
Edward Wong/South China Morning Post via Getty Images
Edward Wong/South China Morning Post via Getty Images
ADVERTISEMENT

Cleopatra was known for her milk baths. The lactic acid in milk gave the Egyptian Queen silky smooth skin and an everlasting glow. In the winter take your cue from her, because bathing in milk can keep your skin hydrated and looking firm.

ADVERTISEMENT

The milk can be in liquid or powdered form, just add it to warm (not hot) water in the bathtub. Bathing in milk can help with several skin ailments such as eczema, psoriasis, and dry skin.

ADVERTISEMENT

Buy Softer Sheets And Sleepwear

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Jeanette Mix's boutique hotel Ett Hem, designed by British-...
Leisa Tyler/LightRocket via Getty Images
Leisa Tyler/LightRocket via Getty Images
ADVERTISEMENT

This tip may not be the most cost-effective but it's a reason to treat yourself. Investing in high-quality cotton sheets and new pajamas can help to prevent skin irritation and are just more comfortable in general. Fabrics that are tightly woven are more suited for people with sensitive skin.

ADVERTISEMENT

Avnee Shah, MD, of The Dermatology Group, has this advice. "Look for 100% organic cotton, silk, or bamboo linen—think lightweight, smooth, and breathable to help reduce sweat and friction, two things that can further irritate eczema and sensitive skin."

ADVERTISEMENT

Use Coconut Extract

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Organic vegan cold pressed coconut oil in coconut shell and wooden spoon over grey texture background. Healthy eating. Flat lay. copy space
Natasha Breen/REDA&CO/Universal Images Group via Getty Images
Natasha Breen/REDA&CO/Universal Images Group via Getty Images
ADVERTISEMENT

Coconut extract contains chemical properties that are almost identical to the skin's natural fats. Gently swabbing coconut extract (or oil) across your dry, problem areas can help to repair your skin to its natural state.

ADVERTISEMENT

Coconut oil is great for a variety of wintertime skin ailments and conditions. You can use it to heal and protect chapped lips, moisturize dry hair, and it's even a good and natural makeup remover.

ADVERTISEMENT

Take Care Of Your Lips

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Aniye By Fashion Show SS19 - Hair & Beauty
Rosdiana Ciaravolo/Getty Images
Rosdiana Ciaravolo/Getty Images
ADVERTISEMENT

Your delicate lips can easily fall victim to the winter cold and many people experience uncomfortable dehydration and cracking around their mouths during the cooler months. Cleveland Clinic dermatologist Melissa Piliang, MD, explains that "lips dry out 10 times faster than the rest of the skin on our face, so it's really important to use extra protection."

ADVERTISEMENT

To combat chapped lips, stop licking them which can dry them out further. Use a lip balm that's ointment-based and avoid products containing camphor, eucalyptus, or menthol.

ADVERTISEMENT

Keep Your Skincare Products Nearby

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Students At The University Of New Mexico Attend Classes On First Day Of New School Year
Sam Wasson/Getty Images
Sam Wasson/Getty Images
ADVERTISEMENT

Keeping your most effective moisturizers within immediate reach is an excellent method to make sure you actually use them. At the office, keep a stash of hand cream or alcohol-free sanitizer at your desk for after washing your hands, and keep a stick of lip balm handy.

ADVERTISEMENT

You can even use a hydrating face mist at the office. Keeping up with your regimen throughout the day will pay off in terms of your skin's health.

ADVERTISEMENT

Avoid Petroleum-Based Products

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Jordan Fashion Week 019 - Exhibition Hall
Arun Nevader/Getty Images for Jordan Fashion Week
Arun Nevader/Getty Images for Jordan Fashion Week
ADVERTISEMENT

Most people assume that you should avoid petroleum-based products because they contribute to breakouts. While this isn't false, it's important to note that petroleum-based products can also contribute to continued dryness.

ADVERTISEMENT

HuffPost notes that petroleum jelly is "water-repellant and not water-soluble, meaning it merely seals the barrier so that moisture does not leave the skin... you're actually drying out your pores by keeping out air and moisture."

ADVERTISEMENT

Don't Forget About Your Hair

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
The first step assistant Ashley Brickell washes Krystal Riddle's hair with a special shampoo during
Anne Cusack/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images
Anne Cusack/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images
ADVERTISEMENT

When you're taking your lukewarm shower remember to use a mild herbal shampoo instead of an alcohol-based option. Depending on your hair type, a deep conditioning treatment weekly can do wonders.

ADVERTISEMENT

When you're done showering, keep a towel tied around your head for 15 minutes so the moisture doesn't escape right away. Additionally, avoid heat styling if you can. It can be super drying and create long-lasting damage when overdone.