Photo: Pexels
Prevent the cold from taking a toll on your skin this winter.
By Unwritten — Written on Nov 30, 2018
By Monique Richardson
From thick, itchy sweaters to shoveling snow, winter is harsh. So harsh that it doesn’t give our skin a break when needed.
During the winter, our skin loses up to 25% of its ability to hold moisture. Throughout all seasons we use lotions to moisturize in our skincare routine; but we all know that even the best moisturizer cannot beat the winter air. Lotions can only do so much and without the proper moisture, they can lead to a cracky, flaky, and pure ashy look.
This winter, maintaining smooth, soft, moisturized skin with a few simple recipes or techniques is the way to go.
If you are looking for inexpensive at-home techniques, here are a home remedies for the fall and winter seasons.
1. Coconut or olive oil to moisturize
During the winter, we all suffer from dull, dry skin. Oils are great moisturizers for all seasons, specifically the winter. Oils such as avocado, almond, coconut, and olive gives a glow and softness in the winter. For internal use, these healthy oils can also be used for cooking and dressing food. Either way, your skin will thank you for it.
2. Lukewarm showers help skin
Taking hot showers and baths are great for relaxing but not for your skin. Hot showers in the winter can cause open pores exposure to the dry, cold air, leading to the common cold or flu. On top of that, hot water causes dryness.
To keep ourselves from drying out, avoid hot showers and go for a lukewarm shower instead. On that note, once you get out of the shower, instead of drying off with your towel, seal the water with an oil or buttercream lotion for maximum moisture.
3. Sugar body scrubs care for skin
Ditch the store and make your own body scrub. Sugar is a natural exfoliant that produces new cells when used as a scrub. Sugar scrubs can contain herbs, oils, and things like honey to moisturize during the cold months.
If you’re looking for a quick sugar scrub, look in your kitchen cabinet. Sugar, natural oil, and honey (optional) are all you need.
4. Hydration helps
Staying hydrated doesn’t change for any season. We internally have to treat ourselves by consuming hydrating foods and drinks for the benefits. Foods and drinks such as water, soups, vegetables, and green tea make a positive impact on skin for the winter.
5. Facial Masks Keep Things Glowing
Your face is the most exposed part of your body and, as the winter starts, you can begin to suffer from a dry and flaky face. DIY moisturizing masks are great solutions and inexpensive. You can create simple recipes from your pantry to create a facial mask.
Simple recipes for facial masks include:
- Honey + Banana
- Egg White, Oatmeal, and Oil
- Aloe, Avocado, and Oil
With all of the natural routes to maintain moisturizing skin, there’s no reason to have dry skin this winter. Pampering you skin in the winter is essential to your appearance and self care regimen.
Don’t neglect one of the most important parts of your body; especially when it’s significantly cheap.
Monique Richardson is a blogger and freelance writer. Connect with her on LinkedIn and follow her on Instagram for more.
This article was originally published at Unwritten. Reprinted with permission from the author.