When the weather starts to become cold and icy and it is obvious that winter is here, you may find yourself wondering what steps you should take to not only keep yourself warm, but also to protect and care for your skin. After all, your skin is the part of your body that is the most exposed to the cold weather and air and can suffer the most damage. Get to know some of the steps that you can take to better care for your skin over the next few winter months so that when spring and summer come back around you meet the seasons with healthy and vibrant skin.
Maintain a Healthy Diet
One of the most important things you can do for your skin in the winter is to maintain a healthy and balanced diet. The reason for this is that eating too much or too little of certain foods can dry out your skin, making it appear older, more sallow, and thinner. One of the aspects of your diet you should take special note of is your hydration. You will want to be sure to eat foods with high water content and drink at least 8 glasses of water a day during the winter to keep your body and skin hydrated. Foods high in water content include fresh fruits and vegetables and even mushrooms.
You may also need to try to incorporate more healthy fats into your diet such as those that come from salmon, avocados, olive oil and flax seeds. These fats help to keep skin vibrant and healthy, ensuring that it does not dry out.
Do Not Use Hot Water In The Shower
When you have been out in the cold shoveling snow or even just going to and from work, the thought of a hot bath or shower may sound like the perfect solution to your winter chill. However, the irony of taking a hot shower to warm up and to add moisture to your dried out skin is that hot water actually causes your skin to dry out faster and to dry out more than it would otherwise.
Instead of hot water, use warm water in the shower. Also, do away with any body soaps and face washes that do not have a gentle, moisturizing element to them. Using stronger astringents and acne medicines in the winter can severely dry out your skin, causing sores and discomfort. Also, be sure to apply a strong moisturizer to your face as well as to the rest of your body after you shower, as well as to your hands after washing.
With these tips in mind, you can better take care of your skin this winter. Remember, if your skin begins to chap a great deal or you experience a rash or swelling due to exposure to the cold, contact a dermatologist for further treatment. This may be more serious than the standard skin problems in winter weather and stronger medications and moisturizers may be required.
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