Hello, Darlings! Today’s topic is all about Skincare- Keeping Your Skin Hydrated When The Weather Turns Cold. Here in Alabama, I am very lucky we do not see long stretches of cold weather. For the most part, it isn’t the actual cold air that messes with my skin, it is super drying air when you have to turn on the heat inside the home.

I swear I can actually feel my skin shriveling the minute the heat kicks in. So today we are going to talk about some tips and products to use to keep your body glowing.

Skincare- Keeping Your Skin Hydrated When The Weather Turns Cold

Tip #1 Is To HYDRATE

I am really good about drinking water during the hot months of summer. But when it turns cold, I turn to coffee and hot teas to keep me warm. Both have water in them, but both are mild diuretics, causing an increased need to urinate and can be dehydrating. It is best to consume these in moderation.

Keep Your Skin Hydrated From The Inside Out! Drink Lots Of Water

Because of the colder, drier air, we need to drink more water. A good formula to use in determining how much water you should drink on a daily basis is 1/2 your body weight in fluid ounces.

Tip #2 Check Your Hand Soap

With all the COVID concerns, I find I am washing my hands like crazy, a little on the OCD side. Over-washing can do a number on your hands. I found some great hand soap that is not only moisturizing but smells good too.

I like the Nourishing Soaps from Bath And Body Works, especially the Creamy Lux ones. Great scents to choose from.

For those who are “scent sensitive” Softsoap has their Soothing Clean Aloe Vera Fresh Scent Moisturizing Hand Soap. We have used this one for years but have had trouble getting replacements. I just saw Amazon has them in a 6 pack

Tip #3 Keep A Hand Lotion In Your Purse

With all the hand washing and cold/dry air, my hands start to look rough and will crack if I don’t treat them. I keep some hand lotion in my purse and use it constantly. Burt’s Bees Lavender and Honey is a perfect size for your handbag. I find mine at Target.

Tip # 4 Protect Your Lips

I am addicted to the Candy Cane flavor of ChapStick. I have one in my purse, one in my makeup drawer, and one in my tennis bag. Protection is the key.

Here’s a little secret, I use lip balm to protect the skin around my nose. Cold air, sinus issues, or random viruses can cause your nose to run. Constant blowing or wiping your nose can irritate the skin. During the winter I use Carmex under my nose after I wipe to heal irritated skin or to protect.

If your lips do get dried, cracked, and flaky you will need to exfoliate. Elf Cosmetics has a stick lip exfoliator (less mess) in MINT. To use, apply using the lip balm and rub it with a wet cotton circle pad. Afterward, protect your newly exfoliated lips with a lip balm or chapstick.

Tip #5 Exfoliate Your Body

Especially during the colder months, exfoliation is important to keeping your skin healthy-looking. Many body polishes and exfoliates have lots of oils in them and you will spend more time cleaning your shower/tub than it is worth.

Dove makes a body polish that smells great, feels good to your skin, and will not make a mess. It comes in several different scents and I find mine at Target.

Tip #6 Combine Stress Relief And Moisturizing

When taking a shower, it helps not to have the water too hot. I like to use a calming/stress relief shower gel such as Aveeno Positively Nourishing Calming Body Wash. Soothing the skin and the mind all at once.

After your shower or bath, treat your body with Aveeno Stress Relief Moisturizing Lotion. The lavender scent is the perfect way to relax and get ready for a good night’s sleep.

Tip #7 Treat Yourself To A Moisturizing Bath

I love baths in the winter, thinking of them as an at-home spa day. Not a bubble bath gal, but love to use Epsom Salts. Soaking in an Epsom Salt bath is a great way to get magnesium (soaks right into the skin) which helps with body aches and leg cramps.

For my baths I use about 1/2 of the package, pouring it into warm to hot water and letting it dissolve. I soak for a minimum of 20 minutes (usually closer to 40) , drinking water, applying a facial mask, and reading a book.

Be Kind To Your Face

Especially with the holidays, your face needs extra attention. If you are like me, I wear more makeup during this season than I do all year round. That requires some extra attention so that you don’t irritate the skin and have breakouts.

Tip #8 Get Some Makeup Removal Pads

So much more gentle and efficient at removing makeup. Plus it will save your towels.

Tip #9 Make Sure Your Daily Cleansing Soap Is Gentle

You don’t want to be washing your face with harsh bar soap. Be kind and gentle to your skin, especially during these colder months.

Tip #10 Be Gentle When Exfoliating

Exfoliating is a great tool to remove dead skin and encourage regeration, but you can do more harm than good if you “over exfoliate”. Chose a gentle cream, adding warm water, working in circles to gentle exfoliate your skin.

Tip #10 Use Hyaluronic Acid To Hydrate And Protect Skin

I wrote a great post How Do I Choose The Right Serum For My Skin with lessons on what type of serum to use and when. I am still using my Go Pure Beauty Serums, especially the hyaluronic acid.

Tip #10 Moisturize, Moisturize, Moisturize

Also, apply moisturizer after you use serums. I have a daytime moisturizer with SPF and a deep moisturizer for night time. I change my moisturizer from Summer/Fall to Winter/Spring to combat dryness associated with cold air and indoor heating. But, even in the Winter/Spring I still use a moisturizer with SPF in the daytime.

Treat Yourself To Self Care

In a time of year when we are buying for others, don’t forget to treat yourself to self care. You can find many quality products in your local drugstore, Walmart, or Target. Whether it is spending extra time with an “at-home” spa treatment, or skin care regime, you are worth it and your skin will thank you!