8 Ways to Stop Skin from Aging in Winter
During the winter months, the skin goes through a series of changes due to its need to adapt to dry and cold conditions. It naturally loses moisture and is more prone to dryness at this time, so it is important to treat the skin with extra special care during the colder seasons. There is definitely hope for dry winter skin, and by following a few simple instructions, you can easily avoid winter skin aging caused by cold weather and environmental factors.
1. Exfoliate the Skin
Exfoliation is one of the best ways to prevent winter skin aging and treat over-dry skin. You can easily exfoliate your skin with an all natural cleanser that contains rice or apricot, and you can also use a loofah sponge that is specifically designed for light exfoliation of the face. It is important to only exfoliate once or twice per week in order to avoid irritation, and always follow your exfoliation process with a light moisturizer.
2. Rub, Don’t Apply
When applying moisturizer, you want to make sure to rub it into the skin in circular motions. Simply applying moisturizer on the top layer of skin simply is not good enough for the rough winter months, as the skin needs deep nourishment. By rubbing the moisturizer deep into the skin, it will drink up the natural emollients and healing ingredients of your moisturizer, providing essential hydration for your dry winter skin.
3. Hydrate Your Dry Winter Skin
Hydration is one of the most important aspects to treating dry winter skin. The cold, dry weather causes chapping and dryness, and indoor heating systems can pull the moisture right out of the air, greatly affecting your skin. Deep moisturizing lotions that contain Vitamin E, apricot oil, hyaluronic acid and aloe vera work wonders on dry skin, allowing for natural, all-day hydration. Additionally, setting up a humidifier in the home will help to replenish lost moisture in the air caused by your indoor heating system.
4. Sun Protection
While it is easy to assume that winter sun does not cause skin damage, the exact opposite is true. The sun is just as powerful in the winter when it comes to sunburn and dry skin, so it is always important to apply sunblock when participating in outdoor winter activities. Additional safety measures include wearing ski visors and sunglasses, especially during winter sporting events, and applying lip balm to prevent chapped or wind burned lips.
5. Pay Special Attention to Hands and Feet
The hands and feet need extra special attention during the winter months, as chapping and over-dryness are extremely common in these areas. Treat your feet every night with a soothing peppermint foot cream that contains a powerful moisturizer such as shea butter or Vitamin E. Treat your hands daily with a thick hydrating cream that contains Vitamin E oil, aloe vera, hyaluronic acid or shea butter, paying additional attention to the cuticles and fingers.
6. Hot Baths
Hot baths are definitely a winter skin must. Soaking in a steamy hot bath will help to relax your muscles, as well as open up your pores and hydrate the skin. Soak for at least twenty minutes and towel dry. Once your skin is dried but still damp, apply Vitamin E oil to your face and body. The oil will quickly absorb and provide continuous hydration to your winter skin.
7. Winter Diet
While comfort foods definitely go hand in hand with winter weather, it is important to supplement your diet with foods that are high in antioxidants, as antioxidants work to heal and protect the skin from the inside out. Blueberries, avocado, tomatoes and strawberries are all considered summer foods, but you can purchase these items fresh-frozen and enjoy them even on the coldest of days. Adding these essential antioxidants to your winter diet will help to keep your skin healthy year round.
8. Anti-Aging Cream
All-natural anti-aging creams work wonders on tired and dry winter skin, and they contain a variety of ingredients that are specifically geared towards repairing damaged skin and preventing wrinkles. Ingredients to look for include Vitamin E, retinol, hyaluronic acid, and apricot oil, all essential vitamin-containing moisturizers that provide continuous benefits for dry skin care
Conclusion
Winter definitely is the season to be merry and celebrate, and it is even more enjoyable when you look your best. By following a few simple steps to treat your winter skin and prevent unwanted wrinkles, you will create a healthy, warm, and youthful glowing skin brightener to your skin no matter how cold it is outside!
