Virtually everyone likes to maintain a well groomed, youthful, and vibrant appearance throughout the year as well as from year to year as they age. There are several factors that contribute to the “healthiness” of our outward appearance. These factors can be divided into two primary groups.

The first group is a more macro based set of factors and include genetics, nutrition, physical activity, and rest, relaxation, and sleep. In combination, these factors will support not only a healthy body but, the internal bodily functions that are required to sustain life itself, as well as optimal health from day to day.

The second group is considered a micro based set of factors and include climate conditions, exposure to the sun and wind, pollution, and other criteria related to the are in which you live.

Tips for Radiant and Vibrant Skin During the Winter Months

In both the macro and micro scenarios, each of us has the ability to address the factors that play a role in our outward appearance. The intent of this article is to discuss several tips for winter skin care in relation to the environmental conditions.

The environmental changes that occur during the winter months call for modifications to any well-rounded skin care and beauty regimen. If you want to keep your skin looking beautiful, you’ll need specific tools and techniques to battle the colder temperatures, drier air and constant snow found in many regions of the United States during the colder season.

Compounding these factors is holiday stress, something that can exacerbate even a minor breakout. Fortunately, all of the following winter skin care tips are simple and affordable.

1. Keep Showers Brief and Use Body Wash

   Although a long, hot, relaxing bath or shower can feel decadent and revitalizing when you take it, you’re not doing your skin any favors. That’s because a lengthy bath or shower saps your skin of moisture, especially in the long term. During the winter, get in the habit of taking shorter, cooler showers. Dry off thoroughly with a towel, and apply a light coating of moisturizer to your entire body.

   If you normally use bar soap to clean up, consider switching to a moisturizing body wash during the winter. This will help to compensate for some of the moisture that your body loses naturally while bathing.

2. Use Creams Instead of Lotions

   Creams usually offer more moisture than lotions, which are typically thinner and less oily. Although it may take some time to get used to a heavier cream, it’s worth it in the winter when our skin tends to dry out more quickly. Creams are also more powerful when it comes to negotiating extremes in temperature and humidity, which you’ll experience frequently if you’re venturing outside.

   Look for a skin and beauty cream with a higher ratio of oil to water. Apply it at night after bathing to allow its full effects to soak in.

3. Minimize Skin Stressors

   The holidays are marked by numerous factors that stress us out and wear on our skin, ranging from a lack of sleep and gift budgeting concerns to richer foods and a greater likelihood of drinking more alcohol.

   All of these things in combination can lead to enlarged pores, cold sores and increases in acne. Using benzoyl peroxide and similar topical medications preemptively can stop these types of skin conditions before they start.

   It’s also a good idea to minimize stressors as best you can. Cut back on carbs and processed sugars, remember to drink responsibly, and set time aside for yourself to relax whenever possible.

4. Purchase a Pair of Gloves

   There are more reasons to wear gloves beyond keeping your hands warm, dry and comfortable while they’re actually on. Venturing outside without gloves can lead to skin chapping, and even minor cracks can turn into larger fissures that cause a burning sensation and can become infected.

   Once this process has started, creams and moisturizers will intensify the burning sensation, making you less likely to use them. From here, your skin will only get worse.

   The same concept applies to lip balm. By applying chap stick before colder temperatures set in, you’ll prevent small cracks and fissures from occurring in the first place.

5. Wear Sunscreen

   It’s a common misconception that the overcast skies and cooler temperatures inherent of winter block all of the harmful rays emitted from the sun. In reality, you should be using a moisturizer with a built-in SPF of at least 15, even during the absolute dead of winter.

   While a sunscreen with SPF 15 should be sufficient for quick trips into the elements, one with an SPF of at least 30 will be necessary if you’re participating in more time-intensive outdoor activities such as skiing, snowshoeing or sledding.

Winter Skin Care Tips: The Bottom Line

Although winter can be hard on our skin, a few simple, cheap fixes offer ample protection. Wear sunscreen, lip balm and gloves whenever you venture outdoors. Switch from lotions to creams, at least during the colder months. Keep your showers shorter and slightly cooler to ward off skin dehydration, and minimize holiday stressors to prevent minor skin blemishes from becoming major.