Here are six easy and affordable ways to protect your skin this winter and be the envy of everyone at your office holiday party!
1. Moisturize
Moisturizing your skin can help prevent a lot of the issues that spring up with cold air like dry and flaky skin. Use a lotion to add and trap moisture into your skin in order to keep your cells plump and youthful-looking. This can reduce redness, acne, and signs of age like wrinkles. The type of moisturizer you use should depend on your skin type. If you have oily skin, use a water-based moisturizer, but if you have dryer skin, prioritize one that contains Vitamin B.
2. Drink Water
Water is beneficial to your health for so many reasons but can be especially important for your skin during the colder months. Not only does it moisturize your body from the inside out, it also helps keep your skin clean and clear. Drinking water helps your body flush toxins and bacteria from its systems, cleansing your skin and preventing breakouts. Make sure to drink 100-200 ounces of water a day, depending on your weight.
3. Eat Collagen-Boosting Food
Collagen is the protein that’s essential to firm, healthy and moisturized skin. You’ll likely lose collagen as you age, so most people can do with more, especially during the winter. The elasticity that collagen gives skin allows it to bounce back from damaging winds and extreme low temperatures. To naturally boost your levels, supplement your diet with collagen-rich foods. The vitamin C in broccoli and oranges helps synthesize the protein while carrots and sweet potatoes contain collagen-restoring vitamin A.
4. Get Lots of Sleep
One of the best things you can do for your skin during the winter is get more sleep. Cold and flu season coupled with poor sleep can cause immune-related flare ups in skin issues like eczema, psoriasis and acne. It can also lead to increased redness and dark circles. Make sure you’re doing what you can to look after your sleep this winter. A dark room, soft mattress, and heavy comforter can all ensure a better night’s rest and improved skin. If you still struggle to fall asleep, try melatonin-heavy snacks like pomegranates, rice, or walnuts.
5. Take Cooler Showers
While the first thing you want to do after shoveling the driveway might be to jump into a hot shower, try to resist the urge. Overly hot water can strip your skin of moisture and leave it dry and flaky. Combine this with thin winter air, and you have a recipe for unhealthy skin. Try to keep your shower water a few degrees cooler to protect your skin and save a few bucks on your next water bill!
6. Use a Humidifier
The cold, dry air that’s a staple of winter can sap moisture from your pores overnight and leave you waking up with dull skin. Consider using a humidifier in your bedroom to put moisture back into the air and prevent these damaging effects while you sleep. You can also add calming essential oils into your humidifier to help you de-stress and sleep better. Just be sure to get one that’s easy to clean in order to prevent dangerous mold and bacteria build up.
There you have it, six of the easiest and most effective ways to keep your skin vibrant and healthy this winter. Have you tried any of our suggestions before? Let us know in the comments below!
