For those of you with dry skin like me, the chilly, dry air that comes with the fall and winter seasons can take a real toll on your skin. Fighting the flakiness is easier than you’d think. Here are some of my tips and tricks that I have accumulated over the years for maintaining glowing, hydrated skin during the colder months.
1. Â Â Â Â Exfoliation is key
Cold weather can cause quite the build-up of dead skin. Exfoliating once a week will remove all of the dead, built-up skin, leaving your face feeling smoother and healthier. Exfoliating your skin is also a great way to prep for whatever lotions and serums you put on next, helping them soak into the skin a lot better.
Be careful though, over-exfoliating can lead to even drier skin. Limit how often you exfoliate your skin to around once or twice a week, making sure to use a gentle exfoliator that won’t tear or tug on your skin.
2. Â Â Â Â Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize
Moisturizing is a vital step in any skin care routine whether your skin is dry, oily or anywhere in between. Some tend to believe that too much moisturizer can lead to breakouts and clogged pores, but it might just be what what your skin needs to stay healthy.
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Don’t be afraid to layer on the lotion. For the colder seasons, either using a thicker moisturizer or applying your normal moisturizer in layers can help give your skin some extra hydration making it appear glowy and fresh despite the weather. Make sure to use a good quality moisturizer for the best results. It doesn’t have to be expensive either! The drug store has some great ones.
3. Â Â Â Â Hydration masks
My life changed forever once I discovered this beautiful creation. You can find masks practically anywhere whether they be sheet masks or the ones you apply yourself. Next time you are at your nearest Target or Ulta check out the skin care section for any face mask that has the words either “hydration or “moisture” in the name.
Apply them a few times a week, or just when your dry skin needs a little pick me up!
4.     Drink water…and a lot of it
This might sound like a dumb tip, but trust me, it’s not. As obvious as it sounds, drinking water is an excellent way to keep your skin looking healthy and fresh. Drinking at least 8 glasses of water a day can help your skin and your body stay hydrated, ridding it of any toxins that could lead to breakouts and duller looking skin.
5. Â Â Â Â Avoid hot water at all costs
As nice as a long, hot shower or bath sounds during the colder months, it may be adding to your dry skin more than you’d think. If you take them daily, the hot water could cause your skin to become flaky and itchy as opposed to glowing and hydrated.
Try taking lukewarm showers instead. Not only do they still feel great, but your skin will thank you for it. The same goes for when you wash your face in the sink, make sure the water isn’t too hot, but isn’t too cold either.
Staying hydrated and sourcing the right products from your nearest beauty supply store can help you keep the glow, no matter the weather.Â
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