Harsh Winter: 5 Winter Skincare Tips We Trust
Harsh Winter: 5 Winter Skincare Tips We Trust
Whether you're local to the Handful headquarters in the Pacific Northwest or happen to live somewhere where the temperatures drop quickly as the seasons change, you'll know that it's important to have a good routine to keep your skin hydrated. Here are some winter skincare tips from the handful team that we swear by:
Stay Hydrated
While you may be used to hearing “drink more water” during the summer time, it's also important to make sure you stay hydrated during the winter. Adding moisture from the inside out is key - making sure you increase your water intake will help hydrate your skin, keeping dry skin at bay. Also, avoid alcohol! Research has shown that increased alcohol can cause inflammation to the skin and has a dehydrating effect on the body.
Limit Hot/Long Showers
After a long cold day, surely the thing to help you unwind is a long and hot shower, but before you hit the bathroom, consider shortening that shower or bath in favor of your skin. Unfortunately water does not moisturize skin and in fact longer time in the water can cause their skin to shed natural oils. Since it's impossible to avoid hot water completely, to counter any drying effects, once you hop out of the bath, reach for a hydrating body oil and apply it to damp skin.
Get a Humidifier
Indoor heating in the home can cause a drying effect on skin - to counter that, we suggest running a humidifier during the winter time. There are lots of models to choose from, you can use a portable for table top humidifier or even one that integrates into your existing heating system moisture added to the air will then be absorbed by your skin
Refresh your Daily Skincare Routine
Sometimes the change of the season is the best time to switch up your routine - for the winter months, Switch to an oil-based moisturizer, your skin will surely appreciate it. Also consider adding overnight deep moisturizer treatments which can help particularly dry areas like hands feet elbows knees and lips. If you suffer from cracked skin, covering your hands or feet with cotton gloves and socks will help to hold the moisture in all night long.
Sun Screen - Even for Gray Days
You're not alone if you've walked into a brisk winter day without any sort of spf but we are here to say that, even during the winter, its important. Most people assume that once winter arrives, they can stop using sunscreen, however even with the coldest days, the sun can still be extremely strong and cause skin damage especially if there's snow on the ground to reflect the sun's rays. Make sure to continue to wear sunscreen on your face, hands and neck to prevent any unwanted sun damage.
