Keeping Your Skin Healthy in Winter Weather

Winter weather is my skin’s worst enemy. The wind and dry air zap the moisture from my skin and my lips are prone to constant chapping. The newest weather fad, “polar vortex,” is really doing a number of me this year, and I wanted to give my best recommendations to keep your skin radiant.  While any exposed skin  (i.e. my face and hands) takes the brunt of the windy conditions, our entire bodies have a tendency to dry out if they are not provided layers of protection, whether by moisturizers or layered clothing.

While every skin type is different,  I wanted to focus on five tried and true steps to keep your face and skin feeling great, without breaking the bank.

1) Colder Showers

As you have probably heard, long hot showers are not good for your skin. The longer and hotter the shower, the faster your skin will dry out.  There is a very scientific reason for this, something about layers of skin and natural oils which I read a very interesting article about, but trust me on this one, it is not a myth. Windy, cold weather will only exacerbate this problem, especially if you are showering and heading straight outside to work. During the winter months aim to take shorter, lukewarm showers and moisturize immediately after patting yourself dry (more on that in #3).

2) Face moisturizers

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I think that face moisturizing should be two step process, especially during the winter. First, you need a lotion that is made for daily wear that keeps your skin moisturized without that oily feeling. All year round I use my favorite, affordable make-up bag staple – Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion. While it is not the thickest face lotion, nor is it super fancy, it is a daily requirement in my beauty regimen.

Second, at night you need to apply a thicker moisturizer. I have found that Olay Regenerist Night Recovery Moisturizing Treatment is a phenomenal drug store brand product with surprising results. It is a luxurious moisturizing product which makes my skin feel softer, and smoother, without making my wallet feel guilty.

 3) Body Lotion

In the winter my skin needs daily and sometimes 2x a day lotion applications to keep it from drying out. For daily use I typically use Vaseline Body Lotion, Intensive Repair, Repairing Moisture or Jergens Daily Healing Lotion. During the winter months I add Aveeno Positively Nourishing Calming Body Lotion. This anti-inflammatory lotion is infused with chamomile and lavender, and doesn’t sting cracked or dried out winter skin.

2014-01-05 15.20.244) Chapstick

While many women use chapstick as part of their daily routines, during the winter months it is especially important to re-apply chapstick as a barrier to protect your lips. I like Eos limp balms, for the variety of flavors and because of its easy, clear application, natural ingredients and moisturizing shea butter in every sphere.

1672700-slide-750-hum-35) Humidifier

While you are sleeping, or spending long days in a stuffy office with poor air circulation, your skin has a tendency to dry out. While you may not be able to afford a fancy humidifier for your home or bedroom this neat,  $30 water bottle humidifier by Satechi is a portable USB humidifier you can take anywhere.

 

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About the Mrs.

Hi. I’m Amy, a newlywed living in Richmond, VA and obsessed with food, fitness and fashion. I'm always on the hunt for new, exciting trends so I created this blog to share all my adventures, inspirations, discoveries and recipes along the way.

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