Winter skin care tips to avoid dry chapped skin

The following winter skin care tips can help you weather the colder seasons and keep your skin soft, supple and smooth.  The winter season can be an especially challenging time to maintain good skin health.  Exposure to snow, rain and extreme temperatures can lead to dry chapped skin. Many people experience dryness, itching and a feeling of tightness during the winter season.

Follow these useful tips to protect and care for your skin through the winter months.

1. Moisturize: During the winter season, your skin may require a different moisturizing product than you use in the summertime. You should find a moisturizer that is of a thicker consistency and helps to lock moisture into your skin. Look for ingredients like lavender oil, hydroxyl and hyaluronic acids which will make your skin firm and reduce the appearance of wrinkles as well. During the day, if you are not wearing gloves, apply a lotion containing sunscreen which will help to eliminate skin dryness and sun damage when you are outside.

2. Exfoliate: To prevent your skin from appearing flaky make sure to exfoliate. Exfoliating will remove dead skin cells from the surface of your skin. Try an exfoliator formulated with fruit acids and full of antioxidants. It will help to smooth the skin, increase the surface skin renewal process and slough off the excess skin cells.

3. Keep yourself hydrated: When it comes to hydration, develop a three-step habit.

Step 1, keep hydrated by drinking plenty of water and eating fruits and vegetables. Drink fresh fruit juice or a cup of tea. Before breakfast, drink a glass of lukewarm water with a squeeze of lemon juice stirred in.

Step 2, moisturize your skin immediately after washing your face or showering.  When a moisturizer is applied directly after washing or showering it will lock in moisture and keep your skin hydrated throughout the day.

Step 3, use a humidifier in your home. Adding moisture to the air inside your house will help your skin remain supple, and combat tightness or flakiness.

4. Use Oil and Serum: Try applying a serum daily to supercharge moisture into your skin. Find a product containing antioxidants like Vitamin C and pro-retinol which restore the bright complexion of dull winter skin. When you apply face oil to your face, your skin will remain healthy and hydrated every morning after you wake up.

5. Wear gloves: Your hands have a thin layer of skin as compared to the rest of your body. Your hands also contain fewer oil glands making it tough for your hands to stay moist in dry, cold weather. Whenever you go outside, always wear gloves to keep your skin warm and protected from the elements.

Follow these simple winter skin care tips to avoid dry chapped skin and maintain healthy smooth and supple skin throughout the winter months.