As the seasons change, so should your skin care habits. In Great Barrington, MA and most of Northern Hemisphere, winter means one thing: cooler temperatures. The cold brings enchanting snow-covered trees, thrilling winter sports and an insatiable craving for hot cocoa. But, icy temps also mean dry air and drier skin. When the temperature drops, so does the humidity level. Combine dry air with harsh winds and central heating, and you get the perfect storm for chapped lips, itchy cracked hands and other signs of
sensitive skin. When we start feeling the effects winter, these five simple winter skin care tips get us through it.
Winter Skin Care Tips & Tricks
1) S-U-N-S-C-R-E-E-N.
We cannot say it enough— sunscreen is the number one beauty essential year-round! If you've ever gone skiing or snowboarding, you know how strong winter sun is when combined with snow glare. Protect your skin from sun damage with sunscreen that contains SPF 15 or more. Jane's winter favorites for sun protection, all year, are
HandDrink SPF 15 Hand Creamand
LipDrink SPF 15 Lip Balm.
2) Use a Humidifier
Do you ever wake up feeling like you just walked across the Sahara Desert? That's because central heating zaps moisture from the air, causing your mouth, nose and even skin to feel dry. Add moisture back into the air (and your skin) by turning on a humidifier at night.
3) Amp Up the Hydration
Now that you've solved the problem of dry air, what's next? Give your body a moisture boost. Drink plenty of water and use skin-quenching skin care products to hydrate from inside and outside. In the winter, Jane keeps her face free of dry-patches with
BeautyPrep Face Moisturizer, which uses four organic Rose Stem Cell Extracts to protect your skin from trans-epidermal water loss. She also gives her makeup a long-lasting base by applying and moisture-rich
Smooth Affair Facial Primer & Brightener.
4) Say No to Hot Showers
Similar to the way heated air can dry your skin, so can extra-hot water. While a long, steamy shower may sound delightful after a day in the cold, scalding water strips natural oils from your skin. Ensure your hydration efforts aren't wasted by turning the water temperature down and keeping your showers short.
5) Limit Exposure to Wet Clothing
At some point during the snowy season, we all deal with wet clothing. Whether skiing, building a snow fort with your kids, or simply walking on slushy sidewalks, you will likely end up with wet socks or gloves. Wet fabric (especially wool) can irritate your skin, so remember to remove any wet garments as soon as you get inside.
Tell Us!
What are your winter skincare secrets? Share your home remedy for dry patches or your favorite
jane iredale products to keep your skin hydrated. We may use your tips in a future post!
