It's that time of the year again! Yes, that's right, winter is finally here, and it's officially hot chocolate season! Winters are the best because we no longer have to bear the scorching sun's heat, but with that comes tons of skincare problems that we're about to address. No matter what your skin type, winters can be extremely harsh on your skin; therefore, paying complete attention to your winter skincare routine is crucial. The cold weather damages your skin's protective barrier and leaves your skin feeling parched, flaky, dry, dehydrated, and vulnerable.
The American Academy of Dermatology Association says cold weather can wreak havoc on our bodies. Because of the drop in temperature and humidity, our skin can have difficulty retaining moisture, thus leading to dry, itchy, dehydrated skin and cracked lips.
Today, we'll discuss eight winter skincare tips to help your skin stay hydrated and happy.
Winter Skincare Tips You Should Keep in Mind
Moisturizer Over Damp Skin
The cold weather can strip your skin of its natural moisture and oils, making it dry and flaky. The best way to combat skin dryness during winter is by applying a generous amount of moisturizer on damp skin, especially post-shower, and here's why. When applied to wet skin, moisturizers absorb way better than dry skin. So, if you want your skin to stay hydrated for a long time, doing it this way will give you optimal results. We highly recommend the MOIZ LMF 48 Lotion; its long-lasting moisturizing formula works all year round but is more so during winter.
Scale Back on Exfoliating Your Skin
The best time to exfoliate your skin is during the summer months. The hot, humid air, dust, and other environmental factors cause our pores to clog. During the winter months, the pores tighten up, which means the need for exfoliation is not as great as it would be otherwise. Here, we are not suggesting that you stop exfoliating your skin thoroughly, but try to reduce the frequency of it as it can also contribute to your already dry skin, and you don't want that. Minimize exfoliating your skin to once a week, and make sure that you're using a gentle exfoliator to do so.
Opt For Products with Non-Allergic Fragrances
Our delicate skin needs some extra tenderness, lovingness, and care during the winter months, and switching to skincare products with non-allergic fragrances is the first step towards it. Skin care products that contain a lot of fragrances and chemicals can irritate your skin. So, it's time to ditch those products and replace them with those that have only non-allergic fragrances. One is Moiz - a brand that only formulates products using IFRA-certified non-allergic fragrances. Also, avoid ingredients such as retinoids, vitamin C, and exfoliating acids to give your skin that extra layer of protection.
Say Yes to Cleaning Lotions with Skin-Friendly pH.
Gel-based cleansers can strip your skin of its natural oils. Although they work best during the summer, we suggest switching them up for something more hydrating during the winter. Cream-based face washes are what you truly need; they cleanse your skin well and keep it well-hydrated post-use. We recommend the MOIZ Cleansing Lotion. Its gentle pH 5.6, sulfate-free, and hydrating formula works best for dry and susceptible skin.
Eat Right And Stay Hydrated
One of the most underrated winter skincare tips is to keep yourself well-hydrated from the inside. That's because we don't know the science behind it. Drinking enough fluids is vital to healthy and hydrated skin. In addition, you need to focus on eating food high in antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids. These essential nutrients help protect your cells from environmental damage and encourage your body to produce or make more healthy cells, including skin cells.
Skip On Long, Hot Showers
If you haven't heard of this yet, here's a fact that'll change your mind for good. The winter weather makes you crave a nice hot shower, but a shower with hot water will further dry your skin. If you're uncomfortable with cold water, Switch to lukewarm water and limit your bath time to 15 minutes. Anything longer than that will irritate your skin. Also, try changing to gentle bathing bars such as the Moiz Syndet Bathing Bar or hydrating body washes to give your skin extra comfort.
Don't Forget to Use A Lip Balm/Lip Mask
Believe it or not, we often ignore our lips; hence, we're always left with dry and chapped lips. Our lips are more susceptible to moisture loss than the skin covering our face and body, making it crucial to take special care of our lips. The best way to keep your lips looking plump even when the air is dry is by applying a generous amount of lip mask before hitting the bed towards the end of your skincare routine. We highly recommend the cult favourite Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask. During the day, you can stick to a moisturizing lip balm or chapstick, and it'll do just the trick. You can always use Vaseline or Ghee if nothing seems to be working.
Slather on Some SPF Even On Grey Winter Days
Although we're mentioning this at the end, it is one of the most essential skincare products to be included in your winter skincare routine. Sunscreens are one such product that can and should be used all year round. There are many misconceptions about using sunscreens in the winter, but they're called misconceptions for a reason. Good sunscreen is essential in the winter, as the sun still emits harmful UV rays no matter how cold it gets. Also, if you like skiing in the snow, you need to understand that snow reflects sun rays, which in turn multiplies the UV exposure, which is terrible for your skin. So, put on sunscreen, specifically a broad-spectrum one with SPF 30 or 50 or higher, for better protection.
To Sum It Up:
Looking after your skin during winter is not as big a task as we think. It is simple; we only need to be a little patient because each skin type is different and takes time to heal and repair. We hope that this winter guide proves helpful to you #HappyWinters.