Winter can be a magical time of year with cozy sweaters, hot cocoa, and snow, but it can also be tough on your skin. Every winter, it never fails; my skin gets drier as the air gets drier. As moms, we juggle so much during the winter to just keep everything moving and keep the little ones bundled up that it’s easy to forget about our own self-care. This is your reminder guide for prioritizing your winter skincare routine with tips that are practical, affordable, and designed to fit into your busy mom life. Whether you’re battling dry hands from endless diaper changes or looking for a quick fix for chapped lips, I’ve got you covered. Let’s keep your skin glowing all season long!
Moisturize
Moisturizing is one of the most important steps in any winter skincare routine, especially during the winter months when cold air and indoor heating can strip your skin of its natural oils. A good moisturizer helps to lock in hydration, creating a protective barrier against dryness and irritation. For moms, who are often juggling a million tasks, taking a moment to nourish your skin can prevent issues like cracking, flaking, or uncomfortable tightness. Regular moisturizing keeps your skin soft and smooth and supports your skin’s natural repair process, helping you feel refreshed and ready to tackle whatever the day brings.
When it comes to facial moisturizers, you will want to choose the right type for your skin type. Dry Skin will benefit from heavier oil-based moisturizers, whereas those with oily skin will benefit from lighter water-based moisturizers. Sensitive skin types tend to benefit best from soothing ingredients. For the most effective results, you will want to add moisturizers to damp skin after cleansing.
Humidifiers
Increasing the moisture in the air around you will do wonders for your skin, body, and hair. The dry air from the increased use of heating systems can wreak havoc internally and externally. Using a humidifier is an easy way to add moisture back into the air to help your skin as well as help you breathe better. Adding a humidifier in the place you sleep and spend the most time of day in can help your skin maintain moisture levels. They are a variety of types of humidifiers, some are safer for use around children than others. Steam vaporizers are not recommended for use around children due to the hot water used to create the steam. Other options include central humidifiers, ultrasonic, impeller, and evaporators; it is important to do routine maintenance to ensure your humidifier does not become a health hazard. Adding a humidifier is a simple addition to your winter skincare routine that can benefit the entire family and living space.
Exfoliate
Gentle exfoliation can be one of the best things you do for your skin in the winter. This is one step to not skip in the winter for your skincare routine. Removing dead skin cells that build up in the winter allows your moisturizer to penetrate the skin more effectively. Exfoliation can also increase circulation and encourage new cell growth. Exfoliation is a head-to-toe process, most people think of face and body, but don’t skip out on scalp exfoliation, lips and certainly feet. It is best to review products to ensure they will work best with your skin type. Incorporating an exfoliation step into your winter skincare routine once to twice a week can make a glowing difference and prevent dry and rough patches.
Use Protection
Sunscreen rules still apply in the winter. It is easy to forget sunscreen when the temperature is barely above freezing in the winter. However, the sun’s harmful UV rays are still present all year round, and the ozone layer is at its thinnest during the winter. Additionally, snow and ice can reflect these rays, increasing their intensity. Applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen daily protects your skin from premature aging and damage. For busy moms, look for a daily facial moisturizer with at least an SPF of 30 for a quick and easy way to protect your skin each morning. Wearing gloves, hats, and earmuffs when outside protects your skin from the sun’s UV rays and the dry air.
Stay Hydrated
It is easy to forget this step in the winter, but ensuring you are getting hydrated in the winter is just as important as the summer. Even when you are not sweating, you can still lose water through your skin from the cold weather and dry indoor air, leading to dry and irritated skin. By ensuring you are keeping up on water intake, you help ensure your skin and body remain moisturized from the inside out. Pairing proper hydration with a good winter skincare routine amplifies the benefits, helping your skin retain moisture even in the driest winter conditions. We all have our favorite water bottle, so keep it full of water, even in the winter.
Avoid Hot Showers
Winter may seem like the perfect time to relax with a hot shower, however too hot of water can actually dry out your skin. Lukewarm showers are much better for your winter skincare health paired with a gentle soap that will not dry out your skin. After you shower, gently pat dry, and you will want to ensure you lock in your skin’s moisture by putting on a gentle lotion immediately.
Dermatologist
An annual visit to a dermatologist is the perfect addition to your winter skincare routine. Ensuring you have a dermatologist as part of your healthcare team can help address any concerns you have with your skin. Regular check-ups can help catch potential problems early to ensure prompt treatment. Dermatologists can help provide solutions that best fit your skincare type. With fewer outdoor activities in the winter, it can be an ideal time to incorporate any treatments that may require downtime. Whether it’s a specific concern or a routine check, a visit to the dermatologist is an investment in your long-term skin health.
Prioritizing your winter skincare routine is a simple yet important way to practice daily self-care. Taking time to care for your skin can allow for a few moments of peace during a busy day. Having a dedicated winter skincare routine can help keep you feeling refreshed and glowing. Remember, prioritizing yourself isn’t selfish; it’s essential so you can show up as your best self.
