By: Jada Lowell

Not scientifically reviewed by Dr. Eeks

Winter can be one of the best times to be outside; the world looks magical when it’s all frosty and snowy. The downside is that the cold air plays havoc with skin, drying and damaging any exposed skin for more than a few minutes. And even when you’re cozied up inside, the skin takes a beating, with central heating and fire smoke adding to the problem. All isn’t lost, though; there are plenty of things you can do to protect your skin through the cold Winter months, ensuring you look your best.

Cleansing

Keeping skin clean and clear of imperfections has a double whammy of benefits. Dead skin can build up under long Winter clothing, leading to blocked pores and other skin complaints. Regular cleansing removes the build-up leaving skin and pores clear, reducing the chances of blemishes and problems. Secondly, other skincare routines work best with a clean palate, so to speak, making clean, healthy skin ideal for protecting itself.

Moisturization

When skin finds itself in conditions that excessively dry it out, it either reacts by overproducing sebum, its natural oil or becomes cracked and damaged. Choosing a good moisturizer and using it frequently will reduce the damage caused by cold air and central heating. Papaya seed oil skin benefits are included in many products that work beautifully during the cold Winter months. With anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, this oil further benefits sore chapped skin aiding healing.

Humidity

If you’re spending a significant amount of time inside with central heating, reintroduce humidity into the atmosphere. When a room’s air is too dry, it’ll draw water right out of the skin, leaving it dry and irritated. Adding moisture to the air can be as simple as leaving a saucer of water on a radiator (ensuring it won’t get knocked off). Alternatively, you can buy a proper room humidifier, following the manufacturer’s instructions for use and cleaning (after all, you don’t want to introduce mold into the building)

Sunscreen

Think again if you thought you could pack your sunscreen away with the end of summer. Bright sunny Winter days still expose our skin to harmful UV rays. Apply a face-friendly sunscreen as part of your morning moisturizing routine to avoid unnecessary sun damage when out and about. And if you’re indulging in snow sports, make reapplying sunscreen a part of the day because snow is very reflective.

Vitamin D

The combination of short days and heavy clothes makes it very hard to get enough vitamin D for those living outside the tropics. The reason is that vitamin D is produced in the skin during sun exposure. Therefore, taking a vitamin D supplement is essential for avoiding an unpleasant Vitamin D deficiency. Not only will your skin thank you, but your body and mind will also benefit from this vital vitamin.

By taking steps to look after your skin as the cold Winter months draw in, you’ll look and feel well while enjoying to best parts of this chilly season.