Harsh weather conditions during the cold season don’t mean you have to relegate yourself to the dungeon of dry winter skin. By making some mindful changes, you can maintain radiant skin even through the most unforgiving times of the year. In this article, you’ll discover how to keep your skin healthy and hydrated in winter. 

There’s not much better than a hot shower on a cold morning. Or turning that thermostat way up to knock off that pesky winter chill. However, do it too often and it could wreak havoc on your skin. 

Hot showers and thermostats over 75 degrees sap the moisture from your skin, leaving you feeling dry. Your body has natural protective oils that lubricate your skin in the winter. Taking scalding showers washes away these oils leaving your skin prone to increased dryness. You may have noticed that constant hand washing in very hot water also leaves your skin feeling uncomfortably dry and painful.

Try warm water slightly above body temperature to avoid unknowingly taxing your skin when it comes to showers and sinks.

Likewise, try to keep your thermostat below 75 degrees to avoid excessive dryness. 

The most apparent advice people get regarding skin health is to drink more water. And while that is still good advice, it’s not the entire story. 

The foods you put in your body directly relate to how fast your body and skin age. Improperly nourished skin doesn’t have the building blocks to remain supple and springy-looking. That’s why a balanced diet is so important, especially as you get older. 

Some foods you can add to your diet today include those rich in omega-3 fatty acids and vitamins E and C.

Omega-3’s, like those in salmon and mackerel, help reduce inflammation and dry skin and prevent hyperpigmentation and skin cancer development. Omega-3’s also help fortify your skin against the sun’s harmful UV rays. 

Vitamin E is also great for protecting skin against the damaging effects of free radicals and inflammation. You’ll find vitamin E in plant-based sources like nuts, seeds, fruits, and veggies. Some examples are almonds, spinach, mango, and avocado.

Jumping on the vitamin train is vitamin C. Vitamin C is a necessary building block for collagen, which helps your skin remain youthful and firm looking. Plus, vitamin E needs vitamin C to work effectively in the body. 

Try these easy recipes today for a boost of skin-healthy foods during the wintertime:

• Pineapple mango avocado smoothie
• Yummy almond citrus salad
• Spinach salad with toasted pine nut

Finally, to maintain smooth, non-scaley skin in the winter, you’re going to have to change some habits. For example, you may need to use sunscreen, thicker skin balms, hydration treatments, and avoid some ingredients altogether. 

Sunscreen is not just for summer sports. You’ll need that bad boy for those cold days running from warm building to warm car. Though it’s wintertime, harmful UV rays still cause damage to your skin. Try SPF 35 as a minimum for winter. Keep in mind if you ski or spend lots of time in the winter sun, you’ll need to opt for a stronger formula.

A good rule of thumb is to moisturize your skin while it’s still moist. Slathering on a lotion while your skin is still supple after a shower is a great way to retain the added moisture. Reach for thicker formulas containing emollients, which help to soften and soothe dry skin. Wrap your hands and feet in a plastic bag and cover with a sock overnight for a more intense treatment. 

You’ll want to avoid humectants depending on your environment. 

Some examples of humectants are:

• Honey
• Glycerin
• Hyaluronic acid
• Aloe vera

 While they can be excellent for skin, on their own humectants work by drawing moisture from one source and adding it to others. This means if you have more moisture on your skin than in the air, a humectant will draw the moisture away from your skin and vice versa. 

When it comes to keeping your skin moist, radiant, and supple in the winter months, you’ll need all hands on deck. Extreme temperatures require you to be prepared with the right food and habits for your body, inside and out. Discover more ways to take care of your body, mind, and spirit during the winter in our article Tips to beat the winter blues.