Carol Combs
I absolutely love this season. But with everything good brings comes some disadvantages. Along with the soothing breeze and crisp weather, it also brings specific skin problems. Most people tend to experience hardness, roughness and irritation of the skin during fall and winter. Cases of itchy skins due to contact allergies and dryness also tend to increase. In addition, the drop in humidity plus the use of heaters also causes drying out of the skin.
To help you reduce these problems and keep your skin comfortable and healthy during this season follow these 10 expert fall skincare tips:
- Hydrate
Most people tend to reduce their water intake during winter, what they do not know is that it is very important to drink lots of water during this season. Take a bottle of water every time you go out. Herbal tea is a very good example of fall skin care products that can help you hydrate from within. Drink more water and your skin will definitely retain or improve its shine.
- Avoid irritants and allergens
If you have psoriasis, dermatitis or eczema, try to avoid irritants and allergens that can cause a flare up. Winter skin is usually very feeble, so avoid chemical laden detergents and irritating fabrics. Instead use mild moisturizers and cleansers designed specifically for sensitive skin.
- Use DIY masks
Another important tip on how to take care of your skin in the fall is use of DIY masks. Go for natural moisturizing ingredients like bananas, aloe, almond oil, olive, honey and yogurt. Blend what you like together to create a paste or cream and then leave it on your skin for about 20 minutes for a lasting hydration session.
- Go for a good quality moisturizer
This is one of the most important aspects of an effective winter skin care routine. A good quality moisturizer will rejuvenate your skin with important lipids which in turn will restore hydration .In addition when buying a moisturizer, go for one with vitamin E. They are rich in antioxidants which will help your skin fight against environmental aggressors like pollution. Another important ingredient that you should look for in your winter skin care products is hyaluronic acid. This is a very powerful moisturizer that is extremely hydrating and ultra-lightweight.
- Hydrate from Inside out
Take foods that are high in water. They will help you hydrate from inside out which is good for your skin during winter. Carrots, watermelon, oranges and apples are good examples of such foods. Also ensure that you are getting sufficient zinc and vitamin C to support production of elastin and collagen.
- Moisturize Overnight
Areas such as the knees, elbow, feet and hands tend to dry more faster than other areas of the body. So consider slathering at night then wear socks and cotton to seal the moisture till morning.
- Stick to Lukewarm Water
Fall is the time when the body particularly the skin needs maximum attention. Although the idea of bathing with hot water might be very tempting, stick to lukewarm water. Also, make sure you use a moisturizing soap or a mild –non drying soap to help prevent the skin from getting itchy and dry.
- Avoid the Three Destroyers
Avoid the three main skin destroyers: Sunbathing, tanning salons and smoking. These three will destroy your epidermis very prematurely.
- Humidify
Because most heating systems dry out the air, consider installing a humidifier in your house, especially your bedroom. This will bring moisture back into the air and will prevent the skin from drying out.
- Protect
Always wear scarves and gloves to protect your skin from snow, rain and cold winds. In addition, don’t forget your sunscreen. Winter sun is just as dangerous as summer sun. So go for a safe option like titanium dioxide, or zinc oxide and apply to those exposed areas.
Having said that, a clear, beautiful and healthy skin during winter starts with a good fall skin care routine. The small and smart choices that you make now are what will add up and pay off eventually. Although having a skin care routine can be daunting, winter skincare is of the utmost importance. Your hassle will definitely pay off particularly when the weather is at its bleakest. These 10 winter beauty tips will make a huge difference if you follow them devotedly.