9 Ways to Hydrate Your Skin
Winter can be really tough on your skin. Battling the cold winds can strip your skin of all its moisture, and unfortunately, staying indoors isn’t the answer either, as central heating exacerbates the problem by stripping moisture from the air and your skin. Dry skin isn’t just uncomfortable, it can also crack and bleed, making the colder months even more difficult.
Maintaining your skin’s moisture levels is a challenge, but not impossible during these colder days. Extra moisture is needed. Here, we show you 9 ways to keep your skin hydrated this winter and prevent cracked, sore skin!
1) Drink
Because drinking enough fluids in the winter is something no one is paying attention to. When the temperatures drop, we’re more likely to reach for hot drinks like tea or hot chocolate. If the thought of drinking cold water sends shivers down your already shivering spine, try warm water and lemon instead. It’s surprisingly refreshing and deeply hydrating. You can even try adding a teaspoon of honey to ward off colds and coughs!
2) Exfoliate
Admittedly, exfoliation is more commonly associated with the warmer months as a way to remove any leftover tanning agent or sunscreen residue. During the winter, we seem to neglect exfoliation when it’s most needed, as dead skin cells build up and moisturizers have a hard time penetrating the skin. Using a body wash with extra exfoliants is a quick and easy way to help your skin and can be used daily.
3) Warm Water
You rush home in the freezing rain, dreaming of a hot bath. Yes, it feels wonderful, but it’s not the best decision for your skin. The temperature of the shower strips away the oils in your skin, causing it to become very dry and tight. Instead, try using warm water when showering or even washing your hands to keep your skin comfortable.
4) Choose Your Products
Moisturizing your skin every day is a great way to keep it hydrated and prevent dryness. However, choosing your products wisely can also work to your advantage in the long run, as some moisturizers contain multiple ingredients that can dry out the skin over time. The best formulas are filled with natural and nourishing ingredients. Using oil-based products instead of water is another aspect to consider, as oils moisturize the skin more effectively than water-based moisturizers. You can also consider using a hydrating mask with a generous amount of serum.
5) Moisturize daily and often
After a shower, your skin needs to be moisturized immediately before it starts to dry out. An easy way to ensure your skin stays hydrated is to apply moisturizer while the skin is still damp. This locks in moisture.
6) Protection
We protect our skin from the cold by wearing gloves, hats and scarves, but we always forget about sunscreen. Although the sun is no longer as harsh in the winter, it is still there and just as strong as ever. Even on cloudy days, it is best to apply sunscreen or use a moisturizer with an SPF. This will not only protect us from possible sun damage, but also prevent dry skin and possible cracking.
7) Nighttime Moisturizer
It’s not just your face that needs extra moisturizing during the colder months. Areas like the hands, feet, elbows and knees dry out faster because the skin is thinner in these areas. Applying a thick moisturizer to these areas will help a lot, and for extra help, you can try wearing cotton gloves and socks while sleeping and wake up with perfectly hydrated skin!
8) Moisturize from the Inside Out
Moisturizing your skin from the inside is easier than you think. Eating water-rich foods like cucumbers and watermelon can help moisturize your skin from the inside. Other foods like oily fish and avocados, which are naturally rich in fatty acids, are also good for your skin, helping to moisturize and improve the appearance of your skin, giving it a healthy glow.
9) Make Your Own
The last idea is the most time-consuming, mainly because you have to follow a recipe and make a homemade mask, but it’s definitely worth it. Mix ingredients that are naturally high in moisture, like honey, yogurt, avocado, banana, and aloe vera, then apply the mixture to your skin for 10 to 30 minutes. This will leave your skin hydrated and feeling very comfortable and moisturized, ready to face the daily frost!
It’s important to keep your skin healthy and hydrated this winter. By following these nine tips, you’ll have more than enough options to achieve healthy, balanced skin. Before you know it, spring is here!
DQH Can I use salicylic acid first and then vitamin C?
It’s easy to create a skincare routine, but knowing how to use it is another thing entirely. In most cases, if you’re not getting the desired skin results, it could be due to the layering of conflicting ingredients. So, is it possible that salicylic acid and vitamin C are such ingredients? Or are these active ingredients the duo that’s been missing from your skincare routine? If you want answers, stick around because today we are going to explain the benefits of salicylic acid and vitamin C and how they can be used in your daily life.
What are the benefits of salicylic acid for skin?
Salicylic acid is one of the most commonly used beta hydroxy acids and is favored by many people with oily, acne-prone skin. This acid is derived from willow bark, and unlike its water-soluble relatives (called alpha-hydroxy acids), salicylic acid is oil-soluble, which means it can penetrate deeper into the lower layers of the skin. Once it reaches the lower layers, it can help unclog pores of excess sebum, dirt, bacteria, debris, and impurities. This results in clearer skin tones and greater definition.
Not only does salicylic acid benefit the underlying layers, but the outer surface of the skin benefits as well. When applied to the skin, salicylic acid removes the buildup of dead skin cells. This is accomplished by breaking the bonds that hold dead cells to the surface. Over time, this can cause the complexion to look dull and prone to acne, blackheads, and other blemishes.
If you’d like to learn more about salicylic acid and how it can improve your skin, check out this dedicated blog post from a beauty insider.
What are the benefits of vitamin C for skin?
Vitamin C is considered one of the most powerful antioxidants, which means it is very effective at fighting free radicals and preventing them from causing further skin damage. Examples of free radicals include pollution, central heating, UV rays and harsh climate. They attack proteins, fats and cell membranes as soon as they come into contact with the skin, causing signs of premature aging such as fine lines and wrinkles as well as hyperpigmentation, flaky patches of skin and loss of elasticity.
Many people usually prefer to use vitamin C in their morning routine as this ingredient gives the complexion a radiant glow. You’ll also find that vitamin C can target areas of hyperpigmentation, plumping the skin and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
The thing about vitamin C is that there are a lot of outdated studies going back to the 1950s that describe vitamin C as an unstable skin component. Thanks to improvements in modern technology, this is no longer the case as all products now contain a stable form of vitamin C.
Visit The Beauty Insider to learn more about vitamin C. So please check out our blog post.
Can I use salicylic acid first and then vitamin C?
Yes, you absolutely can. In fact, it’s thought that using salicylic acid before using vitamin C ensures it penetrates faster and works faster.
This is an efficient way to utilize two power sources, and the reason has to do with pH. For example, the skin’s natural pH is about 4.7, making it slightly acidic. Salicylic acid and vitamin C are also both acidic, and you’ll find that vitamin C is absorbed quickly into the skin. Therefore, using salicylic acid beforehand can increase the acidity of the skin and allow vitamin C to penetrate into the skin faster.
While this is considered an effective way to combine two powerful ingredients, you need to be aware of your skin type and how it reacts to certain active ingredients. Even people with perfect, normal skin can experience skin sensitivity and irritation. Therefore, always consult a doctor or dermatologist before using any new products on your skin.
It’s also important to follow skin application rules. In this case, you need to use the product correctly to ensure you get the best results for your skin. If you’re not sure what I mean, the basic rule for skin is to start with the thinnest consistency and work your way up to the thickest consistency. This prevents a barrier from forming on the surface, preventing other active ingredients from penetrating the skin.
Can I use salicylic acid at night and vitamin C in the morning?
Yes, absolutely, this is considered the most effective way to get returns without any adverse side effects. This is because there is enough time between applications to ensure that the skin’s pH levels return to balance.
You’ll also find that Vitamin C is rich in antioxidants and is perfect for use in the morning to ensure your skin is protected and looking its healthiest. Due to the small size of salicylic acid molecules, it is an acid that is able to reach the deepest parts of the skin. While this is effective at keeping skin clear, it also increases the risk of irritation and photosensitivity. Therefore, many people prefer to use powerful BHAs in their evening routine without exposure to UV rays, pollution, or harsh weather.
Warning: If you avoid using sunscreen every day, none of these ingredients will do what your skin needs. The combination of chemical peels and powerful ingredients increases the risk of further damage to the skin’s surface. Use SPF 50 every day to keep your skin protected and your lipid barrier healthy, even on cloudy days, keeping your skin in top condition.
