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How to Maintain Healthy-Looking Skin

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Learn 4 ways to support healthy-looking skin this winter.

Winter months are the perfect time to remind us to take better care of our body’s largest organ. The colder months are known to wreak havoc on our skin, but you don’t have to lie down and take it, nor should you! Putting in just a little effort can have a major impact on how your skin looks and feels. It can even help you feel healthier and look younger, for longer!

4 Bad Skin Habits and What to Do Instead

01. Skipping Sunscreen in the Winter

Just because you’re not hitting the beach, doesn’t mean your skin doesn’t need protection from the sun. Harsh and skin damaging UVA and UVB rays are present from the sun year-round, not just during bathing suit weather. Not only can unprotected sun exposure prematurely age your skin, but it puts you at a higher risk of developing skin diseases, including skin cancer.

Try This: Apply an all-natural sunscreen with at least a 30 SPF every day before you go outside. Make sure it covers all exposed areas including the face, neck and hands. If you’ll be outside throughout the day, reapply every two hours.

02. Bump Up Your Moisturizer

It’s no secret that freezing wind chills, dry air and indoor heating can zap the moisture right out of your delicate skin. It’s especially tough on your face, which sees the most exposure. Simply applying the same old moisturizer you used during the summer isn’t going to cut it now that the colder weather is here. Switch out your face moisturizer for thicker creams that provide intense hydration and protection.

Try This: Look for thicker creams that really pack in the moisture, such as this Hydrating Day Cream from Derma E. This option contains hyaluronic acid, which is really effective for helping the skin retain it’s natural moisture. This brand also comes in a night cream for the ultimate, round-the-clock hydration!

03. Over-Exfoliating

Scrubbing off that flaky dry skin might seem like a good idea, but you may be doing more harm than good. When your skin starts to dry out, it’s already vulnerable. What it really needs to moisture and time to heal, not the opposite. Over-exfoliating can damage the skin’s natural moisture barrier, preventing it from retaining moisture, and in turn, making your dry skin worse. 

Try This: During the colder months, opt for a gentle cleansing bar soap, such as this Pure Olive Oil Soap from Kiss My Face, or a gentle all-natural body wash. Follow up immediately after your shower with a moisture rich body lotion.

04. Turn Down the Heat

This might not be an option in your home, but at least try to keep your shower temperature lukewarm at best. Long hot showers are notorious for stripping the skin of its natural moisture, leaving your skin dry and more vulnerable in the colder months.

Try This: Try to limit your showers to 10 minutes or less. If you feel that you really need a good soaking, try a bath instead using a moisturizing bubble bath. After your shower or bath, follow up with a replenishing body oil, such as Hydrating Body & Beauty Oil by Weleda.

Other trusted natural skin care brands we love are Andalou Naturals and Alba Botanica. Find the brand that’s right for you, and start your healthy winter healthy skin care routine today!

Maintaining healthy, hydrated skin during the colder months (and year-round) isn’t hard if you think ahead. Now is the time to take a look at the products you’re currently using and ask yourself if they are right for your winter skin.

What tips do you have for maintaining healthy winter skin? Tell us in the comments below!