3 Smart Ways to Make Your Skin Glow, Even in Harsh Winter Air
Cold, dry winter air can wreak havoc on your skin. Combine this with the dry air in many buildings that are heated, and you’ve got a deadly combination when it comes to maintaining soft, glowing skin.
That said, there are several concrete actions you can take to stay dewy and beautiful this and every winter.
- Use a humidifier
If you spend 6-10 hours a night in a heated bedroom in the wintertime (depending on how much sleep you get), you should get a humidifier. Humidifiers can significantly improve your skin’s elasticity and overall health, because they re-moisturize the air with humidity that is sucked out of it by strong radiators.
If you’re really concerned about dryness in the air, consider getting two humidifiers – one for home, one for the office. Prioritize the home one, though, because nighttime is when your skin naturally rejuvenates itself.
- Apply moisturizer directly after showering, and exfoliate once a week
When you apply a moisturizing lotion right after taking a shower, you seal in the moisture – basically you give your skin a boost by keeping it moisturized for longer. The best natural moisturizers are those that are plant-based, such as coconut oil, cocoa butter, jojoba, or aloe vera. They also create a protective layer over your skin, keeping “bad” things like free radicals out.
Be sure to use a face scrub once a week, as well, since moisturizers work better on clean, recently exfoliated skin. You can pick up simple, eco-friendly options at most stores, or make your own DIY sugar face scrub.
Bonus fact: your skin will dry out less if you use lukewarm water to wash with, rather than scalding hot. It can feel delicious to take an extra-hot shower in wintertime, but consider going with lukewarm water, especially towards the end of bathtime.
- Take fish oil supplements
Fish oil is rich in both Omega-3s as well as vitamin D, which is often lacking for those who spend the majority of their time indoors in the wintertime. Thus taking fish oil helps your skin (as well as your hair, nails and bones), while also keeping you cheerful and motivated in the long, dark winter months.
“Taking any kind of fish oil is like putting oil in your engine to run smoothly,” says facialist and skincare creator Ildi Pekar. “Fish oil is great for your heart and health but especially your skin.” In addition to helping skin glow, it reduces acne and wards off wrinkles.
