COLUMN: Walking in a winter wonderland can wreak havoc on your hands
With winter in full swing and summer nowhere in sight, spring semester is far from, well, spring. Blizzards have been wreaking havoc across the east coast and frigid temperatures have made a comeback in Logan. Canyon winds, icy sidewalks and red-air days have once again made trudging across campus a feat.
Hiding under all that clothing, its easy to forget about skin care. Out of sight, out of mind, right? However, maintaining healthy, luminous skin is not only simple, but also important. Despite the lack of sunlight, your skin can still get UV damage, which can lead to sunburns, cancer and wrinkles.
Hands, cuticles and lips are the most prone to damage due to the cold, dry air. These winter skin care tips will help you look your best throughout the winter months by keeping your skin moisturized and protected.
– Don’t say goodbye to your sunscreen! Just because you can’t feel the sun doesn’t mean it’s not there. Before you leave your house, apply sunscreen and facial moisturizer with an SPF of 20 or more. This will protect your skin from both the cold and the sun.
– Always carry a lip balm with you. In cold weather, lips can easily dry and crack. Make sure your lip balm has SPF and natural ingredients, such as beeswax, olive and almond oils. Natural scents and ingredients will be less likely to irritate already damaged skin.
– Exfoliate weekly with a gentle scrubbing cleanser. This will help get rid of dead skin cells and keep your skin healthy, fresh, and soft. Dab (don’t rub) your face with a soft towel and always follow up with an SPF moisturizer.
– Avoid harsh peels, masks and alcohol-based astringents, which can strip natural oils from your skin. Instead, use a mild foaming cleanser and masks that are hydrating, rather than clay-based, which tend to draw moisture from your skin.
– Keep lotions with hydrating ingredients in your backpack, car and near sinks. It will make it easier to apply throughout the day. Because cuticles can often crack and bleed with cold winter air, be sure to give them extra attention. Wearing gloves will also help hands stay protected and moisturized.
– Add a little blush or bronzer to your makeup routine. It will perk up dry, dull skin and make it look fresh and glowing. Because it’s natural to be a little pale during winter, always go one shade lighter. You want to look natural, not clownish.
– Drink lots of water! Coffee is great on a cold winter morning, but it can also dehydrate you. Skip the morning coffee a couple days a week, and sip on herbal tea instead. Skip the soda during lunch and carry a water bottle instead. You’ll feel healthier, and your skin will benefit.
– Pay attention to your diet. Winter can make you go into hibernation mode and crave fatty foods, which can wreak havoc on your skin. Make sure to add some antioxidants, omega-3’s and fruits to your winter diet. All of these will help keep your skin and your body healthy.
– Invest in a humidifier. Central heating constantly blasts dry air, which is harsh on skin. A humidifier will help distribute moisture into the air and keeping your skin from feeling dry.
– Stay away from super-hot showers. While it may seem like a good idea, hot showers can actually dry out your skin by stripping it from its natural oils. Keep the water temperature lukewarm, and your time in the shower short. Adding oatmeal and moisturizing bath oils to your bath are also great ways to quench thirsty skin.
One of the most important things to keep in mind, is that you need to change skin products with the seasons. Your skin needs a lot more moisture in winter than in summer. When buying skin products it’s not only important to know your skin type, but also the difference between products.
Lotions are lightweight and best for people with normal to slightly dry skin. Balms and creams are thicker than lotions and ideal for people with dry skin. Gels are ideal for individuals with oily skin and are great to use on your face. If you are acne-prone, look for oil-free products which won’t clog your pores. Before you invest in a moisturizer or lotion make sure to read the ingredients. Plant oils, mineral oils, shea butter, cocoa butter and lanolin will all help retain moisture.
Although it seems as though winter is here to stay, at least for a little longer, don’t let the frigid weather get you down. Battle the signs of winter damage and get ready for the skin-bearing styles of summer. Healthy-looking skin never goes out of style.
– jimena.h@aggiemail.usu.edu