Beating Dry Winter Skin

Katherine Huether
It's winter and the air is dry and cold. However, this doesn't mean that your skin needs to suffer. Yes, there is less moisture in the air. But all you need to do is learn how to best care for your skin from the inside out.

Drink plenty of water. Yes, lack of water in your body can affect your skin. When you are dehydrated, even just mildly, it makes your skin look drawn and haggard, not to mention dry and flaky. Do you want your skin to look moist and supple? A great place to start is to make sure you drink at least eight cups of water a day.

Use a heavier moisturizer. If drinking water isn't helping, try finding a heavy moisturizer product. In the summer you can get away with using a moisturizer that is more water-based. In winter, this may not be enough. Even if you have oily skin you can still find a more substantial moisturizer that won't irritate your skin that is suitable for winter wear. Visit your local cosmetics counter or drug store and ask an expert for help. When you make the switch, just make sure you are purchasing a moisturizer that is compatible with your skin type.

Don't forget sunscreen. Yes, you still need to use sunscreen, especially on your face, in the winter. The sun's glare off the snow makes sun exposure a particular problem, especially when doing outdoor sports. Try to find a sunscreen suitable for your eye area, as well. In the snow, glare can still get up through the bottom of your sunglasses and give you sunburned eyelids. Trust me- a sunburn on your eyelids is incredibly painful. Besides, the sun can be drying.

Skin care steps. Make sure you are following the basic steps of essential skin care. These include cleaning your skin, moisturizing it, and exfoliating it. There are so many products on the market that it may take a while to find the ones that are best for your skin type and for the winter air. You may need to try a few products before you find the combinations that are right for your skin.

Get a facial. Getting a facial is great for your skin. Experts can analyze your skin and guide you. They not only give you a great beauty treatment, but they can suggest products and give you advice on the proper diet and skin care routine to help keep your skin healthy in the winter. A professional treatment can help make your skin smooth and supple so you can care for your skin in between appointments. Get a facial at the beginning of winter, and every month after that if you have the funds.


Published by Katherine Huether

I am a freelance writer and have a BA in English from the University of New Hampshire. I also have a Diploma in Herbal Studies from the American College of Health Sciences. In addition, I have extensive lang...  View profile

  • Drink plenty of water for healthy skin.
  • Get a professional facial to keep skin smooth and supple.
  • You may need to change moisturizers once winter hits.

To comment, please sign in to your Yahoo! account, or sign up for a new account.