Most of us find that our skin dries out as soon as the temperature starts to drop. Harsh winds, cold temperatures, and a lack of sunlight contribute to dry skin, red, sore spots, and flakes. Then, as if that wasn’t bad enough, an increase in comfort foods and indulging in more alcohol over the new year and on those cozy nights at home can lead to breakouts and oily patches. Winter is hard on our skin, and you might be keen to balance things out and give your complexion some extra TLC.
But, we haven’t all got the time to spend hours in front of the mirror every morning or an hour in the evenings bathing, exfoliating, moisturizing, and enjoying a deep cleansing face mask. You might worry that you haven’t got the time to give your face the TLC that it needs to get it feeling soft and supple, and looking youthful and bright, whatever the weather.
The good news is, you don’t need to commit hours to healthy winter skin. With the right choices, good use of your time, and the best products, your skin can be soft and healthy all year round. Here’s a look at some of the best winter skin care tips for busy women.
Keep Clean
One of the best things you can do for your skin in winter is to keep it clean. Make sure you are washing in warm water twice a day, avoiding any harsh chemicals. If you exercise, washing your face as soon as you get in can prevent sweat from entering your pores and causing blackheads.
You should also make sure you wash your pillowcases and any scarves that touch your face regularly, as they carry and spread bacteria.
Take Your Makeup Off
There’s nothing wrong with wearing makeup in the winter. But, you might want to be more careful about what you are wearing and how long you are wearing it for. Stick to brands that you know, and avoid too many chemicals or different ingredients. Use a primer to protect your skin and minimize pores, and have full days off when you can.
When you get in from work, take your makeup off using a mild cleanser or micellar water to give your skin a break before bed.
Keep Brushes and Sponges Clean
Makeup brushes and sponges are dragged over our faces every day, often multiple times a day. They attract bacteria and give it a place to grow. Then, the next day, we pull this bacteria-filled sponge over our skin once more.
Clean brushes and sponges at least once a week to minimize the spread of this bacteria, which can lead to breakouts, and even dangerous infections.
Get Some Exercise
Exercise boosts your circulation and improves your skin tone. It also reduces stress, helps you sleep, and often means that you can work more productively. Freeing up time, as well as helping you fight off winter skin damage. Even when you are short on time, try to go for a walk outside every day.
Use Multi-Taskers
You might not think that you’ve got time for cleansers, toners, serum, oil, moisturizers, primers, base, powder, and all of the other products that the professionals recommend to improve your skin this winter. Fortunately, you don’t need a single product for everything.
There are many fantastic multi-taskers on the market. Look for a two-in-one cleanser and toner, and use makeup products that do more than one thing. Then prioritize the things you like, or need the most, instead of feeling as though you have to use absolutely everything.
Schedule Indulgence
If you are too busy to do more than the bare minimum on a daily basis, schedule a weekly indulgence session. Spend an hour at the weekend indulging in face masks, deep moisturization, a soothing bath, and other pampering treatments. You could even book the occasional day at the spa. This won’t just help your skin. It will also help you to reduce stress and tension.
Prioritize Moisturization
If you are tired and barely have the energy to take your makeup off, make sure you at the very least, apply a light moisturizer before bed. When your skin is dry and sore, it needs this more than anything.
Apply the same logic in the mornings, skip a layer of makeup as long as you make the time for a light, non-oily day cream. Mix this with your usual foundation for a light, time-saving coverage and an even base.
Use a Light Exfoliator
Exfoliating removes dead skin cells, boosts circulation, and helps to unclog pores. But, in the winter, your skin is too tender to exfoliate regularly without causing further damage. Use a light exfoliator once a week on your face and a gentle bamboo body brush on other areas of your body. You can do this in the shower to save time.
Don’t Forget Your Hands and Lips
It’s not just the skin on your face that suffers during colder weather. Most of us get red, sore hands and dry and chapped lips during the winter season too.
Hydration, gentle balms, and non-irritating glosses and lipsticks are ideal if your lips are very dry, but try to avoid picking at them, or licking them, as this will increase soreness.
When it comes to your hands, using moisturizing soap and a shea butter hand cream can help. Apply hand cream before bed for the best results.
Hydrate
The easiest and fastest thing you can do that will have the best results is simply hydrating. Drinking more water with meals and sipping from a bottle throughout the day will help your skin to stay soft, flake-free, and bright.
Protect Your Skin
In winter, your skin needs protection more than ever. Wear gloves and a scarf when you are outside, and apply sunscreen or makeup with an added SPF to protect your skin from both the winter sun and cold air and winds.
Seek Out A Professional
It can seem almost impossible to get expert advice on your skin when you’re busy. But if you’re facing skin issues that aren’t resolving or have a suspicious mark, it’s time to visit a professional. Seek out a cosmetic dermatologist for a second opinion from someone who knows what they’re talking about.
They can help you work out a better routine for your specific skin type. And can help diagnose any issues you have if you have no idea what’s going on. It’s important to visit a professional sooner rather than later because everything can be treated if it’s caught early.
Conclusion
Taking care of your skin in winter can seem challenging. But, keeping things simple with a few favorite products and good habits is often much easier than you think, even when you are busy. Also, remember to seek professional advice if you have problem skin or an issue that just isn’t resolving. You might be busy, but it pays to take care of your skin correctly.
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