As winter sets in and the days grow colder, the dry air and windy conditions can make it hard for skin to remain soft and supple. However, you can fight cracked, dry winter skin using a few easy, homemade solutions; take a look at these 8 tips and tricks for maintaining your summer glow well into winter!
- Olive Oil
The antioxidants present in olive oil help reduce the effects of wrinkling or sun spots, as well as irritated or inflamed skin. To use, simply apply the oil to any dry patches of skin using cotton balls, and leave on for several minutes before rinsing off.
- A Warm Shower
Avoiding excessive heat is key to maintaining healthy skin; water that is too hot strips the skin of its natural oils, which moisturize and protect the skin. Make sure that you take warm, not hot, showers, and also keep your shower time as short as possible; moisturize your skin afterwards.
- Honey
Honey has essential softening and hydrating properties, and helps relieve symptoms of dry, flaky skin. Like olive oil, it can be applied directly to areas of your skin that are dry or irritated; leave it on for several minutes before rinsing.
- The “Glove Trick”
One way to target dryness on your hands is to try this trick before going to bed, moisturize your hands using lotion or Vaseline, then slip on a pair of gloves, and keep them on for the night. When you wake up in the morning, you will find that your hands are noticeably softer!
- Dressing in Layers
Since one of the causes of chapped skin in winter is wind, dressing in layers (and making sure that as much of your skin as possible is covered) can help prevent dry skin. To combat chapped lips, wear a protective lip balm with at least SPF 15 sunscreen.
- Coconut Oil
Like olive oil, coconut oil contains essential antioxidants that moisturize the skin and protect against wrinkling and dryness. It can also be applied directly to problem areas, and leaves skin smelling great!
- Pumpkin Puré
The vitamin A in this ingredient protects the skin against damage from ultraviolet (UV) rays, while the vitamin C and zinc prevent wrinkling and moisturize your skin. You can apply it directly to your face, letting it sit for 20 minutes before rinsing off, or combine it with bananas and yogurt in a facial mask.
- Aloe
This classic cure for numerous skin ailments can be grown directly as a houseplant; when you need to use the restorative gel, simply cut off one of the aloe “leaves” and squeeze the gel onto any afflicted areas! You will immediately start to feel the soothing and hydrating effects of the aloe gel.