Tips to Keep Skin Hydrated and Glowing During Winter

Yes it’s that time of year, Winter: the season for flaky, dry, cracked skin. We’ve all fallen victim of dry hands, flaky skin, and dull skin and hair. But, not to worry. We have a few tips and tricks for how to get rid of dry, Winter skin.

This article discusses tips and remedies to keeping your skin moisturized, smooth, and glowing this Winter.

1. Moisturize! Moisturize! Moisturize!

Dare we say the tip no one saw coming? Yes, we must admit, while this isn’t groundbreaking news, it is good self-assurance. Moisturizer is key to keeping your skin smooth and happy, any time of year – but it’s not one size fits all. 

While Summer is great for that lightweight gel or water-based moisturizer, we recommend trading it out (like your seasonal wardrobe) for one that’ll keep your skin extra moisturized this cold season. Stash away your lightweight moisturizer for some hibernation and get ready to keep your skin hydrated this Winter.

Key ingredients to look for to lock in and maintain the natural moisture your skin already creates are:

– Vitamin C

– Vitamin E

– Shea Butter

– Oils such as coconut, avocado, hemp, or jojoba

– Botanical extracts such as tea tree extract or grape extract

The most important thing when looking for your Winter moisturizer is that it’s cream-based instead of water or gel-based. Cream-based moisturizers lock in hydration and treat dry, flaky skin much more effectively. That said, be sure to find a moisturizer with ingredients that are intended for your skin type.

2. Add Hydration: Moisturize vs. Hydrate

Isn’t moisturizing and hydrating the same thing? 

While there are many ingredients that prove to be moisturizing, hydrating is something entirely different! The key to surviving cracked, dry flaky skin is to moisturize – maintaining the moisture the skin already has by restoring dry skin – while hydrating increases your skin’s water content to add extra moisture and maintain that dewy, glow.

Get those Winter layers going by adding a hydrating product underneath your cream-based moisturizer. 

Key ingredients to look for in a hydrator are:

– Hyaluronic Acid 

– Glycerin 

– Lactic Acid

– Citric Acid

– Aloe Vera

– Honey

3. Add a Mask to Your Skincare Routine

We’ll have to admit, we’re pretty big advocates for self-love, and nothing says “I love myself” quite like a nice hydrating mask.

Take your list of ingredient must-haves while you’re stocking up on moisturizers and hydration newbies for your skincare routine, and throw in a mask (or a few) to transform your skin even more – not to mention, masks are the ultimate quick-fix of luxury you can look forward to. 

4. Drink Plenty of Water

One of the most crucial and easiest skincare practices is to drink plenty of water throughout the day. 

During the Winter season, be sure to follow this ritual to maintain your skin’s hydration. Your dermatologist wasn’t kidding when they said to drink water to improve your skin.

5. Add Collagen Supplements

We’ve talked about a few tips to maintain your skin this Winter with topicals, but up your skincare game by adding collagen supplements to your diet, like Wholy Dose collagen supplements. 

Collagen is your body’s most abundant source of protein and declines each year . This decline in collagen levels leads to dry, dull skin and can increase wrinkles and fine lines. 

Science shows by taking collagen supplements, you can replenish your body with necessary amino acids to build connective cells and tissue for healthy, youthful, hydrated skin. Since consuming collagen locks in your skin’s hydration, this can give you a natural glow during the harsh winter conditions.

Consider Wholy Dose collagen supplements, which are doctor recommended, clean, and contain clinically-proven ingredients so you know they work.

6. Don't Over Exfoliate

If an exfoliator isn’t part of your skincare routine, chances are your skin isn’t reaching its full potential. While exfoliating comes with many great benefits, over-exfoliating can make your skin dry and lose its glow. Instead, limit this by exfoliating your skin once or twice a week and be sure to moisturize right after.

7. Keep Moisture in the Air

You should keep your skin and air moisturized? Yes!

To prevent dryness, use a humidifier to keep your air moisturized, which can, in turn, help keep your skin more hydrated. This is especially helpful while you’re sleeping, so be sure to turn on that humidifier before catching some zzz’s.

8. Never Leave the House Empty-Handed

As with many things when it comes to skincare, consistency is key! 

Like our travel-friendly Beauty Superfood Powder Packets, most essentials nowadays come in a convenient grab-and-go sized product. Grab a few extra travel-sized lotions and lip balms to put in your bag, at your desk, or in your pocket – wherever it is, make sure it can be easily accessible for when you need it to fight dry skin one application at a time. 

*Tip: Keep hand cream on you at all times, especially after washing your hands to maintain soft, moisturized hands.