How to Keep Skin Moisturized in Winter

I began to prioritize my skincare routine at around 26 or 27 years old, or perhaps even later. However, now that I am in my 30s, I am surprised by how much attention my skin requires during the winter months. Although I have always had a few dry patches, my skin has become significantly drier in the past month. This change made me nervous, so I scheduled an appointment with my dermatologist. She confirmed that my skin was indeed too dry. Although there is no magical solution, I am still on this journey. In this text, I will share what I have been doing to keep my skin moisturized and the positive results I have seen.

Tips for Keeping Skin Moisturized in Winter

To keep my skin hydrated, I need to consider more than just a good skincare routine. My skin became dull and itchy, reacting to almost every product I used. Additionally, I am starting to notice more fine lines. After conducting research, I have discovered effective ways to keep my skin hydrated.

Drink More Water:
Hydration is essential for maintaining the strength, elasticity, and healthy appearance of our skin. While drinking water may not directly hydrate the skin, it is crucial for overall skin health. Water is essential for supporting the body’s overall health processes. Shortage of water can lead to dull skin, headaches, and other health issues. Although I struggle with drinking enough water, I understand its importance and try to make a conscious effort to stay hydrated. Yes, I need to improve. I chose a water bottle with a filter to access tap water easily.

Get A Humidifier
In winter, it is impossible to avoid the cold, and the air is usually dry. Research shows that a humidifier can help. I didn’t consider my skin’s moisture levels before. I assumed my apartment was not dry. I purchased two small humidifiers from Amazon, one for my desk and the other for my nightstand.

Avoid Hot Showers

it is recommended to avoid hot showers. I am guilty of taking 150-degree showers, but it is important to note that hot showers can be detrimental to skin health. After going outside, my skin became black, itchy, and extremely dry. To avoid this, I have learned to skip the burning hot part of my nighttime routine and keep the shower temperature lukewarm.

Look at Your Diet

To improve skin hydration, incorporate foods such as nuts, seeds, avocados, and oily fish into your diet. Additionally, consider adding Omega supplements to your shopping cart. Foods that contain vitamins A, C, and D can also help maintain a healthy skin barrier that locks in moisture. Avoid processed and sugary foods. Simply applying moisturizer is not enough for proper skin hydration.

Learn About Your Products

Do you know the difference between moisturizing and hydrating? I didn’t. Moisturizing locks in moisture in your skin cells using ingredients like hyaluronic acid, ceramide, shea butter, and petroleum jelly. These ingredients help repair the skin barrier and prevent water loss. However, to keep your skin hydrated, you need to penetrate the skin barrier. Hydration makes your skin cells plump up.

A few weeks ago, I woke up with tight, itchy, and spotty skin. It felt like I had a sunburn on my face. I knew this was not a good sign, so I immediately went to my skincare routine. My skin immediately began to react to each product, and I noticed no smooth or healthy sheen. When I Googled whether dry skin causes increased redness, I found that it does. So, by keeping your skin hydrated, you can reduce inflammation, unless you have other conditions.

After making an appointment with a dermatologist, I discovered that certain products I have been using are causing my skin to dehydrate. Despite using many moisturizers, overusing ingredients like hydroxy acid and retinol/retinoids always leads to dehydration. I have stopped using them completely in the past few weeks, but now I am learning how to find the perfect balance because I love the benefits that certain acids and retinols have on my skin.

Hyaluronic acid is a crucial ingredient known for its excellent moisturizing properties. It can hold up to a thousand times its weight in water. My dermatologist recommended glycerin, a natural moisturizer, as well as ceramide and nicotinamide to help my skin retain moisture. Therefore, I am searching for products that contain these ingredients. The last product I used was squalane. I mixed a few drops into my moisturizer and found that it helped lock moisture into the skin instead of letting it evaporate on the surface.

This is what I use to keep my skin hydrated after my dermatologist appointment: