12 Steps for Dry Winter Skin: Moisturizing and Protecting the Largest Organ

It's that time of year again; we're feeling cozy and comfortable while running around with scarves on our necks and gloves on our hands. What we're not feeling, however, is cozy and comfortable.

The dry winter air can make skin feel itchy and uncomfortable. This may be due to the cold weather or dry heat indoors. The itchiness can be caused by dry skin or even allergic reactions to the cold - your skin will need some extra TLC this season! Moisturizing is one of the most important things for this season to keep skin healthy and stretch it out so it doesn't feel tight or itchy.

Here are 12 steps for how to properly moisturize and retain skin moisture from head to toe:

Tip 1: Stay Hydrated!

Hey there, friend! I know it's hard to stay hydrated when the weather is cold and dry. And who could forget about all those over-priced bottles of water when you're out and about?

Well, I found some ways that helped me keep my skin moist in the wintertime. One is simply carrying around a portable water bottle with me wherever I go. This is super helpful if you're like me and tend to forget to drink water throughout the day (am I right?).

The other trick is trying different flavored drinks like tea or deliciously sweetened water. If you need something more than just plain ol' H2O in your life, try soup for one of your meals. That might sound a little daunting in the winter, but it's really not that bad! Soups are super filling and come in all sorts of flavors. Plus, they help you stay warm from the inside out.

Tip 2: Use a Humidifier at Night.

Humidifiers can also be really helpful for your skin in the winter! They add moisture back into the air, which helps keep your skin hydrated. The skin's moisture is retained.

Another way to help keep moisture in is by using a humidifier at night while you sleep. This will add some much-needed moisture back into the air and your skin! If you have extremely dry skin, you might want to consider using a humidifier all day long instead of just at night. This will help keep your skin hydrated throughout the day.

Tip 3: Use Moisturizer.

One way of keeping it healthy is by using an occlusive moisturizer. It may feel like you're putting on an extra layer but trust me when I say you'll be thankful in the long run! Occlusive moisturizers trap moisture in the skin to ensure it doesn't escape. This will make your skin stay moist, plump, and hydrated for hours on end. Not only is this great for the wintertime but it's also perfect for those with dry skin year-round! So don't be afraid to stock up on a few different types of occlusive moisturizers during these colder months. Your skin will thank you!

Tip 4: Add in a Serum.

If you have not already explored the world of serums, consider adding one into your skincare regimen to keep skin soft and moisturized all day even in the windy chilly walks outside. Vitamin C serums help to keep the skin looking and feeling youthful, while also protecting it from environmental damage. Serums can also contain other vitamins and minerals that target specific skin needs, such as vitamin E for anti-aging or broad spectrum sun protection. Look for a serum that contains antioxidants, which help to neutralize free radicals and keep the skin looking healthy. Apply vitamin C serum every morning and evening for best results. But if that seems like too much then remember some skincare is better than no skincare.

Tip 5: Use Hydrating Facial Masks.

In the Winter your skin is dry and thirsty and there's nothing like a hydrating mask to bring much needed hydration. You can even make your own masks with ingredients you have on hand or at the grocery store. If you are looking for an option that you do not have to whip up yourself, I love the smell and simplicity of the Glow Recipe Watermelon Sleeping Mask that you can use before bed to boost hydration overnight.

Tip 6: Use Warm Water over Hot Water in Your Shower or Bath.

Sometimes less really is more especially when it comes to that boiling hot water you use in the shower or bath. I know, I am guilty of it too. It warms you right up and steals moisture from your skin at the same time. To limit how this effect lower the temperature from hot to warm-hot.

Tip 7: Use Lotion After Your Shower or Bath.

I try to do this once a week so that I am not committing to a new step every day, but still get the benefits from shoulders to toes. If you are looking for a light natural scent and buttery melt-away lotion then the Cream de Corp Whipped Body Butter will be a new favorite. You will especially love this after the shower or bath because it feels like a soft cozy hug for your skin.

Tip 8: Use a Facial Steamer.

Have you ever wished you could super-charger your moisturizers and steamers? I know I have. The facial steamer softens skin and warms it up to accept all the benefits of your usual moisturizers or serums. I use mine for 5 minutes, take a 5 minute pause, and then repeat the steamer for 5 minutes. After my second session and my skin is dry I apply my serum. By following up with a moisturizer. The Keys Soul Care Skin Transformation Cream is hands down my favorite moisturizing product because my skin feels and looks better every time I use it.

Tip 9: Eat Foods Rich in Antioxidants and Omega-3 Fatty Acids.

In addition to all the health benefits, these foods enrich your skin from the inside out.

There is a lot of talk about how omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants are beneficial for skin. It’s important to understand why they can help keep your skin healthy, so you know what to do when the weather starts to change.

Omega-3s and antioxidants work together in various ways: They support the barrier function that prevents moisture loss from the body, reduce inflammation that causes redness and irritation, and nurture cells that give rise to collagen — which helps your skin stay plump and elastic. Omega-3s also promote healthy cell growth at wound sites, which can speed healing after injury or surgery. Antioxidants prevent sun damage by neutralizing free radicals before they cause any harm; this means less time spent indoors avoiding the sun, and less risk for skin cancer down the road.

Tip 10: Avoid Harsh Detergents and Soaps on Skin.

Harsh detergents are great at pulling out dirt and debris from clothes or off hands and skin, but too much detergent also pulls the moisture from skin. Opt instead for gentle detergents and those without "fragrance" in the ingredient list. Many hidden ingredients can hide under the title fragrance and just like heavy detergents can prevent your skin from looking and feeling its best. Combine that with the drying effect of hot dry air indoors and dry cold air and winds outside and your skin will be begging for help. If you notice your skin feeling dull and dry then try changing out your cleanser for gentler ingredients.

Tip 11: Protect Skin from the Sun.

Using SPF is not just for the summer. The sun's rays do not disappear in the Winter. Do not forget the hats, gloves, and jackets or the SPF in your moisturizer, concealer, or foundation. Whether you go all natural, low makeup, or full beat you can find SPF options to look, feel, and be your best.

Tip 12: Exfoliate!

Dry skin is a common problem. It usually starts with a dry, itchy feeling and can lead to more serious problems if not treated. Dry skin generally occurs when the natural oils your body produces are not able to moisturize your skin or protect it from irritation.

To get rid of that uncomfortable dry feeling, try exfoliation! Exfoliation removes the top layer of dead cells on your skin which helps keep moisture in and irritants out. But you want to be careful not to overexfoliate which is why I use the Keys Soul Care Be Luminous Exfoliator. It starts as a powder that you pour into your hand (a pea size amount will do). Add water, lather and exfoliate in upward motions on your face and neck. I like this one because it is gentle and I can control how much I use easier than a pump option. Without having to scoop into the jar, I do not have the same contamination issues as a jar-based exfoliant either.

Winter is a sensitive time for skin. Freezing temperatures, dry air indoors and windy cold outside can all lead to irritated skin that feels itchy or uncomfortable. In this article we’ve discussed the best ways to moisturize your skin from head-to-toe without feeling like you have to spend hours in front of the mirror every day. We also provided tips on how you can avoid harsh detergents and soaps when cleaning your hands or face at home, what foods are good for creating healthy looking skin, and how to protect your most important organ from damage with SPF 30+ during the winter months. So if you want glowing radiant skin this Winter then make sure not leave any of these 12 steps behind.