5 Super-Easy Tips to Keep Your Skin Hydrated During Winter

The winter months can be devastating to your skin regardless of your skin type or age. The low air temperature outside combined with low humidity result in drier air. Add to that an even drier air inside caused by heating and your skin is forcefully depleted of its natural lipid layer, which keeps it from drying out. It is no wonder then that it gets dry, flaky and itchy.

But with some green tips you can revive your skin and get that glowing healthy look it normally has in other seasons.

Photo: Free Digital Photos

1. Stay hydrated by drinking water
People who drink relatively little water could see a significant benefit in skin hydration if they started drinking nine eight-ounce glasses of water per day. While drinking water will not miraculously moisturize the outer layers of your skin it will help keep it fresh and healthy.

2. Take short showers or baths, use luke-warm water
Ok, I know that the winter months are the time when you most need a hot shower but try to refrain from it! The hot water will dry your skin while a luke-warm shower will help it keep the moisture inside.

3. Apply a moisturizer right after you take a shower, preferably while your skin is still wet.
Apply a moisturizing lotion right after taking a shower while your skin is still wet to seal water into your skin, helping it stay hydrated longer. Choose plant-based oils like cocoa butter, aloe vera or jojoba to form a protective barrier over your skin.

4. Exfoliate once a week
Moisturizers work better on a clean exfoliated skin. Use a simple eco-friendly oatmeal scrub or  sugar face scrub to make sure you are not adding any carcinogens to your skin while you think you are cleansing it.

5. Take fish oil pills
Learn from the Vikings and take fish oil pills which are rich in Omega-3. Fish oil is beneficial not only to your skin but also to your hair, nails and bones. It has an added bonus of supplying you with enough vitamin D to survive the dark winter months without mood swings and to compensate for the shorter time you spend exposed to sunlight.

Maintaining glowing skin during winter is not hard. Just keep in mind that each season hides a different challenge to your health and beauty and remember to act accordingly!

Do you have a healthy secret to winterize your skin? 

This post was originally written and published on Green Living Ideas.