Steps to moisturize the skin of the body in the winter

Have you at any point saw how your skin reacts to the difference in seasons? If so, it's possible that your skin often looks drier and flaky in the cold winter months. That is why we put in your hands a mini guide of the most prominent tips for caring for the skin of the body and moisturizing it in the winter.

Dehydration occurs when your body does not have enough fluids to function properly. Some women feel less thirst in cold weather, so they drink less water in winter than in summer. However, not feeling thirsty does not mean that your body is more hydrated. So what are the reasons that increase the dryness of our skin in this season?

Moisturizing the skin of the body in the winter

Take a hot shower and dry the skin

A long, steamy shower might sound like a great idea when it's cold, but very hot water can dry out the skin, so it's best to shower in warm water for 5 to 10 minutes to reduce the risk of dry skin. Be careful when drying your skin after showering. Instead of rubbing vigorously, pat your skin gently with a soft towel, which may allow some of the moisture to dampen the top layer of your skin.

Moisturize your skin immediately after showering

Anytime you wash your face, hands or body, you are stripping your skin of its natural oils. Since these oils help lock in moisture, it is necessary to replace them. That is why it is important to use moisturizers especially in winter. As a helpful reminder, try storing a bottle of moisturizer by the sink.

Minimize the use of exfoliators

It is true that exfoliation removes dead skin cells from the surface of the skin, keeping your skin smooth and vibrant, but excessive exfoliation of your skin can further dry it and strip it of moisture.

Gentle, fragrance-free cleansers

A bar of soap can make dryness worse by stripping the skin of its natural oils and disrupting the microbiome. For those with dry skin, we recommend a body wash. Look for lotions labeled "sensitive skin," "dye-free," or "fragrance-free," which often contain fewer drying ingredients and more hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid, ceramides, oils, shea butter, and oats. In fact, "unscented" products may contain chemicals that neutralize odor and can irritate the skin.

Modify your winter skin care regimen

If your skin is dry and itchy, it is recommended to back off using skin care products containing AHAs on the skin, as they can exacerbate the problem. Instead, opt for oils and creams for your skincare routine, and consider applying a moisturizer that nourishes it as well.

At night, use a thicker moisturizer for your body, including your arms and legs. It is recommended to look for a product that contains moisturizing ingredients, such as hyaluronic acid and glycerin. These are great and effective skin hydrating ingredients, as they allow the skin to breathe and are less likely to contribute to breakouts.

And don't forget to moisturize your body adequately, preferably during the winter, using a thicker cream that comes out of a jar or tube instead of a pump. Lotions that come out of the pump tend to be thinner and more liquid, so they often evaporate from the skin's surface after use and aren't thick and hydrating enough.

Add moisture locking ingredients

If you find that moisturizing ingredients aren't doing enough to treat your dry skin, consider incorporating ingredients that provide a physical barrier to locking moisture into your skin care routine. Among these ingredients, we mention shea butter, cocoa butter, oil fruit, jojoba oil, and petroleum-based products such as Vaseline and Aquaphor. The best way to use these products in your routine is to apply them once or twice daily after moisturizing.

Use humidifiers

Humidifiers help add moisture back into the air, which can be especially useful when indoor heating is on. Having more moisture in the air in the indoor space can help, as a natural moisturizing factor, which in turn may prevent and soften the skin from drying out.

Moisturize your skin from within

Not getting enough fluids can affect the appearance of your skin and also make it more susceptible to dehydration. So focus on eating foods that are high in antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids. Each of these nutrients can protect your cells from environmental damage and help your body make healthy cells, including skin cells