My Cold Weather Skincare Routine

Baby, it’s cold outside. Winter is here and so is my extra dry skin. The dry air really does a number on my maturing skin and I have to take extra precaution to keep the ash at bay. I’ve talked about my facial skincare many times, in this post I’m focusing on the body. My elbows, knees, feet and shoulders all need a little extra care during the winter time. I’m going to show you just what I use and how I apply it to keep my skin moisturized all day long.

Lather Up

Keeping my skin soft begins when I bathe. I love a good moisturizing body wash, one that gets me clean but also doesn’t strip my skin making it feel tight and dry. The Dove brand of body washes remain in my stash for this very reason. The Dove Sensitive Body wash is my go to, it’s super moisturizing and as a bonus, it has no harsh perfume scent making it great for every day use. Exfoliating in the shower is also super important. As with my face, I exfoliate my body at least twice a week. I use a gentle exfoliating cloth that I picked up from Marshall’s, and it helps to remove any dead skin while I wash. Use your body wash with this cloth and slough away the dead skin to reveal healthy and glowing skin. The link to a similar wash cloth is listed here: https://www.amazon.com/Aniann-Pieces-Beauty-Exfoliating-Washcloth

Layer Up

This next step is the most important one. Once you are finished bathing, I make sure to put on a body oil while my skin is still damp. Your skin best absorbs the moisture and locks it in for a longer time when applied to damp skin. In the morning, I layer some almond or vitamin E oil on right when I get out of the shower and pat the water off. I pay special attention to my shoulders, elbows, knees and feet. After I apply the body oil, I then go over my entire body with a cream, such as the Nivea Irresistibly Smooth. I also love and use the Neutrogena Sesame Oil after my evening bath. It’s light fragrance and the oil absorbs quickly without leaving me feeling greasy. On my feet, knees and elbows, I go even further by adding a light layer of Vaseline and shea butter. It may sound like a lot, but for me, that combination definitely helps keep my skin moisturized all day. At night, I pay special attention to my feet by putting on vaseline and shea butter then wearing socks to bed.

Drink Up

Drinking plenty of water is super important to our overall health. Staying hydrated helps your organs function properly, can help with blood pressure and its great for your skin. I know that drinking lots of water is not the end all be all for good looking skin, but it definitely helps. When my skin is dehydrated, the fine lines and dark circles show up and show out. I sip water throughout the day, usually taking in 64 oz or more. That is my personal preference, if you are not sure how much you should be drinking, contact your health professional or a nutritionist. For me, water helps my skin look so much better, eating the rainbow does the same thing. So drink up, quench your skin and body.

Harsh, cold winters and dry air can wreak havoc on your skin. Hopefully these tips will help with keeping your moisturized and glowing all winter long. Leave a comment below with your winter skincare tips and what you are using to keep your skin looking good this winter.

XOXO-Lydia Marie