Winter Skincare Hacks: A Guide to Glowing Skin
IN THIS ARTICLE
Good morning, my knowledge seekers. Welcome to 'But More Importantly'. Our aim is to equip you with knowledge, guidance, and practical tools so your skin becomes your least concern and your highest confidence booster. Let's face it, the beauty industry can be full of false promises and we're here to cut through that. Today, we're diving into winter skincare hacks to combat the dry weather we're currently experiencing. One aspect that's often glossed over by the beauty industry and its marketing messages is the climate's impact on our skin. The drier the climate, the drier the skin, and this plays a crucial role in shaping your skincare routine. Too little hydration can turn you into a wrinkled prune, and too much can lead to problems.
Ready for the first hack? It's a simple one, yet many overlook it - a humidifier. A humidifier is your skin's best friend during the winter season. Once the air in your environment is humidified, your skin can flourish. But if the air is dry, it'll further dehydrate your skin. Get a humidifier and make sure to invest time in cleaning it regularly. You don't want any mold or dirt to accumulate and get released into the air and your lungs.
The Secret to Hydrated Lips
Next up, lip basting. Dermatologist Shereen Idriss came up with the term when she was pregnant during a particularly dry winter in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, and her lips were severely chapped. No amount of Vaseline could bring back the moisture, she went through an entire mini tub of Vaseline and her lips remained dry. So, she thought, why not exfoliate her lips, followed by a heavy occlusive to lock in moisture. You might say, 'well, duh, lip scrubs exist.' True, they do, but they're often physically abrasive. Most lip exfoliation products on the market include sugar or some other granules that can actually worsen lip flaking and chapping over time. So, she decided to go for a chemical exfoliant instead.
Our lips lack oil glands, which makes salicylic acid an inappropriate choice for chemical exfoliation. Instead, a product like L'Oreal's 10% glycolic acid is a suitable substitute. Apply just a tiny droplet on your lips with your fingers. However, if you have a history of cold sores, a lower concentration might be more suitable to prevent reactivation. This treatment is preferably done at night, and your lips should always be protected with a chapstick that contains SPF, as they will be more sensitive to the sun.
If you plan to participate in outdoor activities, such as skiing, it’s crucial to protect your lips from burns. After exfoliation with glycolic acid, seal the moisture with a dense occlusive. Weleda's Skin Food is a fantastic product. Its rich, creamy texture is filled with a variety of oils like sunflower seed oil and lanolin, a wax-like substance that conditions your lips. However, if you're sensitive to essential oils, alternatives like Bepanthen (a nappy rash cream) or Lansinol (a nipple cream) can be effective substitutes. Both are made from pure lanolin and are inexpensive.
This routine, referred to as 'lip basting', gives your lips a glossy sheen that lasts for hours. A similar approach can also be applied to your face. This idea emerged during the trend of 'slugging', where people were applying large amounts of Vaseline or Aquaphor on their faces. Instead of using such heavy occlusives, a lighter solution that also soothes the skin is ideal.
Skincare Routine for a Radiant Face
After cleansing your face at night and exfoliating if needed, apply a generous layer of La Roche Posay Cicaplast B5. This product contains anti-inflammatory zinc, pro-vitamin B5, shea butter, and glycerin. If you're looking for a more budget-friendly option, baby section in drugstores carries products like 'butt paste' or 'triple cream', which are rich in zinc oxide and provide similar benefits. Apply your choice of these creams all over your face before going to bed, allowing the ingredients to absorb and restore your skin's barrier overnight.
Pampering the Under-eye Area and Feet
Moving on to the delicate under-eye area, known for its propensity for dryness in winter. A thicker cream or even a brightening serum like Hyper Serum can provide much-needed hydration. A handy trick is to apply the cream and then cover the area with pre-cut saran wrap, allowing it to absorb better. Do this during your morning routine or at night for optimal results.
Finally, let's not neglect the feet. Those hardworking appendages can also benefit from some TLC, especially after long hours of standing. Applying Uradin Lotion by ISDIN, a urea enriched product, and then wrapping them in saran wrap followed by socks can do wonders for dry, hardened skin. Urea, a known exfoliant, can also be used on the back of your arms, legs or even the buttocks, in case of bumpy skin. Incorporating this routine a few times a week can lead to noticeable improvements.
The Lifesaver Hand Hack
Let's dive into the final tip of my winter skincare hacks – the hand hack. Just like your feet, your hands also bear the brunt of constant washing and cold air. They often end up with painful cracks. Here's my solution: get a plastic glove and a generous amount of a rich cream, like O'Keeffe's Working Hands. This is a top-notch moisturizer that you can even find at Home Depot. Its stearic acid and allantoin content creates a protective layer on your skin. Apply the cream and slip your hands into the disposable glove. Depending on the dryness of my hands, I sometimes leave this on overnight or just for 15-30 minutes after a shower to let the moisture seep into my skin. This hack works wonders, especially for healthcare workers, restaurant staff, bartenders, or anyone else whose hands are frequently wet. Trust me, it's a lifesaver for your hands and fingers.
I hope you found this article and my top winter skincare hacks useful. I've got plenty more tips to share. If you're interested, leave a comment below.
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About the Author: Caolan
With over a decade of international experience, Caolan's passion lies in simplifying the complex. Now, as the founder of But More Importantly, he applies these talents to the world of cosmetics, aiming to unmask marketing hype and provide readers with the truth about beauty products. His mission: to help you make informed choices and discover what truly enhances your beauty routine.
