Winter Beauty Hacks: 7 Ways to Alleviate Winter Skin Challenges

Winter is a favorite time of the year for many of us. With Christmas, New Years Eve, and all the fun and frolic of the holidays, what's not to like? Unfortunately, there is something we could all do without, and that's dry skin. The harsh cold wind can be awful for your skin and even your hair. But there's no need to fret just yet. Lucky for you, there are several nifty hacks to amp up your skincare and haircare game and help you say goodbye to your winter woes. Read on to find out the most popular and effective winter beauty hacks.

• TLC For Your Lips
  If there’s one pet peeve most of us have about winter skin, it’s chapped lips. So when the days start getting colder, it’s time to pay special attention to your lips to keep them from drying out and getting chapped. Keep a moisturizing lip balm handy and use it to hydrate your lips throughout the day.
  
  Apply lip balm 30 seconds before applying lipstick to keep your lips soft and luscious all day long. Better yet, swap out the lipstick for a tinted lip balm. You can also DIY a lip scrub at home to slough off dead skin and re-hydrate your dried out puckers. Just mix a dollop of honey with a pinch of brown sugar and gently rub it on your lips before rinsing it off.
  
  

• Hand Cream Is Your New BFF
  The cold is unforgiving to the skin, but not just on your face. Your hands are just as vulnerable to the elements as your complexion. Winters can leave your hands dry, cracked, and desperate for moisture. Given how hard your hands work all day long, it is only justified that they get their fair share of pampering.
  
  Moisturizing your hands daily will keep them plump, smooth, and nourished. And the easiest way to do that is to stock up on hand creams. Apply it any time your hands feel dry, or just after a skin-drying activity - like washing, sanitizing, or doing the dishes. Your hands will thank you, trust me.
  
  

• Pick Beauty Balm Cream Over Foundation
  The change in weather also calls for some change in your makeup and skincare routines. Swapping out your foundation for a beauty balm (BB) cream or a color correcting (CC) cream can go a long way to nourishing your skin. Conventional foundation formulas can sometimes be quite drying.
  
  A BB cream may be a tinted moisturizer that hydrates your skin with much-needed moisture while also providing coverage for an even skin tone. If it's a party or a wedding where you simply cannot do without full coverage, pick up the foundation. But for casual events and daily wear, a BB cream is a safe bet.
  
  

• Adopt Some Healthy Shower Habits
  This is a multi-pronged approach. A few small changes in your bath time can result in a world of good for your skin. For starters, swap out the harsh soaps for a more moisturizing, gentle, shower gel, or body wash. An in-shower body lotion is also an excellent option, especially if you have really dry skin.
  
  Bathing in lukewarm water is more beneficial than a hot water bath, no matter how tempting it sounds. Hot water can actually exacerbate dryness by stripping away your body's natural moisture barrier. You can also do your skin a favor by keeping your showers short and quick - around 5 to 10 minutes - during the colder months.
  
  

• Layer Up Your Skin Care Ritual
  Take a cue from the weather and layer up your skin with protective products, the same way you layer up with woolens to keep your body warm. You may want to be lazy and skip some basic steps before heading out, but that won't be doing any favors for your skin. Instead, a little pampering will go a long way to keeping your skin nourished and also make you feel good. After all, who doesn't enjoy being taken care of?
  
  Start with a gentle, non-drying facial cleanser, followed by a hydrating serum (look for a formula with hyaluronic acid). A thicker cream-based moisturizer will help you seal the goodness in, especially if you apply it right after you shower. Choose products that are oil-free and non-comedogenic to avoid unnecessary breakouts. And don't forget the sunscreen, especially when heading outdoors.
  
  

• The Multiple Benefits Of Coconut Oil
  It is not just your skin that suffers during the winter - your hair has to pay the price too as it can become dry and brittle in the harsh weather. Applying a generous amount of coconut oil and leaving it in your hair overnight helps restore moisture and gives it a silky smooth finish. Coconut oil contains vitamin E, which strengthens and nourishes your hair from within.
  
  Coconut oil is a savior for the skin as well. It is a fantastic cuticle treatment and helps you keep your nails and fingers healthy and nourished. Many of us struggle with dry feet and cracked heels during winter, and coconut oil is the solution. Slather on some of the stuff and put on cotton socks before bed. It keeps your skin soft and heals cracks effectively.
  
  

• Bring Home A Humidifier
  Winter and dry skin go hand in hand, and sometimes a plain old moisturizer just isn't enough. Winter brings with it low moisture in the air, which impacts your skin and leaves it dehydrated. A humidifier helps add moisture back into the surroundings and encourages your skin to retain hydration rather than drying out. It is an investment but undoubtedly worth it if you want to keep dry skin at bay.
  
  

Winter is tough on your skin and hair, but there's no reason to let that ruin the festive cheer or stop you from having fun. The winter beauty hacks listed above are all handy for keeping yourself pampered, nourished, and all set for enjoying the holiday season. Now that you know all these tips and tricks, it's time to incorporate them into your daily routine and watch the magic unfold as your skin gets healthier and more beautiful. Happy Holidays!