How to Keep Your Skin Glowing this Winter

It's about that time of year again...the season of Uggs, down jackets and a million layers. Yup, it's winter. For some of us, just the thought of the harsh cold and whipping winds makes us cringe. Just as we need to mentally prepare ourselves for the impending season, we need to make sure our skin is ready, too. Between the frigid, dry air outside and the hot, dry air inside, our skin is going to need some serious care. Here are a few winter-proof skincare tips that will help protect your glow while you brave the elements. removes the build-up of dead skin cells that are blocking the moisturizing ingredients from getting through.

Get some serious moisturizers

Many of us need richer face and body creams during the winter. When shopping around, look for the ingredients like glycerin or sorbitol, which are humectants that help pull moisture from the air into your skin. Even though the sun is around much less in the winter, that doesn't mean you should ditch the sun screen. Try a moisturizer with SPF for those lazy or rushed days, and don't forget to bring a more intense formula on ski trips or where there is a lot of reflective snow. Also, investing in a separate eye cream may become a necessity...they can be pricey, your eyes will surely thank you for it.

Gentle exfoliation 

Although it may seem counter intuitive, exfoliating is another great way to get rid of dry skin, literally. Using moisturizer alone will only put a band-aid on the problem, while exfoliating actually removes the buildup of dead cells that prevent moisturizers from sinking in completely. Koreans are famous for their intense bath house scrubs, where they remove nearly all the dead skin from their bodies. In a much less intense way, you can use a gentle face and/or body exfoliator to remove the flaky skin that comes with winter weather. Try to find something that uses enzymes instead of physical exfoliation, as it will be gentler on dry, sensitive skin.

Use a moisturizing toner

Toner isn't always necessary, but using a moisturizing toner in the wintertime is a great way to balance your skin's pH while imparting extra moisture. It also helps to remove traces of dead skin cells and makeup that were left behind. Look for toners that include natural moisturizing ingredients or essences. Toners that have little or no alcohol are also a good option.

Try hydrating serums

Skin that's sensitive and stripped of hydration can benefit greatly from a nutrition boost. Due to their liquid-y formula, serums can hold a higher concentration of active ingredients than moisturizers can. This makes them perfect for layering under your moisturizer to maximize absorption skincare benefits. Many serums contain moisturizing ingredients and oils that are great for restoring skin health.

Do a moisturizing mask 

Moisturizing sheet masks or mask packs are a great way to feed the skin, especially after exfoliation when the skin is fresh - it will soak in the moisture and nourishment like a sponge.

Keep a lotion in your bathroom

It's well know that you get the best results when you put moisturizer on damp skin. This goes for the face and body. That's why you want to apply your body cream straight out of the shower, so keep it in the bathroom (as even the walk to your bedroom can make the water on your skin evaporate). This is especially important if you're applying a body oil instead of a cream, so that it at least locks in some moisture underneath.

Invest in a humidifier

Humidifiers lace precious moisture in the air to counteract heating systems that tend to suck up every last drop of it. The small tabletop models are ideal for single rooms and small apartments—just be sure to fill them with cold water to prevent bacteria from growing inside.

Let us know how your gearing up your skincare this winter!

Via Beautyeditor, Allure