How to Care for Your Skin in Cold or Dry Climates

Hot and chilly climates each come with a unique skin of skincare challenges. Dry, cracking skin is a problem all over the world. Living in drier climates can also wreak havoc on your skin’s natural oil production.

Dry skin can lead to eczema and other irritating rashes—and cold weather can be just as irritating to the skin: icy winds can damage your skin and cause premature aging, and winter cuticles can be a challenge to care for.

Learn how to keep your skin looking youthful and fantastic regardless of the climate. The first step to keeping your skin free of fine lines and wrinkles is following a skincare routine that matches the climate you live in.

Keep your skin looking dewy, not greasy, and fresh, not sweaty, with the right routines and products. You need to remember to care for your skin when it’s cold as much as you do when it’s hot—regardless of the physical effects you see and feel as your body responds to its environment, your skin may be sustaining damage beneath the surface because of harsh climate-based conditions.

Your skin will protect your body in addition to providing outer beauty, so give it as much help as you can and respond appropriately to the demands of your area.

Caring for Your Skin in Freezing Climates

Keep your showers short and make sure the water isn’t too hot. If your skin turns red, you need to turn down the hot water. Excessively hot water can cause irritation and your skin can become dehydrated very quickly.
Try to stick to unscented cleansers and soaps in your winter skincare routine. Normal bar soaps often contain ingredients and fragrances that can cause irritation and worsen dry skin. Using less soap can also help to prevent winter skin issues.
Heat from fireplaces, home thermostats, and furnaces can suck moisture out of the air and in colder climates, there is usually not much humidity in the first place. Invest in a humidifier for your home to return moisture to the air to prevent dry skin.
Moisturize your skin immediately after washing. Warm water can strip your skin of natural oils so try to replace any lost moisture as quickly as possible. Avoid rubbing your skin completely dry after a shower as it can cause irritation. Pat your skin with a soft towel and moisturize while your skin is still damp.
Wearing rough materials can make dry, itchy skin even worse. Winter skin is the perfect excuse to pull out the softest clothing you own! Big, soft jerseys, leggings, fluffy socks, and slippers will keep you toasty warm and protect your skin. Try to layer items of clothing so if you happen to get hot, you can shed a couple of layers to prevent sweating, which can also cause irritation and dryness.
Stay hydrated. It may be tempting to stick to warm drinks in the winter, but water is vital in every climate and season. Fine lines and wrinkles may be more pronounced when you are dehydrated. Water nourishes skin cells and plumps them up, which can make you look younger. Water also flushes impurities out of your body which can make your skin glow.

Caring for Your Skin in Dry Climates

Exfoliating often can help get rid of dry, dead skin. Find an exfoliator you love and use it about twice per week as part of your skincare routine. Dead skin cells can clog your pores and cause blemishes. Remember not to use it too much or it will strip the protective layers of your skin.
Facial mist is your friend. In dry climates, you will often feel like your skin becomes very tight and dry which makes foundation and other makeup flaky. In these situations, misting can work wonders to reinvigorate your skin.
Humidifiers can also work miracles in dry climates to restore the moisture in the air. This can make your skin more supple and give it an inner glow. Humidifiers can help with dry, itchy skin and chapped lips. They are also great for preventing sensitive skin from becoming too dry.
Sunscreen is absolutely essential in hot, dry regions. Sunburned skin is not only painful but can also lead to wrinkles, sun damage, and peeling skin. Avoid spending too much time in the sun even with sunscreen, because you don’t want to have to deal with the harmful long-term side effects of overexposure.
Lip balm can save chapped, dry lips in dry climates. Flaky lips can look awful under your new favorite lipstick and dry lips can quickly become painful if your lips crack. Keep them hydrated constantly by using lip balm.
Water is important no matter where you live. It keeps your skin looking great and reduces the chance of blemishes, but it also keeps your liver and kidneys healthy. Try to carry a water bottle with you wherever you go and investigate making naturally-flavored water if plain water is too boring.
Oils for your body and body butter can work wonders on dry skin, especially products formulated to dry down well so you are left moisturized but not greasy. Argan oil and other oils are incredibly nourishing for your skin. You will notice how quickly your skin drinks in body oils, leaving you feeling silky-smooth.
Vitamin C serum is a helpful part of any skincare routine. It can help to prevent age spots and keep premature skin aging at bay.

Take charge of your skincare today by using these steps to keep your skin healthy in every climate. Establish the foundations of a supportive daily routine influenced by your climate, then develop targeted treatments to help with any skin problems that emerge along the way.

Find high-quality products to support daily skincare essentials that transcend climate, including full-body hydration and moisturization. A regular skincare routine can lead to a more even skin texture and help you tackle problem areas such as blemishes or hyperpigmentation.

Caring for your skin properly can even lead to reduced cellulite and smaller-looking pores and wrinkles. Keeping your skin healthy and caring for it in all climates can ensure you won’t suffer from premature skin aging or flaky, dry skin. Start building your climate-friendly routine today.