As winter approaches, our skin can be subjected to a variety of aggressions, such as cold weather, dry air, and central heating. For black and mixed-race skin, these aggressions can cause excessive dryness, flakiness, and even hyperpigmentation. To prevent these issues, it is important to adopt a proper winter skincare routine. Here are some tips to help protect your skin during the colder months.
Moisturize regularly
The key to protecting your skin during the winter is to keep it well-moisturized. Look for rich, emollient creams and lotions that contain ingredients like shea butter, glycerin, and hyaluronic acid. Apply your moisturizer immediately after showering or bathing, when your skin is still slightly damp, to help lock in moisture.
Don't forget your lips and hands
The delicate skin on your lips and hands is particularly vulnerable to the cold and dryness of winter. Be sure to use a lip balm with SPF and a rich hand cream several times throughout the day to keep these areas soft and supple.
Avoid hot water
While a hot shower or bath may feel great on a cold day, it can actually be damaging to your skin. Hot water can strip your skin of its natural oils and cause dryness and irritation. Instead, opt for lukewarm water and limit your time in the shower or bath to no more than 10 minutes.
Protect your skin from the sun
Just because it's cold outside doesn't mean you can skip the sunscreen. UV rays can still be damaging to your skin during the winter, especially if there is snow on the ground, which can reflect up to 80% of UV rays. Be sure to use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher on any exposed skin, even on cloudy days.
Use a humidifier
Central heating can be incredibly drying to your skin, causing it to become tight and itchy. Using a humidifier in your home can help add moisture back into the air, which can in turn help your skin retain its natural moisture.
By following these simple tips, you can help protect your black or mixed-race skin from the harshness of winter and keep it looking healthy and radiant all season long.
