Winter is our favorite season. For Vermonters, there’s nothing quite like bundling up for a day on the mountain or out in the backcountry with the family. As much fun as the cold weather activities are, we’re not huge fans of the dry, cracked skin that comes along with the harsh winters. This year we’re going to say goodbye to that dry skin and those chapped lips with these ways to get skin winter-ready before the first snowflakes fly.
1. Hydrate
Staying hydrated may seem like tip reserved only for the hot, dry summer months but it’s not! You may not feel as thirsty when it’s colder outside, but getting your eight cups a day is important all year-round. Not only does drinking water help to eliminate toxins from your body, it also keeps your skin looking and feeling fresh, clear and rejuvenated.
2. Shorten Your Showers
Even though nothing sounds better than a long shower or bath during the winter months, hot water can strip your skin of essential oils and promote excessive dryness. Do your best to get in, get out and moisturize while your skin is still wet to keep skin happy and nourished.
3. Protect
You may not feel the warmth from the sun as strongly in the winter as you do in the summer, but the rays can still cause harm to your skin. Yes, you can still burn during the winter. Apply an SPF sunscreen daily to protect your skin – especially if you’re spending time outside skiing, snowboarding or exercising.
4. Moisturize
The cold air and wind can easily strip skin of its moisture. Use a skin salve that locks in moisture and protects skin, like Vermont’s Original Bag Balm. Apply Bag Balm 1-3 times a day to chapped lips, wind burned cheeks, cracked hands and more to intensely moisturize and soften severely dry skin. You can find Bag Balm at your local CVS, Walgreens or WalMart.
5. Cover Up
Covering up your skin is your best bet for protection against the winter elements. Put on your favorite hat, scarf, gloves and jacket before leaving the house to create a physical barrier between the freezing temperatures and your skin.
Protect your skin before and during the winter months and you’ll enjoy the snowy days just like a Vermonter.
