Winter cold snaps are hitting everyone hard this time of year. With temperatures dipping to nearly -40, and a projected -65 in February, Canada is one of the coldest places on the planet! With that in mind, you should be considering your skin in these freezing days. Not everyone is aware of how the cold air and climate can affect your skin.

Being within a climate on either polar end of temperatures, hot or cold, can drastically affect your skin. That’s why we are going to cover some of the things you should look out for and follow up with some tips to help care for your skin in the winter wastelands.

-Things to Look Out For –

Long Hot Showers Can Negatively Affect Your Skin

There are a couple of reasons you should avoid long and hot showers in the winter months. For starters, having a hot shower can actually dry out your skin. Additionally, it strips your skin of valuable oils that help protect your skin. Hot water will take off the layer of natural oils your body produces to withstand drastic temperatures. It’s alright to still have hot showers. They are obviously tempting and seem fantastic when you get inside from the cold winter air. Just be careful how long you spend in there, and be sure to not increase the temperature too much if you want to keep hydrated and protected skin.

You Still Aren’t Safe From the Sun

In the middle of winter, it feels like we never see the sun. With a constant ceiling of clouds above us, we all assume we are safe from the sun. However, the power of the sun isn’t held back by a handful of clouds. In the winter, there is less visible light, but still UV radiation to be had. Moreover, the white reflection of the snow can reflect the UV rays to exposed skin still. So it wouldn’t hurt to consider using sunscreen on your face and hands even just for traveling to and from your car. This way you won’t have to worry about sunburn or extra dryness when you are outside.

Stop Jumping Into Tanning Beds

So you want to keep your tan through the winter? Well, you may want to reconsider. In the winter season, it is commonplace for tanning salons to have an increase in traffic. For starters, you shouldn’t be using tanning beds too often, to begin with. These beds can cause damage to your skin and lead to various forms of cancer caused by excess exposure to UV radiation. Not only that, but it can lead to more dryness as well. It’s fair to go here and there in the winter to keep a nice golden brown. Just be aware that going too much can cause some adverse effects on your skin.

Find a Nice Moisturizer

As we are all aware, winter makes things dry, including your skin. So be sure to find a nice moisturizer that works well with your skin. You may already have one in mind, and that’s fantastic. If not, talk to your doctor or skincare professional for some recommendations. Everyone’s skin varies in its needs, so getting a well-suited moisturizer for your needs will give you the best results and protection. Be sure to apply moisturizer at least once a day, and more if you spend longer than average amounts of time outside.

-Some Benefits From Cold Air-

Cold Air is Good For Your Pores

Cold air will help keep your skin tight, leaving your pores more closed. With cold environments, your skin will naturally tighten, and vice versa. This is beneficial for those with acne problems. Still, of course, you want to make sure your skin is clean. However, the winter air will make it harder for dirt to get inside your pores and cause acne.

Get Ready to Sleep Better

Cold environments are optimal to sleep in. Our bodies naturally drop in temperature a couple of hours into our sleep cycles. Being in a colder room will help get the body into its natural sleeping state. Additionally, the comfort of being in cozy blankets in the winter helps us fall asleep faster. Having better sleep will affect your skin positively. Being well rested means fewer bags under our eyes and a glowing complexion.

Improved Circulation

The cold temperatures we face force our bodies to circulate blood more vigorously. However, if you are too cold, you can expect your extremities to not receive the same love as the rest of your body. When you are too cold, your body will prioritize blood flow to your major organs and head. However, in chilly temperatures, your body will naturally start increasing circulation to stay cold. This will bring some color to your cheeks and complexion, while simultaneously providing your skin with the blood and hydration it needs to stay healthy.

There you have it, some pros and cons of the winter air on your skin. Be sure to take these thoughts into consideration if you are looking to keep your skin healthy and beautiful in the winter months. As you can see, there are good and bad things that come from exposure to cold temperatures. Therefore, prepare with this in mind by avoiding hot showers, tanning beds, and excessive exposure to the winter air. However, you can still expect some positives to come from the winter such as clean pores, better nights of sleep, and improved circulation.