Luxury for less
Luxury for less: 5 tips for glowing skin this winter. Plummeting temperatures and whipping winds are here for much of the country, and no matter where you live, cooler and drier winter air can really wreak havoc on your skin. When humidity is lower and indoor heat is on full blast, your skin gets stripped of the moisture it needs, causing dryness and dullness.
All these factors can exacerbate the visible signs of aging, from loss of elasticity to lines and wrinkles. There are natural oils already in healthy skin that help create a protective barrier, but this time of year, extra TLC is essential to combatting both aging and the changing elements — and you don’t need to spend a fortune to make that happen!
Your lightweight moisturizers and oil-free cleansers work well in summer, but winter months call for a refresh if you want to maintain a glowing, youthful complexion. Whatever elements you’re facing, now is a good time to re-examine your skincare shelf and update your daily habits. You can swap in cost-effective solutions that offer the luxurious experience and efficacy you and your skin crave, for less.
Check out these tips to keep your skin healthy and glowing on a budget all winter long, including suggestions from board-certified dermatologist Dr. Sabrina Fabi.
1. Find a glow serum at the drugstore
Sometimes a moisturizer is just not enough. “When your complexion is dulling, adding a lightweight serum with vitamin C to your routine can give skin the boost it needs to rebuild glow and instantly look more luminous,” says Fabi.
RoC Multi Correxion Revive + Glow Daily Serum is a new option that helps with radiance and firmness, with the bonus benefit of reducing fine lines and wrinkles.
“What I like about this serum is the potency of vitamin C. It has a 10% Active Vitamin C + Peptide blend and it works fast, delivering both instant results and longer-term benefits after four weeks of using it,” Fabi adds. “You can easily find it at Target.com for under $25, and I think the results rival if not exceed some of the other expensive vitamin C options out there.”
2. Hydrate from within
It’s not just about products you put on your skin. Dewy skin starts from within — after all, your skin contains 64% water. Drinking plenty of water helps minimize dry skin that becomes more noticeable when it gets cold outside.
As a rule of thumb, you should drink at least half your body weight in ounces of water every day. To make your fluid intake more enjoyable, try adding sliced fruit to your iced water, or having a mug of hot tea when you’re feeling chilled.
3. Cleanse, don’t strip
After a cold or long day, you might be tempted to hop into a long, hot shower. It’ll warm you up, but it won’t do your skin any favors. “Hot water breaks down barriers in your skin and takes away moisture,” says Fabi.
Aim to get in and out of the shower as fast as you can, using lukewarm water. Skip the soap or try a gentle cleanser. As soon as you’re done, pat dry and apply a moisturizing cream immediately to prevent your skin from itching and flaking. If you’re still feeling dry, consider investing in a humidifier to add moisture to your home’s air.
4. Moisturize and protect
Moisturizing your skin starts with finding the right product. Swap your summer formula for a thicker, more hydrating consistency. There’s no need to spend money on several expensive products. Look for an all-in-one formula with ingredients like hyaluronic acid to draw water into the skin, and glycerin or dimethicone to help retain moisture and protect it from the elements.
5. Gently exfoliate
In between all that moisturizing, gentle exfoliation is also crucial to getting your glow. Buff away flaky dead skin cells so new ones have a chance to shine. Chemical exfoliators with alpha-hydroxy acids also help improve the effectiveness of your moisturizer. When those dead skin cells aren’t in the way, your skin will absorb and retain more moisture.
Winter is here, but your skin doesn’t have to pay the price. Follow these tips to stay within your budget and achieve the glowing, more youthful look you desire.
