Winter wreaks havoc on our skin more than any other season. All that time spent indoors with heating turned on and the bitter cold winds outside leave the skin looking dry and aged. With spring just around the corner, it is time to pay special attention to your skin care. Here are some inexpensive and simple ways to improve the skin health.

1. Exfoliate 

Exfoliation is the best way to rejuvenate your face. Let your skin breathe by removing all those layers of dead cells that formed during winter. Exfoliate at least two times a week using a washcloth or loofah sponge. They are really cheap, yet effective, and can be bought at any drugstore. To save money on scrubs, make your own home version. Simply mix some sugar or salt with your face wash and scrub gently. If your skin is dry, then consider adding some olive oil to the mixture. 

2. Drink Water

One of the most noticeable effects that winter has on your skin is dehydration. People tend to take in much less fluids than during summer, and the cold dry weather rips off all moisture from your skin. You should aim at 8 glasses of water a day. If you cannot drink plain water, try to add a few drops of lemon juice in it. Drinking juices also counts as long as they are freshly squeezed.

3. Pay Attention To Your Feet 

Our feet get seriously neglected during winter because they are hard to reach below all those socks. The season of sandals and flip-flops is steadily approaching, so it is time to pay some special attention to your feet. First, exfoliate them. Pour warm water and soak your feet for 5 to 10 minutes. Then gently scrub your heels with a pumice stone for several minutes. When you are done with exfoliating, apply a thick layer of moisturizer, and put on a pair of cotton socks to keep the moisture in.

4. Use Organic Cosmetics

Winter is harsh enough on your skin, so make sure you treat it with care. Avoid conventional skin care products. They often contain aggressive chemicals that do no good to your already too sensitive and irritated skin. Use organic cosmetics instead. I use and recommend 100 Percent Pure. Face moisturizers are your best friend at this time of year. Pure coconut oil is all your skin needs in terms of hydration. If you have a cucumber in the fridge, slice it up and place the slices on your face. Leave them sit there for 10 minutes and your skin will already feel softer to the touch.

5. Protect Your Skin From The Sun 

Once the spring comes, you will probably want to spend as much time in the sun as possible. That is perfectly ok as long as you remember to protect your skin from the UV rays. It is very easy to get sunburned in the spring, because the sun does not seem to be shining so strong. Apply sunscreen half an hour before you leave your home. Take sunscreen with you so you could reapply every 2 hours.

6. Bump Up Your Vitamins

Winter diet is poor in vitamins and antioxidants that protect your skin from free radicals, i.e. from premature aging. Increase the intake of vitamins E, C, K, and A, by eating more seasonal fruits and vegetables. Vitamins will also improve your skin tone and elasticity. Not to mention that they will benefit your overall health.

Have you neglected your skin during winter? What are you going to do about it?

About the Author

Amy Mia Goldsmith is a lifestyle blogger from the UK. Her passion is beauty, fashion and fitness. Check out Beausmith Blog, her new lifestyle blog.