A cold-weather vacation can be a real thrill, and an exciting an unusual alternative to the usual summer trip plans of sun, sand, and surf. But while discovering the delights of Alaska, Scandinavia, or Russia, your skincare regimen might take a hit! Cold, dry weather can be a nightmare for your skin, and keeping your face and hands glowing and hydrated while traveling in a cold climate can be tricky.
Luckily, there are plenty of things you can do to keep your skin healthy and happy, even in sub-zero conditions! From changing up your routine to something as simple as drinking more water, there are loads of ways to protect your skin against the cold.
So if you are off on a cruise to Norway and worried about how your skin is going to fare surrounded by all those icebergs, glaciers, and frozen fjords, don’t panic! Take a look at the tips below on how to nourish your skin in cold weather, and keep your skin in perfect condition in the coldest climates.
Hydration is key
Drink more water! This is a great skincare tip for any season, but particularly important in cold weather. Cold, dry air can dry out your skin in record time, so keeping yourself properly hydrated with plenty of water, and taking your moisturizing regimen and products up a few steps, is vital. Creams and serums are particularly helpful, hydrating and locking in moisture more strongly than gels and lotions.
Less is more
Don’t be tempted to pack every single skin care product you have into your toiletry bag. Cutting back on some of your normal skincare products can help your skin survive in the harsher environment of a cold climate. Overcleansing, rough facial scrubs, and powerful masks and peels can damage your skin when it is in a vulnerable condition, which it most likely will be in cold weather.
Don’t crank up the heat
When dealing with freezing winds and sub-zero temperatures outdoors, the temptation when you get back to the hotel or guesthouse is to crank up the heat and warm yourself up. But high heat indoors can dry out the air, which is one of the biggest problems for skin. Try to keep indoor temperatures relatively cool, however tempting a blast of heat might be!
Humidify
If you want to go one step further, bring a portable humidifier with you and deal with dry air more proactively. Room humidifiers help your skin stay moisturized and hydrated, and will give you a little more protection when you need it.
Turn down the water temperature
Again, while a piping-hot bath or scalding shower might sound like heaven after a day out in the cold, hot water can dry out your skin as effectively as dry air. Aim for warm showers and cool water when washing your hands – your skin will thank you!
Avoid the wind
When the temperature is low and the air itself is cold, wind can be one of the biggest problems from a skincare point of view. As we all know, prevention is better than a cure, so try to cut off skincare problems at the source! Stay out of icy winds, or protect your face and hands with gloves and scarves.
Don’t quit the sunscreen
Even though the sun might have disappeared and the sky is full of clouds, don’t be tempted to throw out your sunscreen. Winter sun, even through a layer of cloud, can still be extremely harmful to your skin, so if you are going to be in the open air for most of the day, keep using your sunblock.
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