Winter comes and goes, but not without doing some damage to our skin before it leaves. The dry, cold air outside plus the dry heat indoors combine to do a number on our skin, leaving it dull and thirsty for moisture. The winter is long and often leaves lasting effects on our skin, which last way past the season if we're not careful. There are many ways to heal and take better care of our skin since it is, after all, the largest organ in our bodies.
Sure, if you are able to schedule a spa appointment before spring to get your skin in good shape, do so, but it's not necessary. There are many affordable tips for moms that can be done at home without breaking the bank.
More from MamásLatinas: Celebrity beauty expert shares her tips on how to care for our skin in the summer
As a mom, it is crucial to remember to always take a moment for yourself, to practice self-care. Our kids are always watching, so teaching them how to take care of ourselves and our bodies is always easier to do when we lead by example.
Dove's head dermatologist Dr. Mona Gohara shared some pointers with MamásLatinas on how we can make sure that our skin is healed, recovered, and glowing in time for summer. Scroll through for some general tips on ways to combat winter's effects on skin and the products you might need to help your skin look the best it has ever looked.
Some soaps can be too harsh on your skin.
The cold weather in winter is hard on the skin, and using a harsh soap can strip away your skin's natural oils, making the skin dry and rough. Search for a soap that meets your skin's needs, whether it's moisture, exfoliation, or rejuvenation.
Taking care of your skin starts in the shower.
Dr. Gohara recommends choosing a multitasking product like Dove Deep Moisture Body Wash. "Formulated with Dove's NutriumMoisture technology it protects essential skin proteins and lipids while cleansing, leaving skin nourished, soft and smooth," she says.
Remember that sunscreen is not seasonal.
The season of being outdoors is about to start, so your sunscreen routine should continue. "It should be applied even in the winter, as snow reflects 80% of UV rays, almost the same as the water and sand at the beach," the dermatologist says.
Get a lightweight sunscreen formula that is easy to apply.
This broad spectrum SPF 100+ Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry Touch Water Resistant Sunscreen is noncomedogenic, so it won't clog pores. Its weightless formula makes it easy to apply and to wear daily.
Hydrate your skin throughout the day.
Our hands go through a lot in the winter, especially if you don't normally wear gloves when you're outside. The hot air from indoor heating also takes a toll on our skin, so make sure you are hydrating your skin now that it will be more exposed.
Choose the right lotion for your skin.
Get a hydrating body lotion that will keep your skin looking good all day long. This Dove Body Lotion Shea Butter delivers 24-hour moisturization and it is enriched with skin nourishing oils, to lock in moisture with NutriDuo deep care technology to nourish the surface layers of the skin.
Replace loofahs and shower brushes often.
Keep your skin healthy by making sure your shower tools are bacteria-free. "Replace your exfoliating products (loofahs, brushes, etc.) every two months. Bacteria can harbor in the little crevices of these cleansing tools and thrive in humid environments," the doctor recommends.
Buy a pack with many so you can easily replace them.
If you prefer to use loofahs or sponges, buy an affordable pack like this Aquasentials Small Mesh Bath Sponge 8-pack with a variety of colors so that you can easily toss and replace them every couple of months.
Opt for washcloths, as they can be washed.
Loofahs and shower brushes might feel good on your skin, but a washcloth might be gentler on your skin as well as being more sanitary. They can be replaced often and thrown in the wash to be disinfected regularly.
Get some soft washcloths for the shower.
Keep a good number of washcloths handy in your home for you and your family to use in the shower. Make sure everyone has their own, so choose some like these Plush Microfiber Towels that come in various color options.
Be careful not to overdry your skin.
Instead of roughly rubbing your skin with a towel, gently pat skin dry when you get out of the shower. "Rubbing the skin jostles barrier cells and makes locking in moisture more difficult," the doctor recommends. "A gentle pat leaves them intact, making hydration a much easier task."
Your skin will thank you for using softer towels.
There's nothing like a soft and fluffy towel on freshly clean skin. Get your household a new set of soft cotton towels that will be gentler on their skin like this 8-Piece Plush Cotton Bath Towels Sets Stone from Yorkshire Home.
Exfoliating is key to get rid of dead skin.
Exfoliating can be simple, using items you already have in your home. Use brown sugar with honey or this morning's leftover coffee grounds and gently scrub away the dead skin that has built on your body since the start of the winter. The doctor suggests to not scrub too hard and to heavily moisturize after: "Be gentle when exfoliating and remember that exfoliation and moisturization should always go hand in hand."
Buy a good scrub that gently removes dead skin.
There are many exfoliating products available but be sure to get one that is natural and gentle enough to not harm your skin. Scrub away the buildup of dead skin cells that have accumulated during the cold winter months with a scrub like the Brooklyn Botany Brown Sugar Body Scrub.
After a thorough exfoliation, deep moisturizing is key.
Seal the moisture in by applying a body oil all over as soon as you step out of the shower. Pat dry your skin a bit but allow some water to remain so that the oil can help seal in the moisture.
Get an oil that works for your skin type.
Everyone's skin is different and has its own needs. Learn about what your body needs, and if your skin is thirsty for moisture try this SheaMoisture Coconut Body Oil that is natural and will help your skin glow.
Avoid very hot and long showers.
There are few things that feel better than a hot shower after a long day, but it is definitely not good for your skin. In the winter, we are most likely to take overly hot showers to shake away the cold, but they are not recommended. Lukewarm showers work best and a splash of cold to seal your pores and for your hair. Hot showers are good for the soul, but bad for the skin.
Keep a clock radio in your shower to limit your time.
Spending too much time in hot water is not good for your skin or your hair. This water-resistant digital AM/FM Bluetooth shower clock radio can be placed on a counter, hung from your showerhead or attached to a curtain rod for easy access so you can both enjoy your favorite songs as well as keep an eye on time to keep showers and baths short.
Our lips go through a lot in the winter.
Some parts of our bodies, like our lips, are difficult to protect in the winter and are constantly exposed to the frigid winter wind. This often leaves our lips cracked and dry and in need of some major rescue at the end of the season.
A good scrub can bring your lips back to life.
Whether you make one at home with ingredients like brown sugar and honey, or whether you choose Chapstick's Total Hydration Conditioning Lip Scrub, your lips will thank you for removing the dead skin that has accumulated in the past few months.
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