6 Winter Hacks for Glowing Skin

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Alyssa is a wife, mom, and coffee enthusiast who loves sharing her favorite lifestyle tips with the world.

Winter came early this year. Cool temps require us to crank up the heater, leaving the air in our houses dry. This ultimately wreaks havoc on our faces and bodies leaving dry, itchy patches, red spots, and dull, tired-looking skin. Not quite the look we're going for, right ladies? Unfortunately, we can't just hibernate in our houses all winter. The good news is there are a few simple tricks you can try that will have you looking and feeling better in no time. Get out your cute, festive outfits and put your best face forward with these simple tricks.

1. Dry Brush

Dry brushing has been trending for several years. It is supposed to be good for your lymph and circulatory system, and some people claim that it helps reduce the appearance of cellulite. I don't know if there's much validity to those claims, I've been dry brushing for over ten years, and it hasn't done a thing for the cellulite on my legs, but I can tell you that dry brushing feels amazing, especially after a long day. One thing is for sure, it sloughs off all the dead skin and relieves itchiness on those hard-to-reach spots, like your back. You can find brushes with soft bristles in the shower aisle at most chain stores like Wal-Mart, Meijer, and Target.

Before each shower, or at least once or twice a week, dry brush your entire body. Start with your feet and go in tiny circles, working your way to the center of your body. Repeat this process with each arm, always brushing toward the heart. I keep my brush in a cupboard in my bathroom. I like to dry brush while I wait for the water to get hot. It exfoliates the skin, and it's relaxing!

2. Better Moisturizer for Face and Body

Dry winter air requires a different, heavier moisturizer than the summer months. Creams can get pricey, so at the very least, consider switching your night cream. Creams and lotions can be pricey, but you don't need fancy ingredients or a hefty price tag to have glowing skin.

I love using Olay Pro-Retinol eye treatment and Simple hydrating booster during the day. The eye cream brightens and keeps my eyes looking youthful while the booster moisturizes my face without leaving a greasy residue. It also doubles as a primer, saving me an extra step in my makeup routine.

At night, I opt for Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream that helps combat the effects of aging and leaves my skin looking beautiful. My doctor even commented that my skin had drastically improved at my last dermatologist appointment. The only thing I changed was incorporating these three products into my daily skin routine.

As for body lotion, I love Queen Helene Cocoa Butter. I use it all year long. It moisturizes my skin, leaving it feeling soft and silky for days and it smells like the beach! In the middle of a cold, Ohio winter, there's nothing better. In addition, it's inexpensive: a 32-ounce bottle is about $3 at Wal-Mart and lasts me almost an entire year.

3. Exfoliate

In order to have glowing skin, you have to exfoliate and get rid of the layer of dull, dead skin cells. Once or twice a week, depending on your skin, use an exfoliating face wash. I love Neutrogena Deep Clean Invigorating Foaming Scrub. This product is great for acne-prone skin. My face is pretty sensitive, so I use this once a week. I will also use it after a heavy makeup day, just to be sure that I removed it all. You might also consider using a moisturizing body scrub once or twice a week. I love the Dove Exfoliating Body Polish with Macadamia and Rice Milk. You could also make your own using extra-virgin olive oil and sugar. Add in used coffee grounds for a skin-tightening effect, but be warned: it can make quite a mess in the shower.

4. Exercise

For gorgeous, glowing skin, get up and move! It can be hard to find the motivation when it's freezing cold outside. After all, the thought of putting on workout clothes and exercising pales in comparison to a cozy blanket, a steaming hot bowl of chili, and Netflix. However, once you start moving, those endorphins will flood your brain, making you feel amazing.

Try a dance cardio video or a HIIT session to get the blood pumping. Do a strength training session, lifting weights or using your own body weight to tone your entire body. Not only will you be working on your summer body and fitness goals, but after your workout session, you'll be glowing! Exercise is so important, especially in the wintertime. It will give you a confidence boost and helps combat holiday and seasonal stress.

6 Amazing Winter Hacks for gorgeous, glowing skin.

5. Vaseline

Vaseline has many uses, and it's especially good for extra dry skin. Put Vaseline on the soles of your feet after every shower to help keep them soft and fight calluses. Throw socks on and go to bed, or relax on the couch with a good book. You can also put Vaseline on elbows and knees to help with dryness. Try putting a little on your knuckles if you have dry hands. It's also great for dry, cracked lips. Everyone should have this product in their bathroom.

6. Essential Oil Diffuser

Essential oil diffusers are great for aromatherapy and for helping put moisture back in the air. There are a variety of sizes and styles to choose from, so you can find one that suits your taste. Having one in the bedroom not only helps you get a better night's rest but also helps combat extra dryness in the air. I also have one for my living room and my den. They are smaller and take up less room than my humidifier, and are less problematic when it comes to unfinished wood trim and furniture in my house.

I love having eucalyptus essential oil for allergies and colds, sweet orange essential oil helps my husband relax, and my son loves the peppermint essential oil. Running the diffusers has helped our skin stay soft during the winter months, and my plants love the extra moisture in the air, too.

This content is accurate and true to the best of the author’s knowledge and is not meant to substitute for formal and individualized advice from a qualified professional.