While winter may be a season of snowball fights and hot cocoa, it can also take a toll on your skin. The cold weather can easily dry out even the healthiest skin, causing it to become irritated.
You may experience frequent breakouts, rashes, dry patches, or even cracked lips as the weather and outdoor humidity levels continue to drop.
Whatever you do, don’t ignore these symptoms, as they may be a sign that you need to change to briefly alter your lifestyle or skincare routine during these colder months.
Routines should adjust every season, as humidity and temperature will affect the skin differently. So here are a few tips on how to do just that.
1. Consider a cream-based cleanser
It’s helpful to switch to a cream-based skin cleanser for the winter months. Foaming cleansers can be more drying and stripping to the skin, worsening your condition. These are more suitable for oily skin types as they can help create a clearer complexion.
Use hydrating spray
Hydrating sprays (aka “face mists”) are great for adding a bit of moisture to dry scan before you put on lotion. Consider using a hydrating spray after taking a shower or washing your face.
A good hydrating mist can be made with Vitamin B3 hyaluronic acid, Vitamin E, and CBD. These will help to bind moisture within the skin.
2. Find a good hydrating serum
Use hydrating serums to finish any daily skincare routine. A serum is similar to a hydrating spray, as it adds moisture to the skin. However, the main difference is that this serum usually includes oil or other ingredients and is best used at night.
They’re usually thicker and only a small amount is needed for daily use A good serum should contain hyaluronic, glycerin, squalene, and glycerin. These ingredients are all perfect for skin hydration. Apply the serum before applying your moisturizer.
3. Seek professional guidance
It’s also a good idea to find a skin care professional, such as a dermatologist or licensed esthetician to get an accurate reading of the skin and determine the best regimen for you.
They can give you the 411 on your specific skin type and advise you on the best products to use and which ones to avoid. Skin professionals can also advise you on lifestyle changes to help you keep your skin looking young and vibrant.
4. Make sure to exfoliate your skin at least twice a week
It’s best to exfoliate your skin at least twice a week to keep your skin from looking dull. Exfoliation helps to quickly remove dead skin cells from your skin and leaves it looking brighter and vibrant.
If you have oily skin but don’t want to irritate it with a face scrub, consider a chemical exfoliant, such as glycolic acids or lactic acids.
However, if you’re currently experiencing a breakout, you may want to wait to exploit your skin until it is in a healthier state. A solid moisturizer containing ceramides can help to relieve your irritated skin.
5. Use mild cleanser
A cleanser is an effective way to protect your skin from dry and cracked skin. However, there are so many products on the market that it can be hard to choose the right one for you. Avoid alcohol and fragrances when looking for a cleanser.
Look out for ingredients such as lactic acid to help dry skin. Cream-based moisturizers are better for those with warmer skin conditions.
6. Wear sunscreen every day
A common misperception is that UV rays are lower on days that are cloudy–wrong. It’s winter, and the temperatures can drop to the negatives, but the sun still comes out and the UV radiation is still very harmful to your skin.
So yes, sunscreen is still much needed to protect your skin if you’re going to be outside for longer than 10-15 minutes.
Sun rays can cause sunburns and dryness to your skin by reflecting off the snow and ice. Apply sunscreen about 20-30 minutes before going outside, and again if you’re out for extended periods.
7. Take care of your hands
It’s crucial to wash your hands regularly, especially given the current Covid outbreak. But while constant washing can help prevent you from getting sick from germs and bacteria, it also causes moisture problems in your hands.
Constant hand washing can cause your hands to take quite a beating. You notice that your hands are cracking or feeling tight, it’s time to take your moisturizing to the next level.
Apply moisturizing cream after every wash and use waterproof gloves to clean dishes and around the house. Give the moisturizer a few minutes to penetrate your skin before heading out, so you don’t end up with lotion all over your bed or clothes.
Also, make sure to wash your hands and give them a good moisturizing section before you go to bed. You may even want to consider wearing moisturizing hand gloves to help replenish your hand while you sleeping.
Keeping your skin moisturized in the winter isn’t an option if you want to keep your complexion vibrant and glowing.
Be sure to always wear sunscreen, moisturize daily, and pay attention to your skin when it shows signs of distress. Often, the earlier you detect and treat the issue, the quicker it can be remedied.