Winter Skincare

Your skin can be influenced by so many factors—including the weather. As temperatures drop in the winter, your skin is increasingly vulnerable to external irritants that can cause visible redness, irritation, wrinkles, and even breakouts. Dry air, frigid winds and indoor heaters can all shock the skin’s natural protective barrier and deplete it of moisture.

To protect your skin through the colder months, exchange your summer skincare routine for a more winter-appropriate one.

Cleaning Your Skin

Are you a fan of foaming and bubbly cleansers? They may be okay in the summer, but in the winter, these types of cleansers tend to dry your skin out more rather than moisturize it. To help keep moisture locked in your skin during the winter, switch to gentle cleansing creams, balms, and oils. These eliminate impurities without disrupting your skin’s natural barrier.

Exfoliating

The harsh winter weather can cause your skin to become dull and lacklustre. This means that you may want to substitute your regular exfoliating products for a more gentle kind, instead of skipping this step altogether. A gentle exfoliator removes the dead skin cells that accumulate from the dry winter air, without drying out your skin.

Additionally, exfoliating regularly helps your skin absorb moisturizer and other post-cleansing products better.

Get a Richer Moisturizer

The fact is that everyone’s skin requires additional moisturizing during the colder months. Your skin produces fewer natural oils during the winter than it does in the summer, leading to dry skin, irritation, and flaking. Upgrading your everyday moisturizer to something a little richer will help lock in moisture, protect the natural skin barrier, and promote a smoother and glowing complexion.

Depending on your skin’s needs, you may need to use a lighter moisturizer in the morning and a heavier one at night.

And don’t forget to apply the products in your skincare routine correctly: apply the lightest products first (like toners and serums), then layer on the heavier ones (typically ending with moisturizer).

Don’t Forget the Sunscreen

Applying sunscreen in the winter is a must. Even if there is no sun, you can still be exposed to UV rays that damage your skin.

A healthy skincare regimen should be adjusted based on seasonal changes. By tweaking your daily routine to fit your skin’s unique needs, you can avoid the dryness, redness, and/or irritation caused by the weather. Look for products that contain ingredients to boost moisture, soothe irritation, and limit dryness during the cold winter months.