Winter Skincare Tips and Tricks

When someone mentions the words ‘winter skin’, it may conjure up images of dry skin that is scaly to the touch. The harsh winter weather often leaves us with itchy skin, and depending on our skin type, a whole host of potentially unpleasant side effects.

The truth is, cold weather does not have to equal dull skin. There is another way! With a little bit of effort and know-how, we will walk you through some winter skin care tips that may help look after your skin during the winter months.

Exfoliate

It may feel counter-intuitive to exfoliate in winter because your skin feels more delicate, but the truth is that it’s definitely worth implementing regular exfoliation into your skincare routine. The reason for this is because an excess of dead skin cells may actually reduce the capacity of your skin to absorb the skincare products that you apply.

This means that your already dry, wintery skin may not get the nutrients it so desperately needs. In winter, your skin needs extra moisture and if the skin barrier is littered with dead skin cells, your hard-working moisturizer may not be able to penetrate your dry winter skin to improve it and keep your skin happy, and your skin glowing. Exfoliate to remove dead skin cells and let your products do their work unimpeded.

Use A Gentle Cleanser

There are so many things that work against our skin in the winter months. Indoor heating is known to dry out the air, and the harsh wind and cold plays havoc on our skin, especially exposed skin like our facial skin and our hands.

In winter, we also want to keep warm, so things like taking a hot shower and having to wear gloves, all add to what may cause irritated skin in cold weather. These and many other factors may cause our usually glowing skin to appear dull and accentuate the appearance of fine lines.

We still need to cleanse our skin however, so opt for a gentle cleanser that aids with skin regeneration and avoid using excessively hot water and long hot showers when cleansing. This may strip the skin of natural facial oils, leaving us with dry skin. You may want to look for cream-based cleansers to aid with dry winter skin and those with natural ingredients that may help promote a healthy skin barrier.

Moisturize On Damp Skin

Moisturizing your skin is always important but perhaps never more so than in winter. The cold and dry winter air may wreak havoc on our skin and strip the skin of natural moisture leading to more dead skin cells and fine lines. Healthy skin depends on moisture to remain healthy and the natural oils in our skin may not be enough on their own.

Different people have different skin types but everyone needs to moisturize. Those with oily skin and those with a drier skin or combination skin should all select a moisturizer to cater to their skin type.

A trick of the trade to help keep your skin hydrated may be to apply your moisturizer right after shower time or after you have cleansed the skin and when the skin is still a little damp. Doing this, may help to lock the moisture in and keep your skin healthy and hydrated for longer.

Don’t Neglect Your Body

Many of us may be so fixated on keeping our facial skin free of dead cells and properly moisturized that we tend to neglect the rest of our body and consequently suffer with dry skin.

In the colder weather, we must remember to use hand cream, avoid wet socks, wet clothes and do everything we can to avoid dryness and irritation. A board-certified dermatologist may list their favorite winter skincare tips as being able to remember to keep hand cream in your bag and possibly using petroleum jelly for the lips.

Use Natural Ingredients

Another of our favorite winter skincare tips and tricks is to implement natural products into your skin care routine. In addition to the harsh winter chill, many chemical skincare products have harsh ingredients that don’t do our already dry, itchy skin any favors.

There are two natural ingredients that come top of the list to possibly help alleviate winter skin dryness and promote natural moisture and may even aid with some skin conditions. They are Jojoba oil and Shea butter. You can find many face mask products with these ingredients.

Vitamins and  plant based ingredients may also help with skin regeneration in the dry air, so look out for products with vitamin C and hyaluronic acid. If you do use chemical products, use astringents sparingly and remember to use warm water instead of scalding hot water.

Modify Your Skin Care Routine Seasonally

To avoid dry skin in the colder months, your winter skin care routine should look a little different from your summer skin care routine. The air is different and so are the needs of your skin.

A board-certified dermatologist may recommend things like switching out gel, water-based moisturizers and cleansers for cream-based ones and avoiding products with alcohol and fragrances. Making these small changes may help with dry winter skin conditions and help the skin to retain natural oils.

Night time moisturizers should be richer in winter. Also, be sure to pay attention to your lips and hands a little more before you go to bed.

Drink Water

In the summer months, it may be easier to stay hydrated because of the warmer weather. We may tend to be thirstier and thus, drink more. In winter, it might be harder to remember to drink water but if we want to avoid more harm and worsen itchy skin, we must remember to drink enough water. We would not be surprised if there are many more dehydration related stories in winter than in summer.

Moisturize your skin from the inside out by drinking 8-10 glasses of water a day. Stay hydrated and promote positive skin care by quenching your thirst and at the same time, quenching your skin’s thirst.

Seratopical Revolution by Sera Labs

Seratopical Revolution by Sera Labs and Nicole Kidman is a great example of a full skin care range packed with plant based  ingredients for ultimate hydration during the winter months. To learn more, click here: https://seratopicalrevolution.com/

SOURCES:

• https://www.everydayhealth.com/skin-and-beauty/top-tips-for-healthy-winter-skin.aspx
• https://www.byrdie.com/winter-skincare-tips-4775910
• https://www.stylecraze.com/articles/7-basic-face-care-tips-you-need-to-follow-in-winter/
• https://waxingkara.com/winter-skincare-tips/
• https://www.realsimple.com/beauty-fashion/skincare/winter-skincare