Taking good care of your skin is a year-round necessity. While SPF and good moisture are at the forefront of your mind during summer months, wintertime can be just as tough on skin. Some people experience extreme dryness from cold air and blustery winds. Others find they break out more in winter as their skin attempts to produce extra oils for protection. No matter where you fall on this spectrum, adapting your skincare routine is an absolute must. Here are three important changes to make to your skincare routine for winter to ensure dewy, glowing skin every single day.
1. Switch from Soaps to Gentle Cleansers
Some people seem to be fine with bar soap in the summer, but if they try to use it in winter, it immediately causes their skin to become tight, dry, and itchy. Others may experience redness and irritation; that’s because soap strips away the protective barrier of oil present on your skin.
Switch a gentle foaming cleanser instead in the winter, and avoid using harsh scrubs or abrasives more often than once or twice a week. If you know you’re going to be going outside, and the weather is icy-old, pair your new cleanser with the next tip!
2. Use a Moisturizer
Just as with soap, some people don’t need moisturizes in the spring, summer, and fall, yet find themselves with flaky dryness in cold winter weather. This happens for two reasons. First, cold temperatures and wind reduce moisture in your skin. Indoor heating (especially electric) also strips out moisture, leaving your skin parched.
If you’re struggling with dry winter skin, try adding a moisturizer to your routine. Just be careful to use the right moisturizer; you can’t just grab the first product you see. People with oily skin or breakouts should stick to lightweight, non-greasy gels and whips, while people with intensely dry skin may need something a bit more rich and buttery to improve the skin’s condition.
It’s also worth mentioning that some people find they need to change their moisturizer with the seasons, even if they use it already. If you’re suddenly noticing breakouts, dryness, or odd symptoms, switch out your favorite formula for something lighter or heavier. You may see an improvement.
3. Skip the Hot Showers
Wait…what?
Yes, you read that right. You should try to avoid extremely hot showers (or really, even washing your face with very hot water) in winter. The same goes for winter hot tubs; it’s the temperature that matters.
The problem with hot water is that it’s much better at melting away the natural oils in your skin that provides a protective layer against the elements. Warmer temperatures also encourage pores to open, stripping away even more moisture. The result is dry, irritated skin that doesn’t respond as well to moisturizers and cosmetics.
The best fix? Stick with warm, but not hot, water instead. Most importantly, avoid jumping right into an ultra-hot shower when you come inside from the deep freeze. Suddenly shifting from super cold to super hot can actually be damaging; it’s important that you warm up a little bit first.
Upgrade Your Winter Skincare Routine
Winter can negatively impact your skin, but it’s fairly easy to take control of weather-related symptoms. We’ve recommended three quick fixes for improving the appearance of your skin during winter months. However, if you think you need a more significant fix, our team of experts at Berlet Plastic Surgery can recommend the right treatment. For advanced treatments, contact Berlet Plastic Surgery today to learn more!