The winter months can wreak havoc on our complexions. With those windy, bone-chilling days upon us, it’s important to understand the very real effects winter weather can have on your skin and how to properly protect skin from seasonal damage. That frigid, moisture-stripping air of winter can take a toll on not only dry skin types, but oily and combination skin types, too! Regardless of your skin type, most everyone can greatly benefit from making seasonal adjustments to that daily skin care routine.
Dry Skin
If you have dry skin, blankets aren’t the only thing that should be getting thicker in the winter! This change applies to your skin care products and moisturizers as well.
Dry skin can often appear dull and lackluster. Unfortunately, this issue can be further exacerbated in the winter as cool winds strip skin of its moisture and summertime glow. The skin care, seasonal focus for those with drier skin should be ‘healing hydration.’ This time of year, dry skin faces the greatest risk of damage and irritation to the delicate skin barriers. Incorporate lipid-rich creams, hydrating serums, and even healing ointments to provide skin with an extra layer of protection.
Because dry and dehydrated skin amplifies the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, add collagen and elastin building products into your routine to support healthy skin. A hydrating eye gel is also a must as this delicate area of one’s face can incur damage when outdoor temps and weather gets harsh.
A few things to keep in mind:
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Look for oil-based products - Products with a higher oil content will better penetrate the skin’s barriers to hydrate deeply
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Look for ingredients such as shea butter, coconut oil, sunflower seed oil, hyaluronic acid
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Although tempting, avoid piping hot showers as this will further dry out skin
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Swap out your regular toner for a more hydrating formula.
Oily & Combination
A common misconception is that oily and combination skin types have nothing to worry about during winter months. The truth is that the combination of low humidity, cold temperatures, and dry heat from indoor heating systems can cause even oily/combination skin to begin looking dry & dehydrated, sensitive, and irritated. This impact can cause oil glands to overproduce oil, which can lead to further irritation. So, moisturizer is necessary!
The trick to keeping winter damage and oil production at bay is tricking skin into believing it’s spring time! How? By adding lightweight, hydration products into your daily routine.
A few things to keep in mind:
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Look for products with oil-free hydrators such as aloe, hyaluronic acid and glycerin.
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Avoid harsh exfoliants and drying ingredients including alcohol, mint, menthol and eucalyptus
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Avoid face cleansing brushes – instead, use a warm washcloth for flake removal
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Never skip a day of moisturizing
Normal Skin
If you’re lucky enough to have “normal” skin, adjust your regular routine to include more cream-based products. These products will moisturize better during the winter and normal skin will be able to better tolerate the heavy consistency without becoming greasy or oily.
Sensitive Skin
For those with sensitive skin, look for products that are calming yet hydrating. A few key ingredients to add into your winter skin regimen include: avocado oil, cucumber, chamomile extract, oatmeal, calendula oil, shea butter and borage oil.
Regardless of one’s skin type, sun protection is a MUST for everyone. The colder temperature does not mean we are safe from UV exposure. Wear at least SPF 30 every day and reapply every 3-4 hours.
