Winter can be tough on your skin. Between cold outside air and increased use of heat drying out your home, your skin may start to rebel in the form of acne, redness, peeling, and more. To best support your skin and keep it moisturized, it is important to change your skincare routine as the weather changes. Here are some of our favorite skincare swaps for the winter months.
Swap: Foaming Cleansers for Cream Cleansers
Strong facial cleansers can easily strip your skin of your natural oils, making your already dry skin even drier. Foaming cleansers are especially harsh on your skin and can cause your face to feel overly tight and dry.
Switching to a cream cleanser can help dry skin because it is extremely gentle on sensitive skin and has added moisturizer. This can be especially helpful for anyone that already has dry skin. If you have oily skin this may not be as much of an issue for you.
Another great option to consider is a cleansing oil. These oils easily dissolve makeup, dirt, and oil without drying out the skin.
Swap: Physical Exfoliants for Chemical Exfoliants
While exfoliation can be great for dry skin during the winter, it is important to consider the type of exfoliant you are using to avoid damaging already irritated skin. Physical exfoliants are exfoliants that use small physical pieces of material to remove dead skin cells. This can further irritate and dry out skin if used during the winter.
A great alternative is a chemical exfoliant. Chemical exfoliants use chemicals like alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) or beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) to remove the top layer of dead skin cells. While this will prevent your skin from peeling as a physical exfoliant might cause, it is important to limit the use of chemical exfoliants. Using them as a part of your nighttime skincare routine two to three times a week is perfect.
Swap: Astringents for Toners
Astringents are normally used by those with oily skin to control oil production and reduce pore appearance, however, they can be drying for some skin types during the winter. You don’t have to give up the positive effects of your astringent though, simply swap it out for a moisturizing toner.
There are many types and formulas of toner on the market so you should be able to find one whether you have oily, dry, or combination skin. We recommend a hydrating toner for especially harsh climates and weather.
Swap: Light Moisturizers for Heavy Creams
While a lightweight moisturizer is perfect for the summer months where sweating throughout the day is common, it may not do the job during the winter. Dry patches or feeling dry throughout the day may be a sign that you need to swap out for a heavier facial moisturizer.
A rich cream with fatty acids and ceramides is ideal for colder weather since it will help your skin maintain its natural protective barrier and lock in moisture. Apply a heavy moisturizer at night so that your skin can reap the benefits while you sleep.
Swap: Bare Lips for Lip Balm
Your lips are one of the first parts of your skin that start to show signs of dehydration since they don’t produce their own oils. During the winter, your lips can easily become chapped and even start to crack if not properly hydrated and cared for.
If you choose to exfoliate your lips, do so gently with a washcloth and then apply a moisturizing lip balm to keep lips hydrated and protected.
Regardless of the season, it is important to pay close attention to your skin and make sure you are providing it with the skincare products it needs to look and feel its best. Listen to your skin and don’t be afraid to adjust your routine as necessary.
Contact Rejuvenation Laser and Skin Center Today!
If you follow the tips above, your skin should be able to stay looking its best all season long. If you find yourself needing a helping hand or simply want to treat yourself to some extra pampering this holiday season, contact our team at Rejuvenation Laser & Skin Center today.