5 Skincare Tips to Consider this Winter
Let’s talk about winter and what this means for our skin. With temperature drops, you may notice your skin feels or even looks a little different. You may experience anything from dry patches, flaky skin, and bumps to redness, and inflammation. This is because while your skin TYPE remains the same (oily, dry, combination), our environment influences and affects our skin. Establishing a basic skincare routine and paying close attention to your specific areas of challenge, is the first step in helping you navigate the changing seasons. If you live in a place with harsh climates or cold weather, you will want to prepare and manage the changes and adjust as necessary.
Let’s get into it! Here are some skincare tips to consider when the temperatures drop and the cold starts settling in.
Avoid Hot Water: It can be tempting when it’s cold to splash hot water on your face in the morning or even in the shower. And while it may feel nice, what the heat does is activate your melanocytes (cells that produce melanin), to produce an excess of melanin as a defense mechanism. Not only does this severely dehydrate the skin, but it also can exacerbate hyperpigmentation. This is especially an issue for those with dry and/or sensitive skin and people with dark spots. Stick to lukewarm or cold water when washing your face.
Wear SPF: The summer may be gone but the sun is still here! It is a common misconception that SPF is not needed when it’s cold but the reality is you need to protect your skin and SPF is the way to do that. UVB rays (associated with burning) decrease a bit, which is why the sun doesn’t feel as intense but UVA rays (associated with aging) remain the same, meaning your ability to get sun spots, skin cancer, and even sunburns are all still there. Continue to wear broad-spectrum sunscreen, with at least SPF 30, that protects against both UVB and UVA rays. SPF should be in your routine all year long, no matter the weather!
Opt for Heavier Nighttime Moisturizer: At night your skin does a majority of cell repair. It’s also when your hydration levels deplete leaving your skin feeling dry. Wearing a heavier nighttime moisturizer can help boost and replenish your skin. Look for ingredients with ceramides, and humectants like hyaluronic acid and glycerin.
Ceramides make up about 50% of our skin’s lipids (or fatty acids) and protect it by forming a natural skin barrier. Many moisturizers include this ingredient to help restore our skin, especially at night.
Humectants are moisturizing substances that attract water from the air or from deeper layers of the skin to increase hydration.
Sleep With a Humidifier: Less moisture in the air leaves your skin feeling dry. Using a humidifier can not only help your skin retain hydration but also boost the use of ceramides and humectants in the products you apply. Sleep is a dehydrating process no matter your skin type, meaning everyone can benefit from the use of a humidifier!
Try Facial Oils: Don’t be afraid of adding this to the mix! Yes, that applies to those with oily and combo skin! The winter means increased levels of dryness for everyone so using the right oil will help restore moisture, balance oil production, and combat dehydrated and flaky skin. Oils also help protect and boost the skin barrier, your primary level of defense against infections, chemicals, toxins, pollution, etc. Lastly, if you’re prone to inflammatory conditions such as dermatitis and eczema, you may commonly see flare-ups during colder months. Oils work to protect and soothe your skin during these outbreaks.
The cold affects us all, the key is to set up and keep track of your skincare goals, all year round. Although we’re all just about ready to go into hibernation mode, don’t slack on keeping up with your regimen. Winter is coming! But the good news is, now you and your skin are ready!
If you’re not sure where to start, don’t worry! That’s what we’re here for at Elevated Aesthetics. Schedule a virtual consultation with us to set up a plan to help you fulfill your skincare goals.