Top 7 Winter Skincare Tips for Your Skin
Winter weather is here, and with it comes a host of skin issues. The harsh winds, dry air, and sun can wreak havoc on your skin. But it's not too late to start taking care of your skin! We've got some easy tips that will help you fight the winter blues — or at least keep your face from looking like one:
7 Winter Skincare Tips
1. Wash Your Face A Little Less
Wash your face twice a day and use a gentle cleanser. If you’re cleansing too much, you could be drying out your skin and irritating it. The goal is to remove dirt and excess oil without irritating the skin so that it doesn’t overreact by producing more oil. Make sure to apply moisturizer after cleansing as well; otherwise, you could end up with dry patches on your face that cause wrinkles or acne outbreaks.
2. Take Shorter Showers
Showering is a great way to clean your body and relax, but it can also be an opportunity to damage your skin. If you spend too long in the shower, excess water and heat can dry out the protective outermost layer of your skin (the stratum corneum). In addition, scrubbing too hard or using harsh soaps can irritate this delicate layer and make it more vulnerable to damage.
To avoid these harmful effects when washing up with soap or shampoo, limit each shower to five minutes or less, and be sure not to linger over any one part of your body for too long. You still need time to thoroughly cleanse all areas of your body! But try not scrubbing longer than necessary on any one area, then move on quickly before drying off with a towel and patting yourself dry instead of rubbing vigorously with a towel as most people do.
3. Turn Down The Temp In Your Shower
Do not turn on the hot water when you get in the shower. Instead, let the water run until it gets lukewarm, and then start to soap up. If you don't have any control over the temperature of your shower, then simply wash with cold water for a few minutes before turning on the hot water again. Cold showers are not only good for your skin, but they can also help reduce stress levels and improve circulation by increasing blood flow. They've been shown to increase testosterone production in men!
4. Switch To A Gentle, Creamy Cleanser
For those with dry or aging skin, a creamy cleanser is an ideal choice. Creamy cleansers are more moisturizing than foaming cleansers, which can strip the skin of its natural oils and leave your face feeling tight and uncomfortable.
Additionally, if you have sensitive skin or are prone to breakouts, a creamy cleanser will be bettersuited to your needs as it works gently to remove makeup without drying out your complexion.
5. Swap Out Your Exfoliator For A Gentler Option
Exfoliating is an essential step in the skincare routine, but you don't have to use those harsh, granular scrubs with beads or microbeads to do it. Instead, try a gentle exfoliator that does not have any abrasive ingredients. If you aren't sure which kind of exfoliator is best for your skin type and needs, see your dermatologist for advice on what's best for you.
Exfoliation can be done daily or every other day (or even weekly), depending on how sensitive your skin is and how often it needs to be cleansed and refreshed. A good rule of thumb is: if your face feels tight after cleansing, exfoliate more often than usual. Use circular motions with light pressure either on wet or dry skin—don't scrub too hard!
6. When You Moisturize, Use An Oil-Based Product
While you may think that water-based moisturizers are better for your skin, it’s the opposite. Oil-based moisturizers are more effective at locking in moisture and keeping your skin hydrated. They also contain ingredients like vitamin C, which provide antioxidant protection against free radicals and help prevent aging. Water-based products often contain alcohol, which can dry out the skin when used as a primary ingredient in a moisturizer.
While oil-based products are usually better for everyone, they’re especially beneficial for people with acne-prone or oily skin types because they don’t clog pores or cause breakouts (and can even help treat them!).
7. Wear Sunscreen Every Day
It is important to wear sunscreen every day, even when you are indoors. The sun's rays can penetrate clouds and glass, so it is important to be protected from the sun’s harmful UV rays during the day. If you're planning on being outside for more than an hour, apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. You should also reapply your sunscreen after being in water or sweating heavily since this can reduce its effectiveness.
Conclusion
While it may seem like a lot to remember and do, the truth is that these nine tips are easy to incorporate into your daily routine. They can be used as standalone treatments or in conjunction with one another according to your needs. If you have any questions about anything we’ve talked about today, please don’t hesitate to ask!
