Similar to the way that we adapt our wardrobe to align with the colder seasons, we must do the same to our skin-care routine. As you swap your shorts and flip flops for sweaters and boots, it’s time to reevaluate your skin-care products as well.
The change in weather can cause a shock in your skin. A drop in temperature and humidity makes it more difficult for your skin to maintain proper hydration. Lifestyle shifts also play a role in your skin’s health. For example, as the weather begins to get colder, you’re likely to take hotter showers and turn the heat on, which can cause inflammation and dryness. Although it will take time for your skin to adjust to the chillier, drier weather, there are a few things you can do in the meantime:
1. Switch to a moisturizing body wash
Certain ingredients in skin-care products can strip the skin of its natural oils and lead to irritation. When looking for products, watch out for fragrances, dyes, parabens, and sulfates on the label, especially if you have sensitive skin. These ingredients are known for being abrasive to the skin. Instead, try switching to a fragrance-free body wash with natural moisturizing ingredients such as aloe vera, shea butter, and almond oil.
2. Lather on the body moisturizer
Applying lotion on a daily basis is no longer an option, it’s a necessity. The best time to apply lotion is directly after showering as moisturizers absorb better when the skin is still damp. For optimal hydration, it may also be a good idea to double-moisturize by layering an emulsion on top of a regular lotion. An emulsion is a lightweight, water-based cream and helps prevent moisture loss from the skin’s surface. This is a great way to seal in your hydration!
3. Use retinol
Whether your concern is sun damage, hyperpigmentation, or acne, retinol is a great fix. Retinol works to reverse signs of aging, clear acne breakouts, and mitigate hyperpigmentation. If you choose to utilize retinol skin-care products, it’s important to use them correctly in order to avoid dryness or irritation of the skin. When using retinol, only apply it at night as it can cause your skin to become more sensitive to sunlight. Additionally, it’s essential to follow it with a moisturizer and use sunscreen during the day to protect your skin. Over time, you’ll notice an improvement in your skin’s elasticity and overall complexion.
4. Exfoliate regularly
There’s nothing worse than dry, itchy skin during the long winter months. Exfoliating once or twice a week is great for getting rid of dead skin cells and boosting circulation. Regular exfoliation also allows your skin to absorb a moisturizer better, making your skin feel softer and more supple. Although exfoliation offers many benefits, you should still be mindful of how it affects your skin. Excessive exfoliation or using certain scrubs can lead to increased oil production, breakouts, and damaged skin. To exfoliate your skin safely, be sure to assess your skin type, use all-natural ingredients, and stop if you start to feel any irritation.
5. Drink more water
Caring for your skin is an inside-out process. With that said, what you put on your body is equally as important as what you put in it. During the colder seasons, it’s likely you’ll opt for more hot beverages, like coffee or tea. However, these can actually dehydrate your body even more. Work on increasing your water-intake by utilizing a reusable water bottle that you can refill throughout the day. To monitor your consumption of water, consider downloading an app, like AquaAlert, that can help track your water-intake and send you reminders to drink more.