Prepare your skin for winter with these skin care tips. Learn how to adjust your daily habits to stay hydrated and avoid dryness and irritation.
As the season changes from summer to winter, does your skin become dry and sensitive? Just like changing into warmer clothes or enjoying a heavy meal, winter skin care needs to be adjusted to suit the season. Our skin needs special care and this change is important to keep it healthy and prevent winter-induced dryness and irritation.
Many of us continue to use our favorite summer skin care products even when we no longer need them in our winter skin care routines. “Foaming cleansers and lightweight moisturizers that work well in the warmer months can be detrimental to your skin in the colder months,” dermatologist Dr. Harkanwar Sekhu told Healthshot. These products can strip your skin of its natural oils, causing dryness, tightness, and irritation.
Why does my skin change in winter?
In summer, heat and humidity increase oil production. Therefore, lightweight and oil-free products are suitable. But in winter, cold air and indoor heating can cause problems. These conditions deplete the skin’s moisture and weaken the natural barrier that protects it from dryness and irritation. “When the barrier is compromised, the skin becomes more susceptible to problems such as redness, sensitivity, and roughness,” warns Dr. Sek. You may also notice fine lines and breakouts due to increased dryness and inflammation.
How should I change my skin care routine for winter?
Changing your skin care products depending on the season is also important to keep your skin healthy.
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Facial cleanser
To prepare your skin for winter, start by washing your face. A foaming cleanser that feels good in the summer can dry out your skin in the winter. “Instead, choose moisturizing, sulfate-free cleansers with ingredients like glycerin, ceramides, and aloe vera. These options clear skin without stripping it of its natural moisture,” says the dermatologist. It is important to avoid alcohol and strongly scented products. These ingredients can worsen dryness and irritation, so you want to avoid them during the cold winter months.
2. Moisturizer
In winter, your skin needs more moisture. Now is a good time to change your moisturizer. Dr. Sekou recommends, “Move from lightweight gel moisturizers to thicker cream-based moisturizers. Look for ingredients like shea butter, squalane, and hyaluronic acid.” These ingredients provide deep hydration, help retain moisture and calm inflammation.
“Skin needs extra support and nutrition in the winter,” says Dr. Sek. Cream-based moisturizers add hydration and help form a protective layer from the cold and dry indoor air. If you have extremely dry or sensitive skin, try adding a hydrating serum underneath your moisturizer for extra hydration.
3. Sunscreen
Many people think that they don’t need sunscreen when the sun isn’t bright. But UV rays can harm us all year round, so it’s essential to include sunscreen in your winter skin care routine. In fact, your exposure to UV rays can increase in the winter as UV rays reflect off snow and clouds. “Always use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher, even in winter,” advises Dr. Sekou. Choose a sunscreen that also has moisturizing properties to protect your skin from the sun and drying winds.
4.Exfoliation
Exfoliation is important, especially in your winter skin care routine, to remove dead skin cells and keep your skin smooth. However, be careful not to exfoliate too much in winter. “Limit exfoliating treatments to once or twice a week, as excessive exfoliation can damage your skin’s barrier. Use a gentle exfoliant, such as a lactic acid or enzyme-based scrub,” says the doctor. These will help you avoid the risks of harsh scrubs and achieve glowing skin.
5. Don’t forget your lips and hands
Lips and hands are often ignored when it comes to winter skin care. Delicate skin is prone to dryness, causing it to become rough and cracked. “Keep a moisturizing lip balm on hand to keep your lips moisturized, and apply a nourishing hand cream often, especially after washing your hands,” the experts tell us. You can protect your skin from winter dryness with these simple steps.
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Dr. Sekou offers a helpful comparison: “Think of skin care like a seasonal diet. Just as your diet changes with the seasons, such as choosing hot soups or healthy nuts in the winter, your skin care routine should change as well.”
