Skin Care for Colder Weather

As the temps drop, you may need to tweak your skin care routine.  Cooler temps and drier air can dry out your skin, cause senstivities, and possibly even redness.  So what do you need to do? 

• If you have normally dry skin anyway, colder weather can make it worse.  If you are using a gel based foaming cleanser, switch to a creamy cleanser, which will leave your skin more hydrated immediately after cleansing.  DO NOT skip cleansing.  This is a very important step of any skin care routine.  Consider an oil based cleanser!
• Use tepid water to cleanse.  Hot water may feel good, but can strip your skin of it's lipid barrer, leaving it vulerable to drying and redness. 
• Use a hydrating serum containing hyaluronic acid.   HA can hold 1000 times it's weight in water, which can significantly increase your hydration. 
• Use a heavier moisturizer, especially at night.  Your skin loses most of it's moisture as you sleep.  Using a heavier, more occlusive moisturiser helps hold that mositure in.
• Consider a special pillowcase.  There are some available that actually help your skin retain it's own natural moisture.  

• If you have oily skin, you will still need to tweak a few things.  If your skin feels dry and tight after cleansing, consider using a more  calming cleanser.  If you are using an acne cleanser twice a day, you may need to back off to only once daily. 
• You definitely need to hydrate your skin.  Look for an oil free mositurizer and use it nightly. 

• If you are prone to sensitivity, look for products that are calming, soothing and hydrating.  You will need to use a very gentle cleanser, and pat your skin dry, never rub! 
• Rinse with cool or tepid water. Never steaming hot!
• Use an occlusive moisturizer to protect your skin while your lipid barrier heals itself.
• Cover skin if temps are harsh or there is alot of wind.  These will increase redness and sensitivity.

Above all else do not forget your sunscreen!  This is still an important daily MUST! 

What about exfoliation in winter?  Do you need it? 

• Yes, you can still exfoliate, but make sure you are protecting that new skin with moisture and SPF.  If you feel more sensitive in colder weather, and are prone to redness and dryness, reduce exfoliation to once a month. 

What are the best hydrating ingredients to look for?

• For exfoliation - Lactic acid is hydrating and non-irritating to most.
• For serums - look for Hyaluronic acid.  As discussed above, this will definitely help your skin hold on to it's own moisture.
• For moisturizers - if your skin is dry, steer clear of 'oil free'.  Your skin needs the oil in heavier moisturizer, especially this time of year! 

Questions on all this?  Schedule a consult with your skin care specialist.