It happens every year. The moment I turn the heat on at home. My skin takes a slow, but determined path towards uncomfortable. This, in turn, further aggravates my psoriasis and eczema (yes, my skin doesn’t disappoint when it comes to having issues!). The colder and harsher climate can leave the skin less able to protect itself, resulting in a compromised barrier. I’m not alone – most of my clients come in for their winter quarterly facials with concerns over dryness, irritation and sensitivity. A few key seasonal changes to your daily skincare regimen will help restore and rebalance the skin’s health.
- Cleanse
Make sure your cleanser is great at cleansing, but not so much that it’s stripping your skin. The winter months are a good time to switch to a milky cleanser, which are generally milder and can be more moisturizing. Better yet, now is THE perfect time to cleanse with an oil. Yes, oil! I know, I have oily acne-prone skin (see, told you my skin doesn’t disappoint) and cleansing with an oil has been a gamer changer. Oil attracts oil – it’s simple chemistry. The oil cleanser is going to draw out impurities like a magnet and once it’s rinsed off, your skin will be super clean but without that tight feeling. I like to follow with a milky cleanser (2nd cleanse) for that extra clean feel.
- Exfoliate
“I don’t know why my skin is so dry, I lather on the moisturizer but that just doesn’t seem to help” – sound familiar? Save that moisturizer for newer, fresher skin and in order to reach that skin, you need to exfoliate the outer most layer of dead skin. Avoid harsh exfoliants; instead, choose milder options – alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) are a perfect. I love overnight masks because they’re super effective but gentle because they usually have a creamy or encapsulated and time released formulation.
- Moisturize
A hydrating focused moisturizer (moisturizers have different ingredients that are focused on varying results) formulated with a heavier consistency should provide the added support your skin needs during the colder months. If you use a water-based moisturizer, consider adding a few drops of facial oil to amp up the hydration effect.
- Hydrate
Drinking water is key to overall skin health, but especially so in the colder months. I keep drinking water close by, but I also keep a hydrating mist close by for topical hydration throughout the day. My skin instantly feels refreshed and revitalized.
- Humidify
We have a whole house humidifier, but I also have one in the bedroom and that has made a huge difference. You just have to be careful to keep it clean and fresh.
There’s a reason I see my facial clients quarterly. Seasonal weather changes absolutely affect our skin health and you want to make sure you amend your skincare routine to support those changes.
Check out my favorite winter survival skincare products on our home page!
