Updating Your Skin Care Routine for Winter
Developing an effective skincare routine takes months—even years—of research and experimentation. It can be incredibly discouraging to discover that your meticulously chosen holy-grail products seem to stop working when the cold months creep in.
How Cold Weather Impacts Skin
Cold winter temperatures and low humidity steal moisture from the skin, impairing our fragile skin barriers. This makes the skin dry, itchy, flaky, irritable, and lusterless. If you have dry skin or suffer from conditions like eczema or psoriasis, winter will likely be the worst time of the year for you. The good news is these pain points can be targeted by simply updating your skincare routine! Say hello to smooth and glowing skin even during the dreariest winter months. Here are some tips to help you adapt to the change in seasons:
Opt for Gentle Cleansers
Using bar soap or foaming face wash for cleansing can strip the skin's natural oils and disrupt the microbiome, dehydrating your skin. Instead, look for cream-based or oil cleansers that are safe to use on hypersensitive and rosacea-prone skin. These products will keep your skin supple and maintain the perfect pH balance. Glowbiotics Probiotic Nourishing Gel to Oil Cleanser might prove to be the perfect fit. This cleanser gently removes impurities, hydrates, moisturizes, and strengthens the skin.
Don’t Over-Exfoliate
Exfoliation is a must to remove dead skin cells, even during the winter months. But don’t over-exfoliate. Instead, use a gentle exfoliator no more than 2-3 times per week to remove dead skin cells and give your skincare products a better canvas to work their magic on. Try the Glowbiotics MD Probiotic Triple Action Clarifying Pads. It is a gentle exfoliant that enhances skin tone and gives you that sought-after glow even in dry conditions. Gently sweep the product over your freshly cleansed face 2-3 times a week.
Hydrating Serums and Moisturizers are the Way to Go
To protect your skin barrier from irritation and dryness, you must use hydrating moisturizers and serums to guard against the cold, dry climate and keep skin soft and supple.
Sanitas Skincare PeptiDerm Moisturizing Cream,Glowbiotics MD Probiotic Moisture Rich Replenishing Cream, PCA Skin Hyaluronic Acid Boosting Serum andSanitas Skincare Hyaluronic Concentrate are excellent products that are sure to deliver the hydration you need. You can compensate for lost moisture by applying hydrating products in the morning and evening!
Tip: Take your skincare routine to the next level by applying hydrating serums and moisturizers on your hands after washing, too.
Make Sunscreen Your Best Friend
Say it with me: sunscreen is not just for warm summer days. In fact, snow reflects the sun’s harsh rays and multiplies UV exposure. Protect your skin from harmful UV rays and slather on a good layer of sunscreen whenever you step outside, no matter the season.
Opt for a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least 30 SPF that includes moisturizing properties. PCA Skin Weightless Protection Broad Spectrum SPF 45 defends against UVA and UVB rays, and it is reef-safe and cruelty-free. You can wear this lightweight product underneath layers of makeup without worrying about a shiny complexion!
Indulge in Face Masks
Face masks maintain much-needed hydration by locking all the moisture in your skin. As the final step of skincare, they lock in serums, oils, and creams to keep your skin soft, smooth, and radiant even in the harshest of winters. We recommend Avène A-OXitive SOS Antioxidant Sheet Mask andSanitas Skincare VitaRich Mask.
Tip: Add an overnight lip mask to your regimen to avoid dry and chapped lips. We recommend PCA Skin Overnight Lip Mask.