If you suffer from dry skin during winter, the best winter skin care advice you can get is to avoid harsh soaps and other products with high concentrations of alpha hydroxy acids or retinols. Avoid taking long showers, too. These factors can lead to your skin becoming overly dry. To help your skin stay soft and healthy in the colder months, use moisturizer and eye creams that have high concentrations of antioxidants.
Avoid harsh soaps
As winter approaches, many people’s skin becomes more dry and sensitive. This problem can be exacerbated by the wrong kind of soap. While it is tempting to use a mild soap, the wrong kind of soap can strip your skin of its natural oils, leading to dryness and itchiness. Many soaps contain harsh surfactants, which strip skin of its natural oils and lipids, which keep it moisturized. They can even aggravate the problem of acne breakouts.
In addition to avoiding harsh soaps, moisturizing your skin is very important during winter months. A moisturizer should be applied as soon as you get out of the shower, as this helps to lock in the water surrounding skin cells. Using a body wash with moisturizer is also a good idea, as some “soap free” formulas can have a similar effect. However, when it comes to avoiding harsh soaps during winter, a good choice is a hypoallergenic one.
Avoid high concentrations of alpha hydroxy acids
The winter months can be tough on your skin, making it dull, irritated, parched, and acne-prone. Adding acids to your skincare routine is one way to combat these harsh effects. To keep your skin healthy and glowing, stick to products with low concentrations of alpha hydroxy acids. The winter weather can also make it more sensitive to certain chemicals, including fragrances and alcohol.
Alpha hydroxy acids help revert the effects of age and sunlight on the skin by removing the topmost layers. These acids improve the elasticity of the skin, reduce wrinkles, and improve collagen and elastin density. They also fight age-related deterioration by removing the layer of dead skin cells. But they can also cause irritation and side effects. That’s why you should avoid using high concentrations of alpha hydroxy acids for winter skin care.
Avoid retinols
During the winter months, you should limit the use of retinoids, including tretinoin, if you wish to protect your skin from the drying effects of the cold. The combination of cold, dry weather and increased winds can cause your skin to become dry. Retinoids, especially when used alone, can lead to irritation. To minimize the effects of retinoids, you should switch to using topical retinoids instead of prescription products.
While retinols are great for anti-aging, they also cause drying effects. In winter, you should use retinols at a lower percentage and only at night. Instead of using retinol, try a product containing Hyaluronic Acid. Hyaluronic Acid improves the barrier on the skin, while retinol reduces wrinkles.
Avoid hot showers
Taking a hot shower can be extremely drying for your skin, so try to avoid taking a hot shower in winter. Your skin will be drier and more susceptible to cracks and winter eczema if it is not moisturized properly. The best way to prevent dryness is to use moisturizing products with hyaluronic acid or ceramides, or you can apply a moisturizer after you’ve had a shower. In addition to moisturizers, applying some body oil is a great way to seal in extra moisture.
Taking a hot shower can also lead to more severe skin problems, such as psoriasis and acne. Hot water can also strip skin’s protective layer, which makes it more susceptible to infection and overproduction of oil. Excessive exposure to hot water will also cause your skin to appear dry and irritated. To prevent this, you should take lukewarm showers frequently.
Layer your skincare
In the cold months, your skin is drier and more delicate than usual, so it’s essential to layer your winter skincare products. A moisturizer on top of a watery toner on a damp face can help prevent skin from overdrying. A serum and a cream under the moisturizer can provide moisture and balance to your skin. If you’re unsure which products to use, read our tips for choosing the right winter skincare for you.
While Canadian winters are typically mild, they are drier and can deplete skin’s moisture. Adding a layer of skincare products at the end of your routine can keep your skin healthy and radiant all winter long. It’s also like insurance against winter weather. For this reason, many skin care experts recommend layering your winter skincare products. Here are three tips to help you achieve your best skin:
