It’s that season of the year with low humidity in the air; winter has come. The skin is more susceptible to dryness during the winter than during other seasons of the year. With the blaring heater, hot water, and harsh weather, the health of the skin barriers could be a little threatened. The skin is our natural garment and the first layer that brews confidence. We sure want to keep it calm and healthy for the season of extreme cold.
Skin Barrier
Think of the skin as the binding and protective layer of the body. The fun thing about the body is that there is always a protective layer. So, if you’re wondering what keeps the skin balanced, here is your answer. On the outermost layer of the skin lies a group of lipids that hold the protective skin cells together. The job of these lipids is to ensure that external aggressors, such as toxins and bacteria, do not pass through into the skin and also to keep in the water and maintain hydration. A strong and healthy skin barrier means smooth, clear skin with good elasticity, while a damaged skin barrier would result in acne breakouts, redness, dryness, flaky skin, and whatnot. Let’s focus on maintaining a healthy skin barrier this winter.
Transitioning
A change in season doesn’t necessarily call for a complete change in the skin care routine or a change of all care products. A few swaps here and there would suffice. It’s going to be quite a dry period for the skin, so the common goal here is to ensure that the lipids are not stripped off and the skin is left defenceless. For winter, here are some tips for hitch-free skin care transitioning.
Cleanse Gently
Gently cleansers are more appropriate for wintertime. They cleanse without stripping the skin of the natural oils. Here, you might want to keep off the foaming cleansers and stick to the gel cleansers and hydrating cleansers.
Go Easy on Exfoliating
You definitely want to throw out the harsh exfoliants for the more gentle ones and also reduce how much you exfoliate. This goes for all skin types. The dryness that comes with winter already has an effect on the skin, so you might want to go easy. If you have extremely oily skin, you could exfoliate once or twice a week, but no more. Stay up to date on the newest in the world of Fashion, Arts, Beauty and Lifestyle; Follow FAB on socials.
Don’t Do Everything All The Time
It is best to alternate the skin care routine at this time. For example, the number of cleansing times could be reduced to once, preferably at night. Protect the skin at all costs. It is your little baby at the most vulnerable point during the winter. The priority is to keep the skin hydrated. Every other routine can be altered.
Humidifier
A humidifier would be a wise buy this winter. For your skin’s health, some humidity back in the air won’t be bad. Keep it close to you while you sleep or work.
Hydrate, Hydrate, Moisturise ,Moisturise
This is your job. This is your duty to your skin this winter. Get your favourite hydrating serums and moisturiser. You should use both if you have very dry skin. Don’t look all dry and flaky because it’s winter. Be the contrast; be the shine.
The Three Musketeers
Look out for these three in your products: humectants, occlusives, and emollients. The three help with moisture retention and hydration. Humectants (hyaluronic acid, glycerin, urea, honey) help to retain moisture in the skin; emollients (glycerol, ceramides, shea butter) and occlusives (petrolatum, wax) help to trap in moisture and repair the skin barriers.
Wrap Up
I love winter, and I know you do too, but we have to be more deliberate about the skin. Hot baths are tempting during this period, but avoid them. Keep it lukewarm and short. I know, it’s so cold outside, but you don’t want to dry out your skin, do you? Alternate the baths too. Now, if you’re starting the season with a damaged skin barrier, you might want to hold out on all the actives and products; do the bare minimum.
More Like This:
How to Take Care of Yourself This Winter
Cosy Winter Outfits That Won’t Let You Down
Sunscreen Is Not A Luxury: Here’s Why You Need To Protect Your Skin From The Sun
“Fashion design is like a language…” -Interview with Karl Michael
