It’s approaching the cozy season and we’re seeing pumpkin-spiced everything filling menus and shelves. Whether you love the cooler air and darker nights or hold onto summer for as long as possible, it’s important to adjust your skincare routine to account for the change in weather.
For most of us, the winter means battling with dry skin after a summer of a dewy glow. Winter skin often starts earlier than we think as the moisture starts to leave the air, and we don’t adjust accordingly, waiting until we’re scaly before we change our routine.
To winterize your skin and keep that soft, glowing skin right through to spring, follow these 5 top winter skincare tips:
Winterize Your Skin: 5 Top Winter Skincare Tips
1. Don’t Overhaul Your Routine
It can be tempting to dive into a new season with all-new products, but this can be as much of a shock to your skin as the drop in temperature. Most products can transition with you into fall and winter and you’ll only need to make a few tweaks to your routine.
Listen to your skin and look for changes. You may need to dial back how often or when you use your exfoliation products, use a more intense moisturizer, or choose more hydrating cosmetic products. Increasing how often you indulge in hydration masks is also a great way to protect your winter skin.
2. Don’t Stop Using Your SPF
We often equate putting on sunscreen with hot weather, but UV rays don’t have all that much to do with the temperature. Sure, a hot day means you’re likely dealing with a clear sky and bright sun, but it can be just as bright in winter (especially if there’s snow on the ground).
Continue to apply SPF or use SPF-containing products year-round. Remember, most of us don’t cover our faces for long periods, so our faces can be easily damaged by the sun if we aren’t careful. Sun damage is often unseen to the naked eye until it’s too late, so do preventative care by using SPF daily as part of your winter skincare routine.
3. Stay Hydrated
You probably hear the mantra “drink more water” everywhere you go, but you’re going to hear it here, too. The cold air and increased winds sap moisture from your skin, so make sure you’re hydrating from the inside. Don’t forget that caffeine can dehydrate you, so drink a glass of water before or with your coffee. If you wake up feeling dry and thirsty, you may benefit from a humidifier.
A humidifier will help keep moisture in the air which can help prevent your skin from getting dry and has the added benefit of keeping your airways moist, which helps prevent sickness.
4. Get Professional Treatments Now
The winter is the perfect time to get all the skin and cosmetic treatments you’ve been thinking about. We generally spend less time socializing and more time inside, both of which give us the grace to hide and heal after peels, treatments, and procedures. Keeping out of the sun is the best way to allow your skin to recover after intensive treatment, so take a look at your calendar and book in what you’ve been putting off into your whitespace.
5. Look After Your Lips
Cold air also sucks the moisture from your lips, and we often end up licking them raw in an absent-minded attempt to rehydrate them. You can prevent dryness, cracking, splitting, and other sores by using lip balm. Any balm will help. You can stretch the budget for something luxurious, but if you lose your balm often, almost any cheap-and-cheerful brand will lock in moisture and protect your lips from the weather.
Adjusting your winter skincare routine doesn’t have to be a big overhaul, but protecting your winter skin from becoming chapped and dry is essential. Invest in good moisturizers and listen to your skin. If you’re struggling to manage your winter skin, reach out to your dermatologist for professional advice to ensure your skin looks and feels its best. If you’re in the Los Angeles area, Dr. Brian Mekelburg, MD has over 30 years of experience specializing in all aspects of skincare, including cosmetic treatments. To find out more or to make an appointment, click here.
