A letter to my dry skin girlies:
I am sure we all accommodate our wardrobe to the ever-changing seasons, but can we say the same for our skincare routine? Just like our attire, our beauty routines are in desperate need of a seasonal tweak.
And yes — although it may sound pricey — these adjustments, whether swaps or additions, will absolutely save your skin. With the holidays around the corner, there will be an abundance of seasonal sales, so your wallets are saved for now.
A seasonal tweak calls forth a much more comfortable, youthful and flaky-free appearance. Don’t you want that soft, smooth and vibrant appearance all winter long? Now, I know what you’re thinking, “Get to the tips already!” I’m almost done, I promise.
Note: I, myself, have extremely dry skin. I am talking desert-dry, parched, dehydrated, you name it. I have had my fair share of the “dry-skin scaries.”
Let’s dive into the science behind our skin’s rocky relationship with the winter season.
Winter Skin
Why does our skin change during these colder months?
To preface, our skin is our largest organ that responds to both internal and external influences. As temperatures drop, notable changes emerge upon our skin (hence that dry, itchy and flaky skin). The cold winds, plunging temperatures and even reductions in humidity are what deplete our skin’s moisture! And when it comes to winter skin, hydration is key.
Our skin — all very different — have their own preferences. Here’s a breakdown of the best strategies to achieve a flawless transition to winter.
It’s time to winterize our beauty routines.
As tempting as it may be to take long, hot showers, it only further strips our skin of its natural oils. So instead, try lukewarm water! As a challenge, try limiting your shower to five to 10 minutes. Following your shower, go slather on a ton of moisturizer!
‘Tis the season of Hydration.
To combat that flaky feel, it’s essential to incorporate skin care ingredients known for their hydrating properties, for instance, hyaluronic acid. Such ingredients can help restore and, most importantly, retain moisture in the skin. Although there are many moisturizers on the market, a lightweight product filled with ceramides will do, like La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer. If you’re on a budget, Neutrogena Hydra Boost Water Gel Moisturizer is a great non-comedogenic alternative.
Skin barrier repair is absolutely crucial during the harsher elements. One of the most effective ways to maintain that healthy barrier is by using humidifiers. Humidifiers are devices that add moisture to the air, preventing our skin from drying out. Humidifiers like Levoit combat the dryness fueling that itchy, flakey complexion.
Lastly, drinking plenty of water will hydrate the skin from within, promoting a much healthier complexion no matter the condition. Will you be trying hydrated skin?