Winter is coming, is your skin wall ready?
As the seasons change, so does your skin care routine, according to dermatologists who advise their patients to switch up the products they use to better adapt to the cold weather.
The cold fall and winter conditions can wreak havoc on your skin, making it dry and red, and your cheeks and nose red. The air outside is drier and an indoor heater can produce more humidity when you come inside.
"[Our skin] is the first line of defense against cold and wind, so we need to make sure the skin barrier is healthy and protected," RATIONALE head of education Kathy Mathen told The Post.
Ready to strengthen your skin barrier? Read below to learn how.
Why should I change my skincare products with the seasons?
The environment has a great influence on the health of the skin. temperature changes, sun exposure, and weather are important factors in creating a skin care regimen.
"As we move from summer to fall, we see less sunlight and cooler temperatures, and that can lead to dull, dry texture," The Post. Silver Mirror Facial esthetician Rachel Gallo told Bar. Winter weather, which absorbs moisture, requires more dehumidifiers than summer, he said.
Maten agreed. "During the colder months, we need to ensure our skin has strong elasticity so it can repair itself and cope with sudden changes in weather."
Patricia Schuffenhauer, director of product at luxury skincare company Erno Laszlo, also told The Post that wind, rain and snow can play a role in product use, as harsh weather can damage skin.
Also, over-the-counter products with your active ingredients may be less effective if not used, Gallo explained. The seasonal variation of these products "ensures that fresh ingredients with powerful actives deliver results."
What products should be used in winter?
"The two most important things to change each season are cleansers and moisturizers," says Gallo. “Switch to a gel or foam-based cleanser in the warmer months to combat excess heat and dead skin. In the colder months, switch to a cream cleanser and add a milk-based cleanser for extra hydration.
"As your moisturizers go from the warmer months to the colder months, they start going from the thinnest cream to the thickest."
One of the best ways to protect your skin from the cold is to use a thicker vitamin C-based moisturizer, Gallo said, while Schuffenhauer noted that a high oil content in a face lotion can be enough.
"Even if you have oily skin, this will help balance your oil production," she says, adding that you should also use a moisturizing balm if you have chapped lips.
Schoffenhauer noted that harsh cleansers can dehydrate the skin. Therefore, it is important to use mild detergents to remove dirt and debris.
"Applying to lightly damp skin can also help lock in moisture," she says.
As for the ritual itself, Schuffenhauer likes to start the moisturizing essence or toner right after cleansing. Then apply a rich moisturizer and cover with SPF. Even though you can't see it, the sun still emits UV rays in the winter.
Which ingredients to use and which to avoid in winter?
Gala loves humectants like hyaluronic acid and lactic acid, which bring moisture from within to the skin's surface. This will keep your skin soft and moisturized despite the cold weather. For red skin caused by wind chill, try adding niacinamide, a B vitamin derivative that is a powerful anti-inflammatory compound.
Meanwhile, some may want to avoid harsh ingredients like salicylic acid and retinol in colder weather. These powerful skincare products can be too strong for our already weather-beaten faces.
When the temperature drops, Schuffenhauer prefers emollients or moisturizers that create a protective layer on the skin. They are said to be the "MVP" when it comes to keeping skin supple and smooth. Popular emollients include shea butter, vegetable oils, and especially fatty acids like squalane and jojoba, which help the skin maintain moisture levels.
For optimal protection against cold weather and windy elements, it should be accompanied by a daily application of B vitamins such as niacinamide and antioxidants including vitamins C and E, as well as ceramides and nourishing lipids. .
All experts once again emphasize the importance of sun protection throughout the year.
How to switch to a new skin care regimen?
The chemical composition of the skin is a little different for everyone. So make sure you don't start a new skin care routine right away. Start slow and try new products to make sure they don't irritate the skin or cause a rash, says Schuffenhauer.
“While it's exciting to try several new products at once, try one new product at a time. That way, if your skin has negative side effects, you can identify the culprit,” he said.
According to Gallo, one way to avoid a bad reaction is to switch to a gentler exfoliant first.
“Start by switching up your exfoliation routine to ease into your new winter routine. That way, the new skin will be ready for your new products,” she advises. "Pumpkin is a very easy and effective ingredient for winter peeling. Use the pumpkin scrub three times a week for two weeks, then switch to a new antioxidant and moisturizing serum.
Remember, Maten says, when adding active ingredients, less is more. "Try gradually incorporating these types of active ingredients into your daily routine over the course of two weeks." »
As always, Derms urged skin care divers to consult with a skin care professional before moving on to more personalized advice.