The Importance of Changing Your Skin Care for Winter

When the temperature drops, do the skin care swaps.

As I am writing this article, signs of the approaching fall and winter months are all around me. I experience colder morning and evening temperatures that require me to put on a warm robe and slippers. The leaves on the trees outside my window are changing colors. My favorite stores now have cozy coats, sweaters and Halloween decorations for sale.

So as we are going to change the wardrobe in our closets, there is a real need to “ winterize“ your skin.

As soon as we turn on the heaters in our houses, our skin begins to dry out. The skin is losing moisture and begins to ake and crack. Some people even develop dry and irritating eczema spots on their skin.

So what is the solution?

Let's start with cleansing, exfoliating and toning.

Once your skin becomes dry, it is time to change your foaming cleansers to mild creamy ones that will not strip the skin from hydrating layers.

Although we still occasionally need to exfoliate, it is important to avoid harsh peels and masks that contain clay or alpha hydroxyl. It is better to use a non-chemical, natural, gentle enzyme mask that still removes dead skin cells but do not cause irritation. Ditch any alcohol toners and switch to the ones that replenish moisture. Look for spritz toners that contain Aloe Vera, Rosewater, and E vitamins.

It is crucial to start using more serums and creams.

During summer we were able to get away with using just light moisturizers and sunscreens. That is no longer enough.

The first step after cleansing and toning is to use proper serums. Serums that contain hyaluronic acids and peptides can penetrate into deeper layers of our skin, both hydrating and plump the skin from inside.

Second is to seal the skin with a moisturizer.

Moisture and oils are two different ingredients. Your moisturizer does not have to be oily and extremely heavy. It does need to contain natural ingredients that bring hydration and protection from harsher environments.

Look for ingredients like hyaluronic acids that actually pull hydration from the environment. Good moisturizers will also contain jojoba, sunflower oil, avocado oil, vitamin E and PCA to lock in moisture.

Avoid creams, and any products with artificial fragrance or colors and parabens as those chemicals irritate and dry our skin even more. Stick with natural and certified organic products that are cruelty-free and environmentally friendly.

A couple of other tips for keeping your skin looking good during colder months is to hydrate your body by drinking water and installing humidifiers throughout your home to keep the air moist.

Choosing a correct skin care routine can be a challenge. Salespeople in stores are not necessarily skilled to correctly select the products for you. That is why the best person that can analyze your skin type and best advise a proper skin care regimen is your esthetician.

I hope my advice will help you look forward to the fall and winter seasons with soft, glowing and supple looking skin!

To your health!
Margaret