Winter Skin Relief
Seasonal changes affect our skin more than we realize. Freezing temperatures outside plus hot and toasty temperatures inside can leave our skin in a confused "back and forth state" and the reaction can be more than annoying.
Think dry and/or tight skin, dry or scaly patches, irritation, itchiness, sensitivity, cracks and/or bleeding, peeling or shedding, and/or skin that feels raw or painful. If this is you, you're more than likely searching for some sort of remedy. Here are my tips to combat dry winter skin and get you some much needed relief.
Let's start with some DON'TS...
Don't shower or bathe in extra hot water
Hot water can strip your skin of moisture and important oils and leave your dry skin feeling even more parched. This can be extra challenging in the colder months. Of course an hot shower or bath is going to feel so good and get your body temperature to rise, but the downfall generally isn't worth it. This includes hot tubs, hot springs, steam rooms and saunas.
Instead, try taking a warm to luke-warm shower, bath, hot tub soak, etc., limit the amount of time in hot water, and always apply a hydrating moisturizer when you get out to stop the moisture from leaving your skin.
Don't use harsh products
Coming into contact with harsh chemicals found in household detergents, dish soap, hand soap and even some shampoos can trigger dermatitis and exacerbate dry, red or flaky skin. One of the main reasons I hate Bath & Body Works, particularly their hand soap which contains fragrance & synthetic ingredients.
If you suffer from rashes or dermatitis in the Winter, check your hand soap, body care products and cleaning supplies and their ingredients. Take a look at this Éminence Organic Skincare blog post on ingredients to avoid in skincare.
Don't skip the fat
To help keep dry skin at bay, include good-for-you fatty acids in your diet.
Fatty acids are omega-3s found in foods like seafood, dairy, canola oil, eggs and meat from grass-fed animals. These foods include essential fatty acids and mono and polyunsaturated fats that contribute to both your skin and your overall health.
Source: Éminence Organic Skincare
And now for some DO'S
Do use a humidifier
A humidifier expels water vapor and adds moisture back into the air. Humidifiers also prevent Transepidermal Water Loss (when water passively evaporates through the skin), relieves dry skin, and can even help with allergies and sinus blockages.
Do use an oil rich moisturizer and/or facial oil
Oil based skincare products are rich in essential fatty-acids that lubricate the skin's surface as well as strengthen and fortify the skin's moisture barrier to replenish and seal in hydration.
When choosing a moisturizer for dry skin, aim for a heavier weight product with key ingredients like hyaluronic acid, shea butter or lactic acid.
Some of my favorites skincare products I recommend for dry skin are:
Coconut Age Corrective Moisturizer
Monoi Age Corrective Night Cream for Face & Neck
Tropical Vanilla Day Cream SPF 40
Monoi Age Corrective Exfoliating Cleanser
Do stay consistent with your skincare routine
Common triggers for dry skin can be hormone fluctuations, travel, environmental stress, diet and stress. Staying consistent with your routine makes a huge difference in your skin. This means NOT skipping out on nighttime face washes and ALWAYS wearing sunscreen during the day.
Here's a basic breakdown of what your routine should look like from start to finish:
1. Cleanse
Morning: Rinse with water or use your regular cleanser.
Night: Double cleanse with a cleansing oil or cleansing balm as your pre-cleansing step, rinse. Follow with your regular facial cleanser.
2. Exfoliate (a few times a week)
3. Tone/Essence
Spritz a hydrating tonique or mist on clean and freshly exfoliated skin. Follow with a splash of Essence. *Remember...tone before essence.
4. Serum/Concentrate
Apply targeted serum(s) in order of thinnest to thickest.
5. Treat
Apply any targeted treatments such as eye cream, spot treatment, etc.
6. Moisturize + SPF
Pro Tip: If you tend to be on the dry side, apply a regular or nighttime moisturize prior to your daily moisturizer with sunscreen.
7. Facial Oil
1-2 drops of facial oil ON TOP of moisturizer helps seal in hydration.
Are you ready to update your skincare routine to help combat dry winter skin?
I've put together a couple dry skin collections for you. Check them out below.
Relief is available at Sweet Cheeks Waxing and Skincare.
xo Tiffanie
