NEW SEASON – NEW SKIN ROUTINE

Like it or not, there’s still a while to go before winter is over. As you keep battling the cold temperatures and look forward spring, there is something you need to own up to: protecting your skin from the elements is a year-round job requiring a tool box of strategies for the changing seasons. Our skin suffers from seasonal shifts not only due to the chilled air of winter but also from the recycled dry heat we escape to indoors. In summer the sun bronzes us. Spring and fall bring fair temperatures and moisture quenched skin. But even the milder seasons launch allergens that cause breakouts. Winter, however, will exacerbate irritation and strip the skin of its natural oils.

While I love the opportunity to exchange and layer clothing,  keeping my skin balanced becomes challenging as the seasons change.
The bottom line is: as the seasons change, my skincare routine changes. And so should yours. During the winter the goal is to improve and retain moisture,  ultimately to help refine surface texture. “Moisturize without compromise.”
Regardless of skin type, hydration and moisture are necessary. If you want that “glow”, moisturizer is where you start. And glow is what it’s all about, right?

DO I REALLY NEED IT?

Yes! Whether you are dry, oily or anywhere in between moisture is required. Here’s why.

As temperatures take a dive, lack of humidity along with moisture-depleting heating systems accelerates moisture loss. In fact, there’s about a 25% reduction in the skin’s ability to retain moisture in colder months. Our skin becomes inundated with built-up dead skin cells and dry patches resulting in dull complexions and sallow skin. Not the look we’re going for ladies! So with that said, take a methodical approach to prep your skin and streamline your routine as the days change.

CHANGE YOUR GAME

Too much loyalty to product staples regardless of seasonal variations can be a big problem. Embarrassing to admit, I am a skin care professional and yet totally guilty of having resistance to change. Stripped down and dry as a raisin, I eventually realized that I needed to switch my products to suit skincare needs during changing climates. It just wasn’t worth my skin feeling parched and outright thirsty. Now a bit wiser, I opt for creamier cleansers and more emollient moisturizers as temperatures plummet to single digits.

Now, this is what works for my skin. For you, the strategy might be different. Be smart about it. Make adjustments according to your skin type. Assess how it feels. Is your skin tight or feel dry in the morning when you wake up or after cleansing? How soon after you cleanse do you apply moisturizer? After layering your makeup, do painful-to-see lines emerge? Skin types will vary and so will moisturizer. Thus all skin types require and will benefit from it. Give your skin the boost it needs.

BRING ON THE MOISTURE…

YOUR SKIN CARE WORK OUT IN THREE STEPS

1. Know your skin type – this will benefit your skin by the type of moisturizer that’s right for you. Applying the wrong formulation can potentially cause adverse effects such as unwanted greasiness, clogged pores, and breakouts.
2. Exfoliate at least once a week to slough off dead skin cells, allowing moisture to penetrate and work more efficiently.
3. Moisturize while your skin is still damp as absorbency of moisturizing products is more efficient up to 3 minutes after cleansing. Now the finer points:

WHAT’S YOUR TYPE?

Whether you are dry, oily or anywhere in between, choose the right moisturizer for your skin.

Normal to Dry- Doubling down on moisture for this skin type is critical. Additionally, switching to cream or oil based cleansers that prevent moisture loss is recommended for cold temperatures. Try hyaluronic acid based products to give the extra boost to keep your skin looking healthy and luminous.

Sensitive- You need to play it safe. Avoid harsh abrasive exfoliation and foamy cleansers. You should also eliminate alcohol-based toners, sulfates, and fragrance-laden products. Opt for calming, inflammation reducing products that contain aloe, cucumber, or rose water. Exfoliation should be limited to fruit based enzymes that limit irritation.

Combination- Managing combination skin can be frustrating, to say the least. Find a product that balances as it will be the winner for this skin type. Choose humectants that contain water-binding properties such as B5 or panthenol for ultimate balanced hydration without oiliness.

Oily to Acne-prone- Known to skip moisture all together,  oily to acne-prone skin require moisture less often than their dry counterparts, although hydration is needed just as much. Applying drying products such as acne or oil-controlled topicals causes the skin to become imbalanced, especially during colder months. Continue the use of exfoliating AHA’s and retinoids to control oil while keeping your skin balanced. Choose lighter, gel-based or oil-free moisture that provides an ideal substitute for heavier cream-based moisturizers.

For skin to function at optimal performance, hydration is essential to ward off irritation and for skin to look and feel better. Integrating moisture during the cold season is vital. Healthy skin on the inside equals refreshing, vibrant, beautiful skin on the outside. Be smitten with your skin. Enhance its natural glow by exfoliating and nourishing with moisturizer for a big pay off.

Your skin will thank you for it.

 -Nybia Ezwan Snowden

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