7 Tips on surviving winter weather
Winter weather can be harsh on your skin, leaving it dry, dull, and irritated. But with the right care, you can maintain a radiant, healthy complexion all season long. Whether you're battling chilly winds, cranking up the indoor heat, or preparing to look your best for the holidays, these seven essential tips will help you protect and nourish your skin during the colder months.
Here are 7 skincare tips on surviving winter weather
Cleanse before bed - I meet so many clients that do not wash their skin before bed. Their normal routine is washing in the morning in the shower or not at all. My advice is to change that to p.m. Set your cleanser next to your toothbrush to create an easy reminder. If you want to continue to wash in the morning that’s okay too, but washing at night removes the day. Makeup or barrier products prevent the skin from renewing itself as we sleep and therefore can lead to clogged pores and future breakouts. I actually recommend keeping 2 types of cleansers on hand, generally in the winter it's best to switch to a creamier, lipid-rich cleanser. I love Mega Cleanser by Glymed Plus.
Keep wearing sunscreen - just because it's cooler, doesn’t mean the sun has gone away. UV rays are still strong and unprotected skin can lead to discoloration, redness or irritation or even skin cancer.
Increase topical hydration and moisture - now this doesn’t mean apply more moisturizer, it means move into a heavier-weight moisturizer. Cold weather means the air is thinner and this leads to drier, flaky, ashy skin and chapped lips too. Remedy this with hydrating mists, serums or oils and nourishing moisturizers with ingredients such as high-weight hyaluronic acid, squalane, proteins, and glycerin. Occlude your lips every night to avoid peeling skin. And though people with oily skin may tend to avoid moisturizers, this can actually backfire. Oily or acne skin types can still become dehydrated so while this type of skin may not want to use oils, keeping the skin hydrated with hyaluronic acid or beta glucan is beneficial.
Treat yourself - high stress is never good, it can wreak havoc on the skin, so go ahead and make time for yourself. Book yourself a holiday facial, many spas offer discounts and specials this time of year. Just like I am, book my festive Hot Chocolate and Whip Holiday Facial for only $85.
Eat well - there is a link between the skin and gut. Alcohol, refined sugar, dairy, and inflammatory foods can affect the skin and your everyday performance if consumed in excess. Continue to eat healthy and enjoy goodies in moderation.
Exercise - burrowing is easy this time of year. It's hard to get your body moving, don’t lose momentum. Healthy habits such as exercise are key in keeping your skin (and body) healthy.
Get a chemical peel - the cooler weather is ideal for receiving a chemical peel because the sun isn’t as strong, avoiding heat and sun exposure are most important in caring for your skin post peel. Plus, peels undo the damage we’ve received from the summer. There are many peel options that allow for little to no down time. Consider talking to a professional, licensed skin therapist about a peel series. I offer chemical peels at $135 or 3 for $330.
