How To Prepare Your Skin for the Change in Season

Are you prepared to bring in the winter with style? When fall gives way to winter, it's time to make changes to your daily routine, skincare regimen, and way of life. If you ignore the temperature drop, the combination of strong winds, rain, and snow can seriously harm your skin. Harsh weather can cause flakiness, a dull-looking complexion, and dryness. If you want to avoid this, we recommend following these six essential tips to ready your skin for the changing seasons that await.

1. Use a Hydrating Cleanser

Cold and windy weather can dry your skin and remove its natural oils. Pay special attention to your products and make adjustments to your skincare routine. Replace your thin, gel-based cleanser with one that is thicker and has more moisture. Everyone, including those with oily skin types, will require more moisture during the winter. When choosing the next cleanser, keep an eye out for substances such as:

Ceramides: These will help restore the moisture barrier.

Oats: Perfect for calming the skin.

Niacinamide: To reduce redness and strengthen the skin's natural barrier.

Jojoba oil: To add moisture and protect against the cold.

2. Apply a Moisturiser

Keeping your complexion moisturised requires layering your skincare products morning and night. Skin can get highly red in harsh winters. A moisturiser that contains hyaluronic acid, glycerin, or squalane is an ideal starting point for achieving a glowing and luminescent face. 

It’s scientifically proven that damask rose extract increases the skin's natural hyaluronic acid levels and fortifies the barrier to prevent water loss, so products with this ingredient are also a strong choice. That said, remember to tailor your skincare regimen to your needs and requirements for the best effect.

3. Get A Humidifier

Do you have a humidifier? If not, now might be the perfect time to invest in one. Our skin changes significantly during harsh winters. Indoor air can become dry and strip moisture from your skin. Using a humidifier in your bedroom can counterbalance this effect while you sleep. 

According to Byrdie, humidifiers can create the ideal breeding ground for yeast, fungi, and bacteria, so be sure to keep it spotless. The best practice is to clean it with water and a clean washcloth to avoid breakouts.

4. Stop Over-Exfoliating

Exfoliation is crucial for removing dead skin cells and preventing flaky patches. However, over-exfoliating, particularly during winter, can lead to irritation, especially for men and women with sensitive skin. 

In colder months, your skin is more irritated, and harsh exfoliants can cause visible micro-scarring to your dermatologist. Try chemical exfoliants like lactic acid or mandelic acid, which are gentler yet effective at promoting cell turnover. Exfoliate once a week for a healthy complexion.

5. Don’t Neglect Your Under-Eye Area and Lips

Many of us overlook our under-eyes and lips. This is a mistake — the skin under our eyes and lips is extra soft and delicate, which means the skin is prone to breakage, peels, and cracks. Nourish these areas by doing the following:

• For your eyes: Use an eye cream with peptides to repair the thin skin around the eyes. Apply it morning and night.
  
  
• For your lips: Reapply lip balm regularly, and choose products containing shea butter or lanolin to prevent cracking.

6. FAQs

1. Should You Change Your Skincare Routine Seasonally?

Using suitable, high-quality products within your budget is always a good idea. Switching out some old products can make a big difference if this is within your budget. Winter is ideal for introducing a hydrating mask into your weekly routine. Use it once a week for an extra boost of hydration. Leave it on for 15 minutes to enjoy its full benefits.

2. Does Dry Air Age Your Skin?

A dry climate can accelerate skin ageing in several ways. Watch out as your AC, humidifier, heaters, and steamy showers can impact your skin health. WebMD notes, "Long, hot showers might feel great on frigid winter mornings, but the heat and steam can really dry out your skin. Turn the water temperature down to warm. If you get out of the shower and your skin is red, the water is too hot." So, avoid extreme temperatures, as they can irritate your skin.

3. Do I Need To Use Sunscreen During Winter?

Yes! Even though the sun feels weaker during winter, UV rays are still present, so protecting your skin is essential. Apply SPF in the morning to exposed areas and reapply as needed.

Time To Lock In the Moisture

Your skin may suffer during autumn and winter, but with proper care, you can maintain its health, hydration, and radiance. Pay close attention to your products and opt for a thick, rich moisturiser to combat dryness. Your skin might take a few days to adjust to new products, but you should see visible results within two weeks.