When we think fall and winter, fuzzy blankets and cups of tea come to mind when we plan our tactic to combat the colder months. While staying cozy is important, do we really think about the changes the weather should make on our skincare routine, as much as we should?
Sticking to the same skincare routine you had for the spring and summer might be good, but it definitely isn’t enough to keep our skin at its healthy, glowing state.
According to an article by skin care expert Renée Rouleau, “[c]old air, harsh winds, and pumped-up indoor heat can increase facial tissue sensitivity and leave the skin feeling and looking tight, dry, and flaky and make our facial tissue more sensitive to the environment.”
Cold air holds less moisture than warm air, and the resulting increase in indoor heating might also be contributing to your dry skin.
However, fear not – the proper care can keep your skin looking healthy. Read on to make sure you’re avoiding these top 5 skincare mistakes.
1. Taking too-long, too-hot showers.
While it’s tempting to hop in a scalding hot shower to rinse away the stress of the day and relieve yourself from the cold that awaits you outside, this is damaging to your skin for two main reasons.
In a Huffington Post article, Cynthia Bailey, M.D., a dermatologist in Northern California, explains that hot water strips away the natural oils of the body, and increases blood circulation, causing redness and inflammation.
Our solution? Cut showers to no more than 15 minutes, and make sure the water is at an appropriate heat level. Sticking to moisturizing body washes, or opting for honey-enriched body soaps like the Klairs Manuka Honey & Choco Body Soap, can be the extra layer pf hydration your skin needs.
2. Skipping sunscreen.
No matter how cold the wind or gloomy the skies, UV rays pose a threat to the skin all-year-round in the form of premature aging, sun spots and more. Because UVB rays, which cause our skin to tan, are not as strong in the winter, many mistakenly think that UV protection is not necessary in the winter.
Dr. David Bank, a board certified dermatologist, advises that we try to limit our outdoor activities if possible, as we are exposed to UV rays at all times of the year.
A solution is to always apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen before leaving the house.
If the oily texture and uncomfortable wear of the conventional sunscreen is what is stopping you, try the Klairs Mid-day Blue Sun Lotion, designed to be lightweight like a moisturizer, while providing UVA/UVB protection at an SPF of 40.
3. Overloading on products.
This fear of having dry skin in the winter might prompt you to buy up every moisturizing product on the market and pile them on the face. Sure, we appreciate the sentiment, but having a collection of too many products on the face for a rich layer covering the skin is not ideal. Many moisturizing creams contain oils and can can be harmful for the skin in the long run.
This excess buildup of oil on the skin, in addition to the restriction of the pores, can even lead to acne and further irritation. Thick of the skin as a sponge – it can only absorb so much, and eventually the excess will clog pores.
An option is to stick to products that contain moisturizing ingredients like hyaluronic acid and beta-glucan, while being gentle to the skin. The Klairs Rich Moist Line is the perfect toner, serum, cream set that triples up on moisture while taking oil and other irritating ingredients out of the equation.
4. Not staying hydrated.
Water is an essential element to sustain any form of life.
“If your skin is not getting the sufficient amount of water, the lack of hydration will present itself by turning your skin dry, tight and flaky,” UW Health explains. “Dry skin has less resilience and is more prone to wrinkling.”
Drinking at least 8 glasses of water (2 liters) is recommended to flush toxins from the body and keep the skin healthy. Staying hydrated will also help to decrease the probability of our lips getting chapped.
5. Not adjusting your skincare routine.
If you’re still set on sticking to your current skincare routine to deal with the upcoming months, think again!
The change in air temperature and air pressure causes the skin to dry more quickly, and according to Fayne L. Frey, MD, founder of FryFace, LLC, in an article at StyleCaster, “water evaporation from the skin into the environment is enhanced by the low humidity experienced this time of year.”
Even taking the step to use moisturizing sheet masks, like the Rich Moist Soothing Sheet Mask, or going the extra mile to exfoliate dead skin cells with gentle, hydrating scrubs like the Klairs Gentle Black Sugar Facial Scrub, can be the answer you’re looking for.