Even though summer is at its peak in Canada, we are all aware of the change in season that is going to take place in a month or so. Along with your wardrobe being refreshed, it is also important to make changes to your skincare routine. We are soon going to experience dry and chapped skin that needs the extra hydration. In short, "Winter is coming"!
Here are ways in which you can make changes to your daily beauty routines in advance to fight the cold winters.
Specific foaming or gel based cleansers are usually what helps keep the impurities and pollutants away. However, as the season changes, our skin also deserves to go through the change.
A shift from a foaming cleanser to a heavier cream based cleanser or oil is required for the additional nourishment during the winters. Along with changing your cleanser, remember to also double cleanse every morning and night to stay away from the bacteria that can build up. Additionally, be aware that many of the cleansers and beauty supplies contain sulfates and harsh agents and one must pick cleansers free of sulfates to protect your skin from stripping off during the winters.
Due to the increased humidity in the air in summers, skin tends to usually hold more water. Also, while stepping out, you apply a light moisturiser that does not feel very sticky during the day. However, once you make a transition into the winters, the skin needs a more intensive moisturiser to avoid chapping. It is preferred to use a thicker moisturiser in which the ratio of oil is higher than the ratio of water.
Along with making changes to your skincare routine, consuming a healthy and balanced diet is also crucial, especially for the winter season. Another tip irrespective of the season is to never leave out the eyes and neck. As much as your face gets dry, so does your neck and under eyes.
Exfoliation is the process that helps to replenish skin.
In between the hot and cold air inside and outside, the skin tends to dry out and become dehydrated in winter.
To break the misconception, regardless of your skin type, it is important that you exfoliate. Many may ask how many times should we exfoliate during winters?
The answer is typically thrice a week in order to also avoid over-exfoliation. As a routine, it is always also best to exfoliate right after your cleanser. Again, because the whole body has the potential to feel dry during winters, it is also important that you exfoliate your face, neck and body. A good exfoliator will not block your pores and let the moisturiser sink into your skin deeply.
Many may say that winters usually don't have any sun, so should I bother putting on sunscreen. The answer is always, yes!
Usually sunscreens are not limited to only warmer seasons like spring and summer. Even if it's snowy outside, applying sunscreen is extremely important to keep the skin healthy and breathing. Sunburns are usually caused by UVB rays. Yes, they are the strongest during summer but do not disappear during winter completely.
Above is mentioned how you must cleanse, use SPF and moisturise.
But is this enough to beat the dryness in the winter? The answer is no, especially if you have dry or combination skin. The word we are looking for here is termed as layering. A combination of the above mentioned processes along with additional elements like serums and oils. A concentrated serum that contains the very popular ingredients, hyaluronic acid and niacinamide retain moisture and soothe flushed skin. If you're left confused with what product goes first, always follow the rule of thinnest to thickest texture.
The above points highlight how skin can remain healthy during a seasonal change to winters externally, but what about the internal effects?
Consuming the right type of foods is equally important as what you put into your body reflects directly onto your skin. Focus on eating lots of antioxidants rich fruits and vegetables. Carrots, beetroot, broccoli and examples of such foods that boost your immune system and give the skin the extra glow it deserves. Any type of green leafy vegetables that are rich in Vitamin K with a high sulphur content can reduce the harshness or redness on your skin.
In conclusion, as you follow a skincare routine during the warmer times of the year, make sure to pay attention to even the colder times.
Even your visits to dermatologists will stress on how beauty is a combination of a strong skincare before the application of makeup. The base, which is your skin, needs to always be hydrated and well taken care of. You should expand your horizon and take those extra efforts to make the skincare changes as and when seasons change. Trust me, it's worth it today and so will it be multiple years later.