Seven savvy tricks to prevent seasonal changes from ruining your skin
Chilly weather tends to dry out the oiliest of complexions and the cold, harsh reality of winter can be a shock to your skin. However that doesn’t mean that your skin care routine needs to make a complete 180 degree turnaround. All you need to do is slightly modify your current skin routine. We’ve put together a list of moisturizing and hydrating saviors that will protect, hydrate and plump up the most sensitive of complexions.
Tip # 1
Change your cleanser
The clarifying cleanser you used in the summer won’t work in drier, cooler times. Strong cleansers can strip the skin of moisture so make sure to switch to a gentle, soap-free cleanser during the winter. Gel and cream based cleansers work best during the colder months because they remove impurities without upsetting the skin’s natural lipid barrier.
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Tip # 2
Mild exfoliation
Dry and dead skin cells can build up giving a rough and dull appearance to skin, particularly when the weather is dry. Use a cream based gentle scrub once a week to get rid of dead, rough skin. Make sure to opt for a product that is non-abrasive, that is, it doesn’t feel rough and harsh on the skin. Use a very light hand to massage the scrub on damp skin. Work the formula into skin for about a minute and rinse off with tepid water. Follow up with moisturizer.
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Tip # 3
Switch to a richer moisturizer
Your moisturizer is your best friend in winter! Make sure that you switch to a richer moisturizer or cream both for daytime and nighttime during winters. Your skin should feel instantly smoothened, hydrated and soft when you apply the formula. It should get completely absorbed and not leave a greasy, heavy feel after application.
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Tip #4
Add a serum to your routine
Serums can be very effective at targeted treatments, whether you want brightening or hydration. The chemical makeup of serums ensures deeper penetration into skin so you get better results when compared to regular creams and lotions. Add a hydrating, brightening serum to your daily skin care routine to boost the moisture levels in your skin during drier months.
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Tip # 5
Use hydrating masks
The wonderful thing about masks is that they contain a concentrated level of ingredients which give an instant boost to skin. Hydrating and brightening masks can be a great pick-me-up for dry skin in the winter and ideally you should treat your skin to a rich mask at least once a week to keep your complexion hydrated and fresh. If you don’t have a mask handy, here’s a simple DIY recipe: blend together a tablespoon of milk cream, one tablespoon of honey, half a mashed ripe banana and a dash of rose water
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Tip #6
Avoid hot water
Hot baths can be very comforting when it’s cold but they’re actually the worst thing you can do to your skin. Hot water tends to disturb the skin’s moisture balance, making it dry and flaky. It has the same effect on hair and washes away scalp sebum, making dandruff and itchy scalp problems worse. Instead, always bathe with lukewarm water to balance moisture levels in skin and strands.
Tip # 7
Don't skip the sunscreen!
Sunscreen is not just a must in the summer when the sun beats down but a skin saving essential in winter too. Even though the rays may be less intense in winter, they can still cause photo aging and skin damage. Opt for a moisturizer with SPF of at least 15 or use a moisturizing, broad spectrum sunscreen when you are indoors or outdoors.
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By Ankita Chaturvedi, beauty blogger and author of Corallista.com, a one stop destination for beauty reviews, looks and tutorials.
