It happens to all of us: winter arrives and our skin starts to give off warning signs. Dry, irritated, dull… and the feeling that it is not giving its best. But, like everything in life, our dermis also needs adjustments when the weather changes. The key is to adapt the skincare routine to the needs of the season. What should you add and what should you eliminate to achieve perfect skin all winter long? Here we tell you with the help of experts.
What to Avoid
The first step to adapting your routine to cold temperatures is to tone it down. As the cold and indoor heating begin to dry out our skin, there are certain products we should cut back on or even eliminate. According to board-certified dermatologist Dr. Pooja Rambhia, you should reduce the frequency of exfoliating acids (like glycolic, salicylic, and lactic) and retinoids. These ingredients can strip the skin of its natural oils, leaving it more vulnerable to dryness and irritation.
Meanwhile, Eric Nietzel, RN and aesthetic nurse, advises avoiding toners and products with alcohol and synthetic fragrances. “These can aggravate dryness and irritation when the skin is already struggling to retain moisture.” The cold also makes our skin more sensitive. Facial cosmetic surgeon Dr. Renata Khelemsky recommends minimizing physical exfoliants, those with abrasive particles similar to microdermabrasion. Using them on already dry or cracked skin can backfire.
What you should incorporate
If your routine doesn’t include a gentle cleanser, it’s time to add one. According to plastic surgeon Dr. Julius Few, a gentle cleanser helps remove dead skin cells without stripping the skin, making it easier for moisture to penetrate and ensuring deep hydration.
Thicker moisturizers are also essential. Dr. Khelemsky recommends using more concentrated creams, especially to seal in the benefits of serums. These products restore the skin barrier and keep skin hydrated for longer.
Another must-have is hyaluronic acid serum. This powerful humectant attracts and retains water in the skin, leaving it plumper and smoother. To get the most out of it, apply it before your moisturizer, as Dr. Khelemsky suggests.
If you haven’t tried it yet, squalane oil is a must. Gentle and non-comedogenic, this oil acts as a protective layer, sealing in moisture and keeping skin smooth and soft. Ideal for boosting hydration in dry climates.
Retinol is another key product for keeping skin healthy and balanced during the cold months. However, as Dr. Pooja Rambhia warns, you don’t need to use it daily – instead opt for applying it every other night to avoid overloading your skin.
And finally, don’t forget to incorporate a humidifier into your space. As Dr. Khelemsky explains, dry air from heating can dehydrate skin, but a humidifier can help keep moisture in the air, promoting more hydrated skin.
Mistakes to avoid
There are certain habits that, even in winter, should not be missing from your routine. Eric Nietzel stresses that you should never stop using sunscreen. Even when temperatures drop, UV rays are still there, and protecting your skin from the sun is crucial all year round. On the other hand, don’t be tempted to rely solely on oils. Dr. Khelemsky warns that while oils seal in moisture, they don’t hydrate on their own. Moisturizers contain water-attracting ingredients (like hyaluronic acid) and emollients (like ceramides and squalane) that effectively nourish and soften skin.
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