The harsh cold temperatures and dry indoor air during the winter months can leave skin looking dull and feeling dehydrated. Not only do we lack vitamin D and natural light, but our skin is also exposed to more severe conditions such as strong winds, rain and coldness. Although year-round skincare is a key step in self-care and hygiene, maintaining this and adding extra steps in the winter can keep skin looking fresh, hydrated and moisturised.
Dry skin in the winter
Dry skin is one of the most common side effects on the skin throughout the winter season. The shifts in humidity and temperature at this time can irritate the skin and leave it feeling dry, flaky and lacking in nutrients. Moisture is essential for the skin barrier to perform its best and as there is less moisture in the skin, this contributes to dryness and irritation. During the winter months, people also turn their indoor heating up, reducing humidity and taking moisture out of their surroundings. Dry skin may include symptoms such as flaking skin, skin cracks, redness, itching and sensitive patches.
Acne in the winter
Acne sufferers or even those with flawless skin, tend to see an increase in acne and pimples during the colder months. One of the main reasons your skin tends to act up during this time is sebum. Sebum helps keep your skin moist, but too much can lead to cells getting stuck together, creating clogged pores and breakouts. For people with acne, inflammation is also a concern. The cold environment and dryness that comes with wintertime can cause inflammation, the main pathogenic factor for acne flair-ups. Other factors which can contribute to winter acne include dry air, lack of UV light, over-moisturising, limited vitamin D and irritation.
Winter skin care tips
Exfoliation
While you may think exfoliation should be avoided when the skin is looking and feeling dry, this can actually have the opposite effect. Gentle exfoliation will shift lifeless skin cells to reveal fresh, revived skin and promote a healthy glow. It will also help prevent any breakouts or blocked pores from occurring.
Opt for hydration products
It’s not just our facial skin that gets dry in the winter. Our whole body will suffer from the lack of moisture and cool air. That’s why there are hundreds of options out there in regard to hydration products. Most of your favourite skincare can easily be replaced with an alternative which will give the skin moisture and hydration. Whether this is a body wash, facial cleanser or daily moisturiser, make sure you’re using these in your daily skincare routine. These products will typically go under the description of ‘hydration cleanser’ ‘ hydration moisturiser or ‘extra hydration.
Remember your skin type
If you’re a true skincare lover, you’ll already know by now whether you have dry skin, oily skin or combination skin, and even though winter is a time when your surroundings change, your skin type will not. Even if you’re swapping out everyday skincare for winter products, it’s still essential to suit these to your skin type. Switching up your skincare too drastically can lead to breakouts, flair-ups and sensitivity, so keep this in mind when swapping the old for the new.
Stay hydrated
Staying hydrated can mean a number of things. Whether that’s drinking 2 litres of water a day or adding moisture to your home, this can have a huge impact on the appearance and condition of your skin. Many people opt for indoor humidifiers in the colder months and tend to avoid putting their heating on extreme temperatures.
Don’t abandon your sunscreen
Whilst many of us associate SPF and sunscreen with summertime and vacations, this product should, in fact, be used all year round, even in the winter. Eleven if you can’t directly see the sun or aren’t being exposed as regularly, it is still there and could still have an effect on your skin later down the line.
Avoid steaming hot showers
Although it’s tempting to hop in a steaming hot shower after being in cold temperatures all day, this can actually have negative effects on your skin and skin barrier. This not only dries the skin out and absorbs moisture, but may also lead to skin irritation, redness and itchiness.
Hair skin and nails vitamin
Another simple and popular way to improve your skin care is by investing in a good vitamin supplement.
GummyHQ started the business after growing tired of not looking forward to taking vitamins. On one hand, we know they’re good for us, on the other, it’s just not a nice experience taking horrible capsules that are hard to swallow.
When we discovered gummies, it was a game-changer.
The GummyHQ Skin, Hair & Nails Gummies provide biotin, helping give you more healthy skin, longer hair and stronger nails.