Fall is almost here and we are starting to feel it in the air. Fall and Winter can bring cold, harsh weather which can dry out and irritate the skin.
The cold, harsh weather that most of us will have to endure over the next 6 months or so can irritate your skin greatly. Wind and excessive cold can redden skin and the dry coldness can strip skin of its natural moisture. Some people find they experience more breakouts in winter months due to the changing weather, but also because of the extra lotions we need to apply.
I know I have to switch up my cleansing routine in the winter time – I switch from the Facial Cleansing Gel to the Gentle Cleansing Cream, step up use on my AHA/BHA Complex, carry the Nutrient Boost Spray with me to counteract redness from the wind, and start using the H-series moisturizer each night to add back needed moisture to my parched skin. Most of you will find you need to do the same as your skin may get dry and parched and you need more moisturizing products in the winter than you do in the summer. Listen to your skin – even if it doesn’t look dry – if it feels parched or tighter than usual – you need to add more moisture, either in the form of your cleanser or moisturizer, or both.
Here are a few other things to remember to keep your skin at its healthiest this winter:
– Don’t forget to continue to use an SPF moisturizer. Damaging UV rays are present in the winter as well as the summer, and the SPF can also protect against some weather damage as well.
– Use moisturizer and moisturizing lip balm before going outside into harsh weather to prevent chapped skin.
– Do not go directly from a cold outdoor environment to a very hot indoor environment – such as in front of a fireplace – as the severe change in temperatures can damage your skin.
– Drink at least 8 glasses of water daily to keep your skin supple from the inside out.
– If you are going to be outdoors in very cold weather for long periods of time cover your skin as best you can with a hat and scarf.
– Use a humidifier or a bowl of water near your bed when you sleep to add moisture to the air.
– Exfoliate your skin with a gentle exfoliant frequently to clear pores.