As the chilly breeze makes its way to touch our faces, we realize the moisture-sucking winter season is here again. We love to take hot showers and avoid washing our faces with cold water during this time. However, these two habits affect our skin badly. Coming out of the blanket and showing some TLC to your skin may be tough for you. But, you need to follow the best skincare tips for winter to avoid skin woes. And, do you know what the best part is? Itโs not that time-consuming and expensive.
Ahead, we have shared a result-driven skincare routine for the winter season. So, scroll down.
Best Skincare Tips For Winterย
Exfoliate
According to Dr. Husienzad, harsh cold winds flare up skin issues. Exfoliation draws moisture into your skin while sloughing off dead cells.ย
Winter can worsen dry skin issues. Therefore you need toย exfoliateย at least 4 times a week.
Use Retinol Every Nightย
Dr. Joshua Zeichner, the associate professor of dermatology and the director of cosmetic and clinical research in dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital, NY, emphasizes the use of retinol. When the mercury goes down, your complexion starts to become dull. Retinol, packed with the virtues of vitamin A, can fade hyperpigmentation, reduce wrinkles, and lessen breakouts.ย
Always apply retinol on dry skin. Also, avoid mixing any exfoliating agent with retinol before using.
Apply Tea Tree Oil
Itchy and dry skin are common skin problems in winter. Several studies have suggested that tea tree oil is rich in antimicrobial qualities. Hence, it can effectively heal dry skin. However, pour 2 to 12 drops of carrier oil into the tea tree oil to dilute it before use.ย Direct application of tea tree oil on the skin can cause irritation and rashes.
Include a Hyaluronic Acid Serum
Dr. Suchismita, a board-certified dermatologist at Newport Beach Dermatology and Plastic Surgery in Orange County, California, prefers hyaluronic acid serum. She said that hyaluronic acid serum works as a great moisturizing agent, providing her with the extra hydration she needs during winter.ย
The hyaluronic acid serum works excellently when used with water. Therefore, wet your face to get the best results from the serum.
Spritz Toner
Most of us skip spraying toner during winter fearing that it will make the skin even drier. But, a toner helps the skin to absorb moisture more efficiently. This seasonless skincare hack improves your skin in winter by diminishing dry patches.ย
Replace Your Face Wash With a Lotion-Based Cleanser
Unlike an ordinary face wash, a lotion-based cleanser removes dirt from your face without stripping off the oil. The creamy formula of lotion-based cleansers helps to restore the natural moisture of your skin while cleansing and soothing your skin.ย
Incorporate Occlusive Ingredients
Occlusives prevent your skin from becoming parched, which is commonly observed during winter. Blustery cold may make the skin feel tight. Applying occlusives like coconut oil, jojoba oil, or shea butter can go a long way to lock in hydration.ย
Slather on the Sunscreen
Dr. Paul Nassif, the plastic surgeon and founder of NassifMD Dermaceuticals, advised slathering on sunscreen even during winter. Sun exposure can cause collagen loss, wrinkles, and pigmentation. Wearing sunscreen can heal hyperpigmentation, and acne scars, and lighten skin tone.ย ย
Apply sunscreen every 3-4 hours to keep the skin moisturized and prevent tanning.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Which oil is best for the skin in winter?ย
Shea Butter Oil:ย
To reduce dark patches and get rid of wrinkles, shea butter oil is very useful as it acts as moisture for dry skin during winter. It is a rich source of vitamin A.
Mustard Oil:ย
For the aroma treatment, mustard oil is used. To get soft and smooth skin from dry patchy skin, apply mustard oil to your skin.ย
Olive Oil:ย
The presence of antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties of olive oil helps in treating acne and clogged pores. It also helps in nourishing and moisturizing and healing skin due to its fat-soluble vitamin content.ย
2. Which is better to use โ face wash or cleanser in winter?ย
Using face wash is the better option in winter as compared to cleanser as it helps to remove all the dirt from your skin. The face wash also keeps your skin hydrated.ย
3. When should we apply oil in winter โ before or after a bath?ย
ย Always applying oil before the bath isย good for dry and flaky skin.ย
It helps to remove all the toxins from your body and the water helps to seal all the moisture content and makes it easy to absorb.ย
4. What should we apply on the face in winter?ย
It is always better to use fragrance and lanolin-free moisturizers on your face in winter. For normal to dry skin, the application of petroleum or cream-based moisturizers is better than lotions.ย
5. Can we use Vitamin C in winter on the face?ย
Vitamin C helps slow down the agingย process and moisturizes the skin. Itย also helps in decreasing wrinkles andย reducing dryness. So using vitaminย C in winter is excellent to use duringย winter.ย
The Bottom Line
Prolonged exposure to cold winds can cause flaky skin. Therefore, itโs vital to adjust your skincare routine for winter. Avoid harsh chemicals and follow the skincare tips for winter mentioned above to keep your skin pampered and happy during the winter.ย ย
