A lot of how our skin acts has to do with the environment, and just as we do with our wardrobes each season, we need to switch up our skincare products to fit the weather.
Here’s how to transition your skincare routine from summer to winter.
Look at your cleanser
During the summer months, some gel and foaming cleansers are great for deep cleaning morning and night; however, these may be a bit too much once temperatures cool and less oil is being produced – especially if you’re prone to dryness and flakiness.
Read the ingredients on the back of your cleanser bottle. Does it contain drying agents such as alcohol or hydrating ones such as glycerin and hyaluronic acid?
If you need a gentle cleanser, look for one that is sulphate free and barely gives a lather when used – the smaller the bubbles produced, the gentler they tend to be.
One cleanser that seems to work well for a lot of skin types is Cetaphil, it tends to cleanse skin without leaving it feeling dry or tight.
Change up your moisturiser
A lightweight moisturiser is usually enough for most skin types in summer, especially if they are on the oilier side.
If you wear a moisturiser year-round, brisk temperatures and a biting wind is a good indication that it’s time to reach for a slightly heavier one with hydrating ingredients to prevent moisture loss.
If you use a gel moisturiser in summer, consider opting for a lotion during the colder months. If you’re already using a cream because you have dry skin, try something with a thicker consistency over winter with ceramides or lipid-rich oils.
Another option is to use a hydrating oil on top of your moisturiser. Simply add a few drops to the palm of your hand and pat it over your moisturiser as needed.
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Add retinol back into your routine
If you took a break from retinol (vitamin A) during the summer, it’s time to reintroduce it into your skincare routine. It will help reduce the appearance of brown spots caused by the summer sun, fine lines and wrinkles.
Retinol does this by increasing the production of collagen and stimulating the production of new blood vessels in the skin, which improves skin colour.
Read more: Inside story on collagen and wrinkles
Additional benefits include fading age spots and softening rough patches of skin.
Carve out some time for a face mask
A face mask can do so many great things for your skin. Whether you find your skin oilier this time of year, more dry or dull, there are a plethora of face masks that can aid in getting your skin looking better in 15-20 minutes.
Water-based gel masks are best for hydrating the skin, so they are great for oily, breakout-prone skin types that need water but no additional oil.
But, due to their naturally cold temperatures, they may not be best for winter. Cream masks can work wonders for dry skin and may be more pleasant at this time of the year.
Unlike traditional gel or clay masks, most cream masks do not need to be rinsed off after they have dried. You can simply wipe off any residue with a cloth and leave the excess to give your skin a moisture boost.
Exfoliate, exfoliate
If your skin is sensitive to heat, chlorine and sweat, you might find it better to skip the exfoliator during summer as it can irritate sensitive skin.
During winter, exfoliation is imperative to repair and brighten the complexion and remove discolouration brought out by the sun.
Exfoliating is also essential for reducing breakouts, as it removes the dead skin cells that trap oil. Regular exfoliation will also remove dull, tired, dry skin and encourage fresher, plumper cells to form. Giving your skin a flawless finish.
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Know what your skin is saying
Regardless of seasons, our skin, like our bodies, is constantly changing and adapting to internal and external changes.
It’s important to be attentive and look out for signs that your skin is not getting what it needs. Tightness, dryness, increased breakouts, and sensitivity are all signs that your current skincare routine isn’t working.
When skin problems arise, look for products that specifically address those issues. If necessary, take it one step further and schedule a consultation with a trusted skin-care professional.
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