Sensitive Skin
Winter Skincare: How to care for sensitive skin during winter
Some people are born with sensitive skin, while others develop it over time. If someone’s skin is persistently or seasonally tight, dry, flaky, peachy, or irritated, it is time to change things up, regardless of whether they are a seasonal or year-round sufferer. Winters can be particularly difficult for those with sensitive skin. Low humidity levels and chilly weather result in dry air, which dehydrates the skin completely. Sometimes, the skin can get so dry that it can crack, similar to how lips and feet crack in the winter. The severe winter winds aggravate the situation. However, if prompt action is taken, this can be controlled and dealt with. As a result, it is critical to take proper care of delicate skin in winter.
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How to make your sensitive skin glow during Winter
Here are some effective tips to take care of sensitive skin during winter.
Oil or cream cleansing
Cleansers based on foaming or salicylic acid are effective in removing dirt and oil, but they contain sulfates, which can be drying. Cleansing creams, balms, and oils can thoroughly cleanse the skin while keeping it moisturized and preventing the skin barrier from being disrupted.
If someone has pimples, trying acne-targeted skincare that contains salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide is a good idea. When used in excess, these abrasive chemicals can aggravate dry skin. If someone is a regular user, they should combine those items with pH-optimized skincare to help restore equilibrium to skin barriers that have been disrupted.
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Light exfoliation
The benefits of exfoliation, when done correctly, are well known. Gentle exfoliation can help remove dead skin cells that have accumulated due to the dry winter air, leaving the skin glowing and allowing the post-cleansing moisturizer to absorb more effectively. While exfoliating helps brighten the skin by removing dead cells, doing so too often can damage the outer skin layer, causing dryness and discomfort. Exfoliating once a week at first, then twice a week only if one can handle it, is deemed safe.
Antioxidant serums
Serums are the one exception to the rule, as most summery products are replaced in the winter. An antioxidant serum is great for year-round use as long as it is alcohol-free. No matter the environment, skin is attacked by free radicals, producing sunspots, collagen breakdown, and premature fine lines. Applying a vitamin C mix as a first layer in the morning before adding on heavier products to avoid damage should be considered. People with such skin should not forget the sunscreen—even on cold, overcast days, a daily dose of SPF 30 will keep the skin protected.
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Heavy moisturizing
Perhaps one of the most important and commonly overlooked steps in the dry skin game is changing to a seriously hydrating moisturizer. Look for creams, rather than lotions, that are made with ceramides and hyaluronic acid. Ceramides aid in the prevention of the skin’s barrier, which is easily broken down during the winter. For patients with severely chapped faces layering on a hefty amount of product morning and night is a good idea.
3 years ago