We all use different products on our skin depending on whether its day or night, on different parts of the face, our skin type, on a review of a new product we might have read, or even what’s on offer! And of course, we all have our favourites too. Besides all this, it’s worth remembering that just as we need to use different products for daytime and night, we need to rethink our regime when it comes to the difference between winter and summer.
- Many people use a range of products on their skin for many different reasons.
- As well as changing our care regimes based on skin type, time of day, and marketing, we should rethink it based on time of year too.
Facial skin can feel as absorbent as a sponge when the weather gets colder and as if no amount of moisturiser – whether creams, oils or serums – is enough. We use warmer water to wash, the heating is pumping artificially warm air through the house, while both inside and outdoors the air itself is significantly drier.
Unfortunately, this can wreak havoc on our faces and hands – the areas that tend to be exposed to the elements or more frequently washed. The lack of humidity and falling temperature means that our skin struggles to retain what moisture it has – cracked lips and rough, flaky, itchy skin is all the evidence we need.
However, once we know that weather can have such a profound effect, it’s easier to help combat the winter onslaught and try to lessen and mitigate the worst effects of the elements.
Firstly, the physical barrier of gloves and a scarf to minimise the skin’s exposure to cold air can be the first line of defence in preventing the skin from drying out too much, as well as lessening the effects of when it inevitably does. Perhaps surprisingly, using a sunscreen with an SPF 30 or more is as essential in winter as it is in summer.
If possible, when inside, wrap up a bit more to maintain temperature rather than turning the heating up. In addition, it may be worth considering using a humidifier in the bedroom overnight to retain moisture. This way, the skin will already be a little more hydrated when the creams are applied.
Once we’ve realised that what worked in the summer doesn’t work so well in winter in terms of products, it’s time to change (and changing before we notice is even better). So, lip balm to be reapplied very frequently is essential, and heavier, richer creams that are lower in alpha or beta hydroxy acid are preferable. Creams tend to be more moisturising and thicker as well as being more easily absorbed through the skin barrier.
Choose gentle laundry detergent and wear soft fabrics if the skin has become irritated and apply moisturising products when the skin is slightly damp so they will be more easily absorbed and more effective.
Once you know the effects of winter weather on the skin, they become a little easier to tackle – and you can still enjoy picking and choosing new products. If you are worried, it might be worth seeing a skincare practitioner who specialises in facial aesthetics.