Get Glowing Skin for Winter
The holidays are meant for celebration and family get-togethers, but this time of year isn’t all fun—between the crisp winter air, dry indoor heating, and stress of gift shopping, the skin on your face may become dull, dehydrated, or irritated. Here are some routines and products that can help you keep it healthy and radiant all season long.
Cleanse
The foundational first step of any effective skin-care regimen, cleansing gets rid of the daily dirt, oil, makeup, and sweat that builds up on your skin, which can, in turn, block your pores and cause breakouts. The key is to select a cleanser that fits your skin type.
For example, salicylic acid foaming cleansers can be a solution for oily complexions since they help to reduce shine and control surplus oil. Meanwhile, creamy cleansers featuring hyaluronic acid or rosehip seed oil, components known for their hydrating qualities, are good for dry skin. And to prevent aggravation of sensitive skin, a milky, fragrance-free mix is perfect.
Exfoliate
Even with enough hydration, dead skin cells can dull your complexion by gathering on the surface layer of your skin. Depending on how much your skin may shed, how oily it is, and how sensitive it may be, exfoliants can be an effective way to remove these cells, resulting in a more brilliant appearance. However, you should only exfoliate one to three times a week to avoid irritation, and be especially gentle in winter—strong scrubs can aggravate dry skin even more.
Physical exfoliants
You can easily remove dead skin cells with the use of a physical exfoliant, which scrubs them off to allow your natural glow to shine. One option is to rub a damp exfoliating mitten in circular motions on your skin; there are also plenty of cleansers or gels that have beads of sugar, coffee, or other abrasive elements to achieve the same effect.
Chemical exfoliants
These mild formulas remove dead skins cells without the need for scrubbing. The two types are alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) and beta hydroxy acids (BHAs). AHAs like lactic acid and glycolic acid are excellent for dry skin since they also increase hydration, while BHAs—including salicylic acid—are ideal for oily or acne-prone skin since they reach deeper to open blocked pores.
Tone
Though not appropriate for some skin types, toner can be a useful tool since it restores the natural pH balance of your skin and helps eliminate any residual cleanser. Use targeted toners, like the natural astringent witch hazel, to close the pores in oily skin and ones like rose water to hydrate dry skin. As for acne-prone skin, opt for tea tree oil, an ingredient renowned for its antibacterial qualities.
Apply serums
Serums are lightweight powerhouses. Among the arsenal of skin-nourishing weapons in them are antioxidants, vitamins, and peptides, which address issues including fine lines, wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, and acne. However, choosing the correct serum is essential if you decide to add this step to your skin-care regimen.
Hyaluronic acid
This hydrating ingredient is a natural humectant, meaning it pulls and locks moisture into your skin. Ideal for all skin types, hyaluronic acid serums are light and act quickly. After cleansing, dab a few drops on moist skin for a hydrated look. Look for products with levels between 0.5 percent and 2 percent for best results.
Retinol
This vitamin A formulation improves overall skin texture, reduces fine lines and wrinkles, and promotes cell turnover. Note, though, that it can aggravate your skin, especially for beginners, because it essentially exfoliates the deeper layers of it. Start with a product with a low concentration—about 0.3 percent—and use it just two to three times a week, gradually raising the frequency as your skin responds. Also, make sure to apply retinol at night since it can cause your skin to become more sensitive to sunlight.
Hydrate
Whatever your skin type, moisturizing is a nonnegotiable step—especially in winter, when the moisture in the air decreases, potentially making your skin feel tight and uncomfortable. Moisturizer serves as a barrier, stopping moisture loss and maintaining supple skin. Most formulations tend to be rich and creamy, which is great for general protection against dryness, but if you have oily skin, opt for a lightweight, oil-free one with a gel-like consistency to avoid clogging your pores.
In addition to moisturizer, consider incorporating either of the following into your routine as well for extra hydrating benefits.
Face masks
These pampering treatments are a great way to give your skin a focused dose of hydration and nutrients. You have many options to choose from, including gel masks with glycerin (another humectant) or sheet masks loaded with winter-friendly ingredients like ceramides, which help to fortify the skin’s barrier. Another great one for oily skin is clay masks because they shrink your pores and have absorbent qualities to control extra oil.
Facial mists
These rejuvenating sprays offer a hydration explosion to your skin. Made with soothing ingredients like rose water or green tea extract, facial mists can help reduce redness and aggravation caused by dry winter air. If you’re often on the go during these busy months, consider keeping a travel-sized one in your purse for a quick pick-me-up amid your hectic holiday chores.
Add SPF
Many believe sunscreen is needed only in summer, but that’s a myth—UV rays can damage your skin year-round, even on hazy days, and winter sun can be especially harsh reflecting off snow. Look for one that is at least SPF 30 with broad-spectrum protection, which will shield your skin from UVB and UVA rays while helping to prevent aging and hyperpigmentation. There are even some daily moisturizers that offer this coverage. Try to choose a light, oil-free formula that won’t clog your pores so you can keep your skin both safe from the sun and blemish-free.
While each of the steps above provide useful benefits, you may not need to implement them all depending on your skin type. Feel free to experiment to see which regimen proves to be the most effective for your needs, though make sure to always follow the order above. It may take some trial and error, but over time, you’ll develop a customized routine that enables you to maintain a healthy complexion through the holidays and all winter long.
