The chilly weather that we enjoy in so many ways is upon us! We begin to sip on our warm tasty drinks, we layer up our comfy clothes, and we snuggle up with loved ones for all the good holiday movies. Along with all of those traditions, it is critical that we pay close attention to our skincare routine as it is not uncommon to find that your skin type changes with the seasons.
To figure out how your skin will react to the winter and your current routine, I recommend the following:
On a chilly morning, cleanse your face with your current cleanser.
Skip toner if you normally use one.
Apply a mild moisturizer.
You can also find products that test the Ph balance of your skin. (A Ph of 5.5 is ideal)
During the day and by the evening, analyze your skin. How does it feel? How does it look? Does it feel tight and dehydrated? Does it look oily? Does it seem balanced all over? Has your skin seemily changed to ‘combination’ – with both dry and oily patches? Any variation in how your skin used to feel is an indication that the Ph balance of your skin is now off and may need a product change.
Aside from the above-mentioned test, here are some simple steps that may help to calm your skin to assess what your skin needs for the winter:
Check the ingredients of your current skincare products for their Ph levels, remembering the ideal level.
Look for products that are fragrance-free and optimal for proper Ph levels.
Use lukewarm water to rinse off your cleanser as hot water can strip the skin of its appropriate oils.
Use just micellar water to cleanse along with your toner and moisturize in the AM and only use your cleanser along with your other skincare products at night
Give your skin a break from any add-on products such as serums and treatments for a week
Once you have established what your skin needs, try to balance the products in your skincare regimen and slowly introduce any new ones. For all skin types, balance and consistency are key. Here are some recommendations to start you on your way to beautiful skin in any season: It is recommended that you have 3-7 steps in your skincare regimen (in this order of application)
a. CLEANSER – Fragrance-free for sensitive skin b. TONER c. TREATMENTS – Optional for Acne, redness, or wrinkles/fine lines d. SERUM – Use based on the needs of your skin – Skip if using a treatment product e. MOISTURIZER – Fragrance-free for sensitive skin f. UNDER EYE PRODUCT – Optional to control dryness, bags, and/or fine lines g. EXFOLIATOR PRODUCT – Optional and only used 1 to 2 times per week.
I am not a Dermatologist; these are recommendations based on my years of trial and error and research on skincare products for my sensitive skin. If your skin usually behaves normally, and you are not someone who has the time or budget for a lengthy skincare regimen, it is recommended to at least follow steps A, B, and E with natural and fragrance-free skincare products.
If you are new to using multiple skincare products in your regimen, it is typical for your skin to break out at first as your skin purges impurities. However, please always consult a Dermatologist for any changes or concerns that do not seem to fix themselves over time. Discontinue using any products that seem to cause breakouts. X
With over 15 years in the beauty industry, Rechelle Andrews has the skillset and an in-depth knowledge of products and makeup application techniques. She has made it her goal to help people realize their greatest potential and she wishes to inspire others in all aspects of beauty.