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Since the weather is changing here, it usually means that it's time to change up the skincare routine to match the change in the weather. This year however I have decided to not change my routine from what I have been doing the rest of the year. Today's post will be me sharing what I do for my skincare as well as some tips for how to care for your skin in the cold weather months.
My Skincare Routine
While I normally change up my routine in the winter this year I am not going to change anything and see how my skin does. Last year I noticed that I broke out a lot more than I normally do in the winter and I attributed that to the thicker moisturizer. I mainly use The Ordinary products but I do use others as well. This is my routine;
The Ordinary Glycolipid Cream Cleanser; is (in my opinion) a lighter cleanser than the one I used to use. I swapped out my cleaners when The Ordinary came out with the new ones they have now. I use this twice a day; morning and night.
The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% Oil Control Serum; I love this serum as my skin gets really oily but this for sure helps control it. Twice a day; morning and night.
The Ordinary 100% Plant-Derived Squalane; I only use this at night because it is an oil. But even with it, I've noticed a difference in my skin.
The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + Beta Glucan; I love this moisturizer, it's super light while still giving my skin the moisture that it needs. I use this twice a day; morning and night.
Once a week, I try to use a sheet mask, if I don't have any sheet masks I use Sephora Collection Resurfacing Peel Mask. I do not do anything extra except for that one day a week. One thing that I skip in the winter, which I know I probably shouldn't is sunscreen. For me though it is not really needed here in the winter so I just skip it.
I know that my routine is not really following the guidelines that I am sharing below, but this is what works for my skin. It has taken me years to find a routine that actually works so I am not going to change it to much.
Winter Skincare Tips
From ReidHealth
Keep the moisture you have. The natural oils your skin produces also help protect it and keep it healthy. It's a good idea to avoid long baths and showers and you shouldn't wash your body too frequently either. When you do use warm, not hot water. After bathing or showering pat dry and moisturize your damp skin.
Add moisture to your home. To counter the drying effects of indoor heat the Mayo Clinic suggests running a humidifier. You can use a portable or tabletop model or one that integrates with your existing heating system. Moisture in the air will be absorbed by your skin.
Add moisture from the inside out. Increasing your water intake will help hydrate your skin.
Don't forget sunscreen. Just because it's cold outside doesn't mean the sun isn't affecting your skin says Bingham Memorial Hospital. The sun reflecting off snow means UV rays are hitting you from additional angles.
Moisturize your skin thoroughly. Switch to an oil-based moisturizer in the winter; your skin will appreciate it. Consider overnight deep moisturizer treatments which can help particularly dry areas like hands feet elbows knees and lips. Cover with cotton gloves and socks to hold the moisture in all night long.
Switch your cleanser. It's a good idea to trade in your current body wash for a more moisturizing hydrating cleanser in winter particularly if your usual choice contains drying ingredients like glycolic or salicylic acid. Tone and moisturize within 30 seconds of finishing cleansing to avoid further dehydration.
Take extra care. Winter skin is more fragile so if you have a skin condition like eczema or psoriasis be sure to avoid any irritants or allergens that you know flare your condition.
