How Do You Get Rid of Dry Skin in Winter?
Now I’m not meaning to sound too Game of Thrones, but winter is coming, it really is. There is so much excitement surrounding these chillier months and the thought of long dark evenings tucked up under blankets with some hot chocolate make us feel quite wonderful. The problem that so many of us forget is just how much havoc winter can cause on our skin. How do you get rid of dry skin in winter? That is exactly what we will be answering today and sharing some top tips along the way.
How to treat dry skin in winter
Here are some tips on how to treat dry skin,
Ensure your environment is not too drying on the skin
Freezing cold wind and central heating are two skin drying culprits during the winter months, we rarely consider how our day to day lives will have an effect on our skin but a lot of concerns with dryness come from the environments we are working or living in. The best way of ensuring your skin won’t face an uphill battle from dry air is to maximise the amount of water in it. Try keeping the heating at a suitable level that is not too hot and damaging to the skin. You can also try using a humidifier will keep the moisture in the air allowing your skin to absorb and keep the protective barrier functioning properly and not becoming too dry.
Load up on the antioxidant serums
Antioxidant enriched serums are made for combating all the nasty free radicals and environmental stresses that our skin comes into contact regularly. We always suggest applying a serum containing antioxidant ingredients, such as vitamin C, on the daily basis. However, if you haven’t introduced one to your routine yet then now is the perfect time. Antioxidants are able to repair the skin by providing a protective coat over the outer layer of the skin that can begin to feel dry, tight and looking dull. Another point to remember is to apply an SPF, yes even on the darkest, gloomiest winter days to protect from UV damage that can also lead to the skin becoming dry.
Use a face scrub
With your skin being dry in the winter, chances are it will have some flakes and rough patches. To prevent these building up and leading to other skin concerns like a sallow looking complexion or breakouts it is best to use a face scrub to buff away any dead skin cells, dirt and debris to reveal new skin. Stick to using it 2-3 times a week that way you won’t cause any reaction to the skin such as redness, tightness and becoming even drier.
Opt for richer formulas in moisturisers
If you have a dry skin type you probably already use a heavy, rich formulation when it comes to your daily moisturiser. This is ideal for keeping on top on the health and appearance of your skin as cold, wintery weather can cut through moisturisers quickly and cause irritation, dryness and sometimes redness. If you find you have an oilier skin type try products that contain high levels of hyaluronic acid to help keep the skin hydrated and comfortable without the worry of clogging pores or excess sebum.
How to cure dry skin on your face overnight
During your evening routine is the prime time to repair the damage of the day, especially throughout the winter months. Here is a run down of the best skincare routine to have when the temperatures dip and you notice your skin has become dry.
Choose a cleanser that is not too harsh for the skin but can still get it as clean as possible. Try using products containing chemical exfoliating ingredients such as salicylic and glycolic acids are great for reaching the lower layers of the skin, buffing away dead skin cells and giving the skin back some vibrancy.
Use a face scrub 2-3 times a week when you are not using a cleanser containing the AHA and BHA previously mentioned. This will keep your skin clear but won’t overwork it causing it to irritated and uncomfortable after being stripped of any essential oils.
Slather the skin in antioxidant enriched serums and facials oils, apply liberal amounts if your skin is dry as it will give your skin enough time to absorb whilst you sleep. An easy way of figuring out if you have applied enough is by taking a look at your skin in the morning, it is still tacky or sticky to touch you had applied enough product the night before.
Opt for a heavier and richer moisturiser during winter to keep the skin’s protective barrier working properly throughout the day.
Try some hydrating and moisturising overnight masks for an added boost of nourishment whilst you get some shut eye.
In the mornings avoid any harsh chemicals, exfoliants and cleansers but instead use water a flannel to clean away any residue from overnight products. This will keep your skin clean and not overworked which can lead to a number of skin problems.
There you have some steps on what to do to cure dry skin overnight, remembering to bear in mind that it can take a little longer to treat any severe dryness to the skin caused by the harsh winter weather and other daily aggressors.
How to deal with dry skin on a daily basis
By following the steps shared above you will prepare your skin for combating day to day exposure to skin stresses, you can also try these tips to keep your skin happy and healthy throughout the day.
Remember to apply an SPF before any makeup to protect from harmful UV rays
When you know your skin will be exposed to a lot of central heating try applying a multipurpose skin balm that can help protect from any dryness and discomfort.
Keep hydrated and drink plenty of water as this will help your skin remain healthy.
switch up your skincare products for ones that will nourish and protect the skin and prevent it from becoming dry.
So, there are this the advice we have on how to get rid of dry skin in winter. You will find that over time any concerns with dryness will become a distant memory as you establish a nourishing and protective skincare routine that will see you through the winter, before you know it you’ll be dusting off your sliders and rushing to book a pedicure!
DQH Knowledge drop: In your 20s, your skin cell turnover decreases. (Cell turnover is a key component in keeping your skin youthful.) You know what else slows down? Your collagen production. Starting in your 20s, collagen decreases by about 1 percent per year. Should you want to prevent fine lines and wrinkles, start by eliminating behaviors that contribute to premature aging. “If it’s bad for you, it’s bad for your skin,” says dermatologist Michel Somenek.
“Cigarette smoking reduces blood flow to the skin and causes premature wrinkling and a dull skin texture. Making the repeated pursed motion to inhale can also cause smoker’s lines. Alcohol and recreational drugs are toxins for the skin that damage its cellular structure and DNA,” Somenek tells us. “The faster you eliminate vices while you are young, the better chance your skin and body have to recuperate.” Also, adopting an anti-aging routine in your 20s is key. After all, the best offense is a good defense. We spoke to Somenek and experts Joshua Ross and Audrey Kunin to find out more.
Keep reading for the best anti-aging products for your 20s, according to skincare professionals.
Sunscreen
“We all know that the sun is the number one cause of skin aging and starting the prevention in your 20s is very important,” Ross says. “The majority of your sun damage won’t start to appear until you’re in your 30s, so don’t wait until you see it surface or you’ll be behind the curve. Stay ahead of it with a good-quality zinc-based sunscreen worn daily.”
Farmacy Green Defense Daily Mineral Sunscreen
An invisible sunscreen with SPF 30, plus botanical extracts meant to protect skin with tons of antioxidants. Bonus: It’s clean and fine to use under makeup.
Bareminerals Complexion Rescue™ Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30
Although we recommend you use your SPF and moisturizer separately, we also understand moments when you don’t have time or energy for that extra step. For those times, this bareMinerals moisturizer is a great thing to have on hand.
Vitamin C Serum
“A great introduction to anti-aging is to start with a vitamin C serum in your morning skincare routine,” Ross says. “It’s a powerful antioxidant that will neutralize free radicals and brighten the skin.” He adds that it’s a great way to counteract the effects of the sun’s harmful rays, which, as previously mentioned, are among the biggest causes of premature aging.
Drunk Elephant C-Firma™ Vitamin C Day Serum
The Drunk Elephant C-Firma is a lightweight serum that promises to give skin a glow by combining the brightening powers of vitamin C with ferulic acid, l-ascorbic acid, and vitamin E. The included sodium hyaluronate is meant to replace hydration loss, so you shouldn’t have to deal with any irritation.
Sunday Riley C.E.O. Rapid Flash Brightening Serum
This potent serum is jam-packed with vitamin C (15 percent, to be exact), which means it’s a potential superstar at both brightening skin and dousing it in antioxidants.
Peptides
Using peptides on your skin has many benefits, says Somenek. “The skin barrier is what defends the body against pollution, UV rays, bacteria, and toxins. It can be damaged by several everyday factors. Using topical peptides aids in building a stronger barrier,” he says. “Peptides comprise elastic fibers, which are a type of protein. These fibers help to make skin appear taut and firm. Peptides can also help repair damaged skin, relieve inflammation, and even out skin tone. Some peptides can kill acne-causing bacteria that is common in 20-somethings.”
Kunin agrees, saying, “Peptides are an excellent entry point for supporting collagen.” She recommends looking for face and eye treatments that contain these collagen-boosting powerhouses.
Charlotte Tilbury Magic Eye Rescue Cream
This Charlotte Tilbury super-emollient eye cream has a base of coconut oil and shea butter (read: it’s incredibly hydrating). Botanicals plus peptides are meant to help reduce dark circles and boost collagen, respectively.
This creamy moisturizer serves up potent collagen-boosting peptides and pycnogenol, and antioxidant-rich vitamin C. “Instead of sitting on top of the skin, peptides penetrate the outer layer so they go deep. The ‘signals’ they send tell the cells to produce elastin and collagen, which are needed for youthful-looking skin,” explains Somenek.
At-Home Peel Pads
Remember that skin cell turnover fiasco we talked about earlier? One way to help support it is by exfoliating. “Exfoliation is important to help keep skin fresh and luminous,” Kunin says. She recommends using at-home peel pads as an easy and effective way to exfoliate.
“The goal in your 20s is to fight the slowing pace of cell turnover. It is wise to use products that gently exfoliate, yet still remove oil and other impurities. Products that have Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA) or Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHA) are a good choice.”
According to Somenek, you should only exfoliate two to three times a week. “People of all ages are guilty of over-exfoliating and that can be too much of a good thing,” he says.
Dermadoctor Kakadu C Intensive Vitamin C Peel Pad
A few swipes of this Derma Doctor powerful peel pad promise to leave your skin glowing and smooth, thanks to the seven (yes, seven) types of chemical exfoliants, including AHA and BHA. It also contains vitamin C via Kakadu plum extract for added brightening and antioxidant protection.
KEY INGREDIENTS Kakadu plum extract is sourced from the Kakadu plum, a fruit grown in northern Australia. It contains vitamin C, which restores the skin’s natural barrier, increases collagen production, and soothes irritation.
Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta® Universal Daily Peel Pads
These are the gold standard of peel pads, with a cult following and over 900 five-star reviews on Sephora. They’re easy to use and contain a blend of anti-aging exfoliating acids.
Emollient Night Cream
“In your 20s, you need to start upping the hydration in your skincare routine. You may have been cautious of over-moisturizing because of acne in your teens, but as you enter your 20s, your skin transitions and becomes drier,” Ross says. “I recommend an emollient night cream added into your evening skincare regimen.”
“Twenty-somethings need to make sure that they are not using creams that will clog their pores and cause excess oil production,” says Somenek. Opt for non-comedogenic products.
Cerave Skin Renewing Night Cream
One great choice is the CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream, which is a non-comedogenic night cream that leaves skin soft and glowy. It combines the moisturizing powers of ceramides and hyaluronic acid.
RoC Retinol Correxion Max Hydration Creme
“The best night cream ingredients contain retinol, benzoyl peroxide, and/or salicylic acid or hyaluronic acid. The goal is to moisturize, yet remove excess oil,” says Somenek. This Roc Retinol Correxion cream fits the bill as it contains both hyaluronic acid and retinol so it promises to moisturize while also being non-comedogenic.
