by Go Inspire
As Christmas approaches, the winter season will slowly join the party by the end of next week. Although it is one of the most magical periods of the year, your skin will need some extra care to stay healthy. The cold and dry air increase skin sensitivity which results in irritation and dryness, not to forget that your skin is still vulnerable to UV ray even during this cloudy winter.
But not worry, as we have concocted for you some tips that will help you serenely go through this winter and fully enjoy the festivities!
1. Use a gentle cleanser
Your skin will become more sensitive and prone to irritation. Using the wrong cleanser like bar soap or perfumed products can worsen the itchiness.
Opt for a gentle fragrance-free cleanser, ideally a gel or cleansing oil that will softly remove impurities without removing your natural skin barrier function. Using a gentle cleanser will leave your skin feel soft and hydrated. It will also help your skin restore itself properly at night and won't imbalance your skin.
2. Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize.
Don't be shy about it. Make sure to choose a rich moisturizer to keep your skin hydrated for a whole day. Raw Shea butter is known for being a natural and effective form of hydration and is appropriate for all skin types. Don't be scared by its thick appearance, as it has one of the lowest comedogenic rate, which makes it suitable even for oily skin.
Don't forget your lips and hands, as these are the most prone to become dry. Make sure to have your lip balm and hand cream ready for use in your bag
3-Use vitamin C
Board-certified dermatologist Patricia Wexler explains: "Because of its antioxidant properties, vitamin C aids in your skin's natural regeneration process, which helps your body repair damaged skin cells." Give your skin a favor and include a vitamin c serum in your routine.
It will brighten your skin, reduce inflammation and boost your collagen production. You can find several types of vitamin C used in skincare products such as L-ascorbic acid, Sodium ascorbyl phosphate, Ascorbyl palmitate or Retinyl ascorbate.
No need to go over your budget! The Ordinary offers a range of affordable and curated skincare products.
4- Sunscreen is your friend
The sun might not be as bright as your last holidays in Spain, but your skin is still vulnerable to ultraviolet, which is an invisible radiation present all year round, even in the winter months. So make sure you wear sunscreen during this period as well. It drastically protects you against skin cancer and signs of premature aging.
Dr. Phillip Levy, aesthetic dermatologist and founder of Dr. Levy Switzerland, advises us " I would recommend opting for a sunblock which has an SPF factor of 30 or above, to ensure adequate protection. Please do remember though that SPF only protects against UVB rays, so it is essential to check the sunscreen you use offers ‘broad-spectrum’ protection, i.e. from both UVA and UVB rays."
5-Turn down the temperature
This one might not be as obvious, but turning up the heat in the shower after stepping in from the cold, won't do your skin any favours. Heat can cause further damage to your already delicate skin barrier, which may cause your skin to become even drier.
Make sure not to go overboard with heat and showers. Try setting the thermostat at a cool yet comfortable setting — 20°C to 22°C — to maintain healthy skin.