Your regular summer skincare routine may not cut it for the winter anymore. With winter officially here, you can put on your favorite sweater and cuddle up with your favorite blanket, but with all the benefits comes dry skin. With seasons changing, it might get confusing to know which products to use and let go of. Your skin has different requirements now and you need to plan your routine accordingly. While slathering on moisturizer is common advice, developing a simple yet effective winter skincare routine will be something your skin will thank you for in the long run.
What is the skin barrier and what happens when it breaks down?
Summer in most parts of India means your skincare likely took the lightweight route. Your haircare switched to anti-frizz products only, and your makeup took a more long-wear, waterproof direction. But the seasons, they are a-changin’. In some parts of the country, the temps are going to dip soon, with bright sunny days and dry heat becoming the norm. While in others, it’s going to get chilly, smoggy, and dull. You’ll want to plan your newer, tweaked skincare routine with small swaps to help prevent blotchy, irritated, acne-prone transitional skin. Here’s what to try now.
Double-cleanse the grime
High humidity tends to produce more sebum and sweat, leading to clogged pores and breakouts. If you’re dealing with leftover breakouts and scarring, double cleansing will save you during such stressful times. It's useful in getting rid of all the grime without over-drying your skin. Use an oil cleanser to sop up oil and sweat buildup, and then go in with a gel cleanser to dislodge any long-wear makeup and pollution. Foxtale’s Hydrating facewash acts as an excellent double cleanser which helps in unclogging pores and getting rid of all the dirt gently. If you find your skin getting dull during this change in weather, double cleanser brightens your visage and sloughs away dead skin cells that don’t reflect light, leaving a layer of newer, brighter cells on the top.
Make sure to Exfoliate
Does your skin get dramatically dry as the humidity plummets? Give your strong exfoliators (like acids and retinoids) a break, and use a light, super-fine scrub to get rid of dry skin cells that settle on the surface. Exfoliating helps your skin get rid of dead skin cells, revealing fresh, new skin. However, it should be noted that excessive exfoliation may cause the skin to become irritated and extremely dry. Exfoliating once a week is a wise decision.
Don’t forget to use Sunscreen
No, winter is not an excuse to skip wearing sunscreen, especially for those that live in places where the temperatures will dip. UVA rays don’t get any lower even when it’s colder, so it is recommended to wear SPF daily to prevent cumulative sun exposure and the resulting discoloration, fine lines, pigmentation, wrinkles, and even skin cancer. Foxtale's Dewy finish sunscreen is ideal for your winter skincare routine. It not only moisturizes and smoothens the skin but also prevents premature ageing and fine lines.
Switch your Moisturizer for the weather
Have you been using a lightweight, barely-there moisturizer through the last few months? You might want to pick a night cream that is slightly thicker, creamier, and more nutritive as the weather gets drier. Look to ceramides and fatty alcohols—they aid in the protection of the skin barrier, which can break down when things get dry and colder. Ceramides are beneficial in rejuvenating the skin. They have water-retentive qualities that stop the skin from losing moisture. Foxtale’s Smoothening moisturizer aids in the repair and maintenance of the skin's barrier. It prevents dryness and smoothes the texture of your skin. During the day, add hydrating ingredients like glycerin, hyaluronic acid, and squalane to prevent transepidermal moisture loss and seal them into the skin.
Use Antioxidants
No matter the temperature, the skin gets attacked by free radicals, which causes the breakdown of collagen, premature fine lines, and pigmentation. To prevent the damage, it is best to use an alcohol-free antioxidant product, like a Vitamin C serum, to brighten and protect. Foxtale’s Vitamin C serum helps reduce pigmentation and the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It boosts collagen production, allowing the skin to retain moisture better, and protecting it from external aggressors.
Protect your lips
Is dry, chapped lips the first thing that comes to your mind whenever someone mentions winter? Know that you’re not alone. You can use a fine lip scrub to remove any flakes and dry skin, and then apply a hyaluronic acid or glycerin-based lip balm or mask. This will help your skin retain moisture and remain supple for a longer time. For best results, use a Seal it all in with a lip oil or petroleum jelly to prevent any further moisture loss.
The conclusion-
While no one looks forward to dry and flaky skin during winter, with the help of the tips mentioned above, you can achieve perfectly moisturized skin that will last for a longer time. Introduce the right ingredients in your routine, and enjoy the benefits along with a hot cup of cocoa!
