The seasons are changing and its starting to get cooler outside, which means our skin might be making some changes as well. If you are willing to tweak your skincare routine for the brisk weather, I promise your face will thank you. So how do we prep our skin for the winter months? Let me tell you!
First, take a look at what type of cleanser you are using. Chances are you’ve got a foaming type cleanser to combat sweat and heat from the summer months. I would recommend switching to a creamier type of cleanser, because everyone’s skin needs all the moisture it can get, especially in the drier months when we could use a creamier cleanser to give us some added moisture.
Next, exfoliation is a must a few times a week. When you exfoliate, you remove the buildup of dead skin cells on the surface of your skin. Those dead skin cells pile up over time and can clog your pores causing annoying breakouts and make your skin look dull and flaky. Ick! Once you have exfoliated, your skin will feel softer, look fresher, and be ready for some moisturizer.
Finally...moisturize, moisturize, moisturize!
Our skin needs to be hydrated to be protected from the cooler months. To do that, you need to moisturize twice a day. Switch out the light moisturizer you were using during the summer for a thicker one to use every night. Depending on your skin type, you may want to repeat this again when you wake up in the morning as well! I recommend using a sunscreen that doubles as a moisturizer. SPF plus moisturizer = win win.
Speaking of sunscreen, even though it seems like there’s a bit more cloud coverage, don’t let that trick you into thinking you can now ditch your beloved summer sunscreen. SPF is still important in the cooler months because you can still get an adequate amount of sun exposure. Whether that be by skiing the slopes, or simply driving down the road. So, don’t forget that important step of wearing sunscreen every day. Finding products that already have a sunscreen built in can be an easy option like a foundation or tinted moisturizer. I like to stick with my SPF 50 moisturizer that I use every morning, even in the cooler months.
Pro Tip: If you are dealing with severely dry skin, apply your moisturizer after you shower, this will help lock in any extra moisture into your skin immediately. Taking long, hot showers or baths can strip the natural oils in your skin leaving it drier and more irritated. Don’t use a moisturizer with fragrances because that will just irritate dry skin as well.
Last but not least, I don’t know about you but my lips get crazy chapped and dry in the cooler months because of the lack of moisture in the air. Using a lip balm just doesn’t cut it for me and if it’s the same for you, try adding in a lip mask a few times a week into your routine. Soon Skincare has created two amazing lip masks which will be perfect for the dry season! The Hydrating Watermelon Lip Mask and the Strawberry Lip Mask with Collagen will give your lips that extra moisture and nourishment you will be looking for when your poor lips are cracked and parched.
XOXO,
Your Master Esthetician,
MaryAnne Grigg
