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The Basics
In spite of your skin type, age or climate, there are a few basic skin-saving solutions that will work for everyone.
Hydrate — Water is nature’s best beauty product. Remember: the cold weather causes skin to lose moisture, not oil. Drinking water will help to replenish what you’ve lost.
Daily Nutrients — Is it possible you aren’t getting the recommended amount of nutrients in your current diet? Consider eating more fruits and veggies, or look into a good multivitamin.
Ditch the Bad Habits — Still smoking? Not getting enough sleep? Eating unhealthy foods? Lacking a good exercise routine? These are all detriments to your health and obstacles toward having radiant skin. Resolve today (why wait until New Years?) to ditch those old habits. Now, that’s a beauty do!
Indoor Heating — It’s not just the cold weather zapping your skin of moisture — it’s also the indoor heat! Leave your heat on the lowest possible setting comfortable for you, or use a humidifier to add some moisture back into the air (this will help keep your skin hydrated).
Sunscreen — Sunscreen is a must-have product, regardless of the weather. Look for lotions and moisturizers with SPF 15 or higher for easy application. Did you know that snow reflects more than 80 percent of the sun’s damaging UV rays? It’s true, so if you plan to spend a day on the slopes or attacking the neighbor with snowballs, make sure to wear extra sunblock on any exposed skin.
Seek Help — Remember: your skin type may change depending on many causes, including weather, age, diet and health problems. What worked in your 20s might not work in your 30s or 40s. If your skin looks infected, or you aren’t seeing results from your skin-care routine, consider visiting a dermatologist for a professional opinion.
Normal Skin Types
You’ve been blessed with "normal" skin, but there are still a few things to consider.
Typically, soap and water are perfect for lifting and removing dirt. However the more they lift, the drier your skin can become. Toss in the dry air and cold temperatures and you may find yourself dealing with itchy or flaky skin. If simple soap and water is your cleanser of choice, you might want to consider switching to a mild soap-free cleanser until the first signs of spring appear.
Your normal moisturizer will probably still work, but consider switching to a water- or silicone-based moisturizer during the cold months.
Oily Skin Types
So you have oily skin? That doesn't mean you're immune from skin woes. Even oily skin can become coarse and irritated in the winter. According to the American Dermatology Association, "Skin is not dry because it lacks oil, but because it lacks water. Therefore all treatments are aimed at replacing water in the skin and the environment."
The best way to cleanse your skin is by using plain soap and water several times a day. However, that routine isn't exactly practical if you are at work. Stash some oil-blotting papers in your purse or desk for a quick touch-up. These tiny papers, sold at any drugstore, are great for absorbing oil and not your makeup.
Because of your skin type, you may not need a moisturizer. If your skin feels tight after you've washed it, try waiting 20 minutes. If it still feels tight, use a light moisturizer only on the areas that feel dry.
Dry Skin Types
Try switching to an oil-based moisturizer and use it often! Dermatologists recommend applying moisturizers to the skin within three minutes of washing your face or stepping out of the shower. This helps trap the water in the skin and decreases dryness and itching.
Speaking of showers, try to limit the amount of time you spend and the temperature of the water. Long, hot showers zap your skin of its natural moisturizing properties – short, warm showers are better for your skin in the long run. If bathing is how you relax, try adding a few drops of body oil to the water so that you'll retain some of the moisture once you are done.
For extremely dry skin, try petroleum jelly. It seals in moisture and heals dry skin – including your face (it's non-comedogenic so despite its appearance, it won't clog your pores).
Combination Skin Types
If your skin is oily on your "T-Zone" (forehead, nose and chin) and dry everywhere else, you have combination skin. Because you’re basically dealing with two different skin types, you need a routine that works for both of them — which can mean using different products for different parts of your face.
For a daily routine, wash your face in the morning and before bedtime with a mild, soap-free cleanser to keep the oily zones clear. Use a moisturizer only on your dry zones (applying it to the oily zones will only make your skin oilier). Since your skin type requires more effort, block off an hour once a week to pamper your skin. Use an oil-absorbing facial mask but only over the oily areas (follow the instructions on the product). Apply a moisturizing serum to the dry zones.
Source
In spite of your skin type, age or climate, there are a few basic skin-saving solutions that will work for everyone.
Hydrate — Water is nature’s best beauty product. Remember: the cold weather causes skin to lose moisture, not oil. Drinking water will help to replenish what you’ve lost.
Daily Nutrients — Is it possible you aren’t getting the recommended amount of nutrients in your current diet? Consider eating more fruits and veggies, or look into a good multivitamin.
Ditch the Bad Habits — Still smoking? Not getting enough sleep? Eating unhealthy foods? Lacking a good exercise routine? These are all detriments to your health and obstacles toward having radiant skin. Resolve today (why wait until New Years?) to ditch those old habits. Now, that’s a beauty do!
Indoor Heating — It’s not just the cold weather zapping your skin of moisture — it’s also the indoor heat! Leave your heat on the lowest possible setting comfortable for you, or use a humidifier to add some moisture back into the air (this will help keep your skin hydrated).
Sunscreen — Sunscreen is a must-have product, regardless of the weather. Look for lotions and moisturizers with SPF 15 or higher for easy application. Did you know that snow reflects more than 80 percent of the sun’s damaging UV rays? It’s true, so if you plan to spend a day on the slopes or attacking the neighbor with snowballs, make sure to wear extra sunblock on any exposed skin.
Seek Help — Remember: your skin type may change depending on many causes, including weather, age, diet and health problems. What worked in your 20s might not work in your 30s or 40s. If your skin looks infected, or you aren’t seeing results from your skin-care routine, consider visiting a dermatologist for a professional opinion.
Normal Skin Types
You’ve been blessed with "normal" skin, but there are still a few things to consider.
Typically, soap and water are perfect for lifting and removing dirt. However the more they lift, the drier your skin can become. Toss in the dry air and cold temperatures and you may find yourself dealing with itchy or flaky skin. If simple soap and water is your cleanser of choice, you might want to consider switching to a mild soap-free cleanser until the first signs of spring appear.
Your normal moisturizer will probably still work, but consider switching to a water- or silicone-based moisturizer during the cold months.
Oily Skin Types
So you have oily skin? That doesn't mean you're immune from skin woes. Even oily skin can become coarse and irritated in the winter. According to the American Dermatology Association, "Skin is not dry because it lacks oil, but because it lacks water. Therefore all treatments are aimed at replacing water in the skin and the environment."
The best way to cleanse your skin is by using plain soap and water several times a day. However, that routine isn't exactly practical if you are at work. Stash some oil-blotting papers in your purse or desk for a quick touch-up. These tiny papers, sold at any drugstore, are great for absorbing oil and not your makeup.
Because of your skin type, you may not need a moisturizer. If your skin feels tight after you've washed it, try waiting 20 minutes. If it still feels tight, use a light moisturizer only on the areas that feel dry.
Dry Skin Types
Try switching to an oil-based moisturizer and use it often! Dermatologists recommend applying moisturizers to the skin within three minutes of washing your face or stepping out of the shower. This helps trap the water in the skin and decreases dryness and itching.
Speaking of showers, try to limit the amount of time you spend and the temperature of the water. Long, hot showers zap your skin of its natural moisturizing properties – short, warm showers are better for your skin in the long run. If bathing is how you relax, try adding a few drops of body oil to the water so that you'll retain some of the moisture once you are done.
For extremely dry skin, try petroleum jelly. It seals in moisture and heals dry skin – including your face (it's non-comedogenic so despite its appearance, it won't clog your pores).
Combination Skin Types
If your skin is oily on your "T-Zone" (forehead, nose and chin) and dry everywhere else, you have combination skin. Because you’re basically dealing with two different skin types, you need a routine that works for both of them — which can mean using different products for different parts of your face.
For a daily routine, wash your face in the morning and before bedtime with a mild, soap-free cleanser to keep the oily zones clear. Use a moisturizer only on your dry zones (applying it to the oily zones will only make your skin oilier). Since your skin type requires more effort, block off an hour once a week to pamper your skin. Use an oil-absorbing facial mask but only over the oily areas (follow the instructions on the product). Apply a moisturizing serum to the dry zones.
Source
