When temperatures begin to fall and the air takes on a chilly quality, one common response is to start layering up, perhaps digging out a favorite sweater or a trusty jacket to prepare for the cooling climate. Similarly, as we adjust our wardrobe to the season, our skincare regimen should also reflect this change.
During colder, drier times, the skin is more susceptible to dryness due to a process called transepidermal water loss (TWL), where water evaporates from the skin’s surface and into the surrounding air. However, by incorporating a few savvy skincare secrets into your routine, you can help your skin beat the winter blues.
A key strategy is to apply protective layers of moisture to the skin. Moisturizing products like creams, oils, and balms can trap water in the skin, helping to safeguard your moisture barrier and prevent your epidermis from drying out.
As you switch up your skincare to suit the season, here are some expert-approved techniques to consider:
Firstly, rethink your shower routine. Long, hot showers might feel great on a frosty winter’s day, but they can strip your skin of natural oils and harm its fatty acids. As hot water evaporates at a faster rate, this can accelerate TWL, leading to increased dryness and irritation. To combat this, adopt the approach of “shower sandwiching”, where you apply a body oil both before and after your shower. This creates an oil barrier that can curb excessive water loss, and alleviate any skin irritation.
Next, if you enjoy browsing beauty tips on social media, you might have heard a term being bandied around; “slugging”. This cult skincare practice involves applying a thick, occlusive ointment over your other moisturizing products before bed to help lock in moisture. This method is particularly beneficial for those with dry skin, especially as skin is more permeable in the evening and TWL is more prevalent.
However, remember that slugging needs moisture to be truly effective – it’s akin to filling up a cup before placing a cover on it. After washing your face with a gentle cleanser, apply a moisture-rich essence before topping it off with a serum rich in humectants like hyaluronic acid, followed by a moisturizer. After your nighttime healthcare routine has had a chance to take effect, you can then apply your chosen balm.
Finally, don’t forget to show some love to your hands and nails. Like your skin, they too are prone to dehydration when the temperature drops. To keep your hands and nails in prime condition, incorporate a hand cream and cuticle oil into your daily regimen. Applying these products liberally throughout the day can be particularly beneficial for the hands as they often bear the brunt of changing weather and show some of the first signs of ageing, such as dark spots and wrinkles.
By taking heed of these tactics, you can ensure that as the seasons change, your skin remains as hydrated and healthy as ever. Just like adding an extra layer to our wardrobes, it’s time to start layering up our skincare.
