The Best Skincare Tips to Keep your Face Hydrated this Winter
Keep your skin fresh, healthy, and glowing throughout the year!
But, did you know that your skincare routine needs to be updated whenever the season changes? That’s right! What you normally do to fight off the damaging summer heat shouldn't be the same as your routine during winter.
A protein called 'Filaggrin' plays an architectural role in your skin’s barrier. It degrades into amino acids that retain moisture and at the same time serves as UV protection.
During the winter season, the cold, dry air makes the outermost layer of the skin shrink. This causes the filaggrin storage to degrade which results in dry and flaky skin. This is why our skin loses more moisture than normal and develops an unquenchable thirst.
There's still some time left to update your skincare routine! Combat dry skin with these 5 tips from Liv and Wyld:
Use soap-free products
We usually start our day by washing our face or taking a bath. But during the winter season, stay away from products with SLS or SLES. These ingredients are commonly found in shampoos, body wash, facial cleanser, and toothpaste. They’re the reason why these products lather and also removes dirt and oil from your skin or hair.
Sounds about right, isn't it? But SLS is known to dry out the skin. They work so well that they can even strip off the natural oils of your skin or hair.
What we recommend: Opt for mild and soap-free products. Or better, wash your skin with water only. This will help retain the moisture-barrier built during sleep.
Exfoliate
As this season makes our skin extra dry and flaky, now is the perfect time to exfoliate.
Exfoliation helps replenish the skin. Since our skin becomes dry, we need to get rid of the dead cells so new cells can emerge. Dead skin cells reduce the amount of your skin’s absorption to the products you apply.
This means that moisturizing alone won’t be as effective if you don’t exfoliate during winter. But, we also want to remind you not to over-exfoliate. Exfoliate only once a week or once every two weeks. If you exfoliate too often, your skin becomes drier and more likely to get irritated.
Use a Toner
Toner is one of the most important products you should have during these chilly months. Just like exfoliating, a toner would improve your skin’s absorption of the moisturizer or other products you apply. Plus, it removes any excess dirt left by your cleanser.
The right toner can balance and strengthen the skin’s barrier, plus provide extra hydration. This keeps your skin comfortable and healthy throughout the cold months. But be warned! There are so many toners with alcohol listed as an ingredient so choose a toner that's alcohol-free.
Moisturize
During the winter season, give your skin some extra love by lathering an extra layer of moisturizer. This is the season that your skin really needs hydration. Without moisturizers, your skin feels tight and it actually forces your skin to produce more oil. Plus, if your skin is dry, it accelerates aging.
The American Academy of Dermatology recommends moisturizing your skin right after you wash your face. Applying moisturizer while your skin is damp locks in the hydration from your moisturizer.
Don’t forget your sunscreen
The sun may not be as bright during winter but this doesn’t mean that it can't harm your skin. If anything, it’s e even more damaging. Snow and ice can reflect 90% of the sun’s UV rays. Experts recommend wearing sunscreen every time you go out. And yes, this means all-year-round! The season should never be a factor if you should wear sunscreen or not.
Don't like the usual sticky white sunscreen? There are water-based sunscreen options out there that act as a sunscreen and moisturizer at the same time.
Drink plenty of water!
Of course, other than using your regular skincare products, make sure you are completely hydrated. At least eight glasses of water is recommended per day.
We recommend updating your skincare routine from time to time and use products that are created for your skin type. Do proper research on what ingredients are best to look or watch out for.
We have a wide range of medical-grade products that are perfect for different skin types. If you need help in figuring out your skincare type, we're coming up with a quiz soon!