With colder weather here what steps can you take to upgrade your skincare routine in order to avoid dryness, sensitivity, and irritation? Here are 6 helpful tips to protect our skin from the changing seasons.
1. Buy a creamier cleanser. Though foaming cleansers are great in the summer to remove sweat, oil residues, and skin debris, creamier cleansers have more nourishing agents that remove less of the essential lipids (oils) in your skin. I suggest Pevonia’s Hydrating Cleanser and Hydrating Lotion for the winter, regardless of your skin type, because it has Collagen, Elastin, and Hyaluronic Acid that plump up your cells with moisture.
2. Exfoliate once a week, followed by a hydrating cream. Dead skin cells tend to stick together a lot more as skin gets drier in the autumn and winter. Exfoliate using a gentle enzyme cream (Pevonia’s Enzymo-Spherides Peeling Cream), rather than an exfoliating (granular) cleanser if you are starting to get sensitive. Follow with a generous amount of a Sensitive Skin Cream or Rosacea Cream, even if you do not have that skin type. You can resume your normal skincare routine and products the following day.
3. Add an Aromatherapy Face Massage once a week at night to nourish your depleted, tired skin. Hazelnut oil and Vitamin E are 2 beautiful lipids (oils) that are great for nourishing cell membranes, regardless of your skin type. Pevonia has 3 different Aromatherapy Face Oil Blends with a Hazelnut and Vitamin E base you can use at night for a true, rejuvenating spa massage experience at home. It is like nutrition for your skin. Your skin will thank you for it and you will sleep better, too!
4. Cream. Cream. Cream. You can apply more product than normal. Most people are unaware of the dehydration that occurs to skin when taking anti-histamines and allergy medications so common during this time of year. If you ARE taking these, you can double up on the amount of care cream you use. Don’t be shy.
5. Avoid prolonged, hot showers. I know it feels so good, but hot water can increase pruritis (itching) and dry your skin out as well. Try to start your shower with hot water while decreasing the temperature and move up to warm water half way through. You should end up with tepid or neutral water temperature towards the end of your shower experience. This is so much better for your skin. Also, be sure to avoid rubbing your face with your bath towel. Pat drying works best. Leave some moisture on your skin before applying product.
6. Bundle up with clothes. Lower the heat. Heating elements and units cranked up in the cooler nights can rob the environment and your skin of moisture. Use these in moderation. Use more blankets, pull out the PJ’s and enjoy more cuddling to stay warm.
