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Fall is here, and soon winter comes after. With the cold seasons approaching, this dry weather can take a toll on our skin. The seasonal change leaves our skin feeling dry, flaky, and irritated, but your skin doesn’t have to suffer forever. Use these tips to boost your skincare routine and keep your skin moisturized all season long! 

Know Your Skin Type

Like a snowflake, no two people’s skin is exactly alike. Your skin type is dependent of various factors like genetics, environment, and weather. It’s important to understand what yours is, as this can affect your skincare routine and products. Some of the different types of skin are:

  • Dry: Dry skin can be a result of external factors like sun exposure or low air humidity, but can also be genetic.
  • Oily: Oily skin is an overproduction of our natural oils and mostly affects the T-zone (forehead, nose, chin). It is usually caused by genetic or hormonal issues. 
  • Combination: This is both oily and dry skin. Different parts of the face can be affected differently.

Having an understanding of your own skin type allows you to to find a skincare routine and great products that adequately protect your skin.

Keep the Showers Cool

woman showering

Hot showers and baths feel amazing when it’s cold outside. But the overheated water can irritate your skin, often leaving it dry or inflamed. Eczema flare ups can also be a result of hot showers. Because of this, we recommend keeping your showers to a lukewarm temperature. If you must have a hot shower (we get it) then keep it short, and use a thick lotion or cream to lock that moisture in after you hop out. 

Invest in a Good Moisturizer

The air in the fall and winter tends to be much drier than summer air.  Because of this, our usual moisturizer may not be as effective as it is in the summer. Thicker, creamier moisturizer is a great option when the seasons start to change. 

Most effective face moisturizers for dry skin will be heavier and contain a combination of emollients, which are sealing agents to keep moisture in. Water-based moisturizers are also a great option. These types of moisturizers can be slightly more expensive than many drug-store brands, but it’s worth it! They can last longer, and treat your skin better! 

moisturizer on woman's face

Try a Moisturizing Cleanser

Cleansers are meant to strip the dirt and oil that comes from daily wear and tear. This is important to clear pores and keep our skin fresh. However, your cleanser that works to remove the sweat and oil from your pores in the summer might actually harm your skin in the winter. 

The natural oils in your skin are there to help you stay moisturized. So, in the dry, cold weather, these oils are even more important. Try changing your summer cleanser to something more moisturizing. 

Exfoliate

Exfoliating regimens can vary from person to person based on their various skin types. People with sensitive skin usually will exfoliate less than someone without. However, exfoliation is still important to keep your skin healthy, especially in the winter. Exfoliation removes the top layer of dead skin, which is common in the cooler months. Doing so can help your skin feel fresh and healthy!

Sun exposure is a big reason why exfoliation isn’t as needed or recommended in the summer. So, due to less sun exposure in the fall and winter, you are safe to exfoliate more frequently, and your skin will appreciate it. Just remember to keep it to less than 4 times a week; exfoliation can still damage your skin if it’s done too often!

Stay Hydrated

woman drinking water

Working from the inside out is a great way to keep your skin moisturized. Water doesn’t just keep you hydrated, it can also help your skin! Water can help clear acne, as well as keep your skin healthy. Try drinking 6 glasses of water a day to see if it makes a difference in your skin. 

Think of it like a grape! The more liquid in a grape, the juicier it is. Once that grape is dried, however, you get a raisin. The same goes for our skin! The less water in our bodies, the more dried out we tend to be. That being said, it is important to note that everyone’s skin is different, and sometimes our skin can still be dry no matter how hydrated we are. 

Ask Your Dermatologist

Even if you know your skin type, you may still need to talk to a dermatologist. Some skin problems can only be treated with prescription medications or products. A dermatologist can also give you a better understanding of how to effectively take care of it through various routines and techniques.

Contact Elite Academy of Cosmetology

If you’re looking to help out your skin a little more, or just to pamper yourself, schedule an appointment at our *Student Salon! We offer many skincare treatments to help you look and feel your best, even in the winter! 

Interested in helping others feel good in their own skin? Consider an education in Esthetics at Elite Academy of Cosmetology! The esthetics program at Elite Academy of Cosmetology can provide you with the hands-on training, spa experience, and support you need to be successful in the skincare industry. Contact us today!

*All services performed under the direct supervision of licensed instructors.