As you all know, seasons are changing and unfortunately that usually comes with skin changing as well. Whether that be drying out, or breaking out, it happens and that's just a part of life but there are some ways to keep it under control as the weather changes. I'll outline that down below and even point on specific products I've found over the years that work especially well for me. Keep in mind, though, that all skin is different and that means that some products that work for me may not work for you. My biggest note is to alternate, whatever you find that works, don't use it for too long, try different things because your skin will eventually come accustomed to certain products. That doesn't mean they don't work, it just means your skin needs some alterations!
1. Moisturize
There is a reason I put this first, and that's because it is the most important. If you use products that dry out your skin in order to control break outs and eliminate oil, you have to keep in mind that with the changing weather your skin will dry out easily. The best way to compensate is to moisturize your skin. Find a lotion that works for you and stick with it through the winter months, even in the summer moisturizing is important, however with winter months comes dry air, and in turn dry skin. Personally my hands dry out the worst, they crack open in a million places with tiny little cuts that hurt to even put water on. I realized that I have to start early, so October is when I start really applying lotion to my hands every single day, multiple times a day. If you work in an area where it requires washing your hands often such as medical or food service, I would recommend applying lotion after each wash so keep it handy (pun intended).
Moisturizing Product Recommendation:
Neutrogena Deep Moisture Night Cream
2. Dealing with Break Outs
They can happen no matter what condition your skin is in, and even more when your skin is dry. So with that being said, there are ways to control them. For everyone it's different, however I have some product suggestions and you can switch them out, combine, or even vary from morning routines to night routines. Having these routines for skin care is just as important as brushing your teeth and showering. Important: if you wear makeup, take it off at the end of the day. It shouldn't matter how tired you are, or the fact that you don't want to get out of bed. To keep your skin healthy, vibrant, and acne-free it is essential to take your makeup off. It's clogging your pores, and your skin needs time to breath.
Break Out Product Recommendation:
Clearasil Vanishing Acne Treatment Cream - this will take away those pesky spots, in a day or two, sometimes even overnight but you have to be careful with the amount you use it in one spot because it will basically suck all of the moisture out of your skin while it kills off the acne.
Clean & Clear night relaxing all-in-one cleansing wipes - one wipe will take away all of the makeup you applied that day, and for me these honestly have a very calming aroma which actually does help me wind down. It cleanses and removes makeup with sera minerals and sea kelp extract and is completely oil-free. Pesky eye makeup won't budge even with these, try Neutrogena's oil-free makeup remover.
Biore Pore Strips - Pores clogged? Tiny black heads that you can't seem to get rid of? These will do the trick. It's as simple as wetting the area you want to apply the strip to, putting it on, waiting several minutes and you can literally see the pores being unclogged. It's both disgusting and fascinating. If you're worried about or have especially oily skin, you can use an astringent such as Clearasil Ultra Pads - these do a lot with just wiping your skin after it's clean. Not only will it tighten up your skin and make your pores contract and eliminate bacteria entering they will help with pimple size, excess oil, acne marks, and blackheads. If your skin is excessively dry, avoid these astringent products.
AFTER USING THESE PRODUCTS YOU NEED TO MAKE SURE YOU MOISTURIZE.
3. WATER
I know you've heard this. Seriously though, stay hydrated because your skin needs it just as much as the rest of your body does. I find this to be easier if you carry a bottle around with you all day, to and from class, work, and wherever you go. It makes it easily accessible and not only that but you can attempt to compete with yourself and see if you can drink more than you did the day before. I'm competitive so that works for me, but maybe it's just simple for you to just do it, as it should be. After all, water is essential to life.
4. Protection from the Weather
Your skin is really thin in certain areas such as your hands, feet, face, and ears. It's smart when it's cold to really make sure your bundled not only for warmth but to avoid exposing your skin to the harsh cold dry air. Wear gloves, warm socks, boots, and hats, even cover your face with a scarf when it's especially cold. This is coming from someone who once spent a cold wet day in November outside walking around with boots not made for the cold wet weather, and had the beginning signs of frostbite on their toes later that day. Not only is it uncomfortable to be cold, the dry air you expose your skin to is so harmful, be smart outside!
5. Go Easy
So many things can make your overall skin care go better. Take it easy with long hot showers for they will break down your skin allowing it to dry out even more. Take it easy with makeup, don't use a lot that clogs up your pores, if you use liquid foundation which is probably the worst product for your skin, try out Neutrogena's Liquid Foundation for they have acne fighting components built into the foundation. Try to eliminate the amount you touch your face, that will help overall with break outs, and try to make sure you moisturize!
I hope these help you with your skin care when the cold hits, cause it inevitably will sooner than I think we're all ready for. Keep up with your routines, wake up and wash your face, and make sure you do it in the evening when you're in for the night, and even right before you sleep. Don't overuse hot water, and make sure you keep lotion handy! For your hands and your face. Keep in mind there are specific products out there for every kind of skin condition you could have, if you can't find an over the counter method that works for you, consult a professional dermatologist for other options!
