Nothing is worse than angry skin. You know, when your skin is reactive, red, inflamed, itchy, flaky or peeling, dry, and you may even develop acne or rashes on the skin. These are all visible and physical signs that indicate skin damage. The causes of angry or irritated skin can vary. It could be anything from allergies, to fabrics in the clothing you wear, or inflammation brought on by using harsh skincare products, haircare products, or even the makeup you wear. One of the biggest culprits of skin irritation, however, is the extreme nature of the seasons, and there’s also no season that makes your skin go full-on Hulk, like the winter.
Your skin barrier upholds many jobs; it protects, nourishes, and shields your body from harmful elements, bacteria, and other pathogens. But when that defense system is weakened, your skin is more susceptible to damage from weather conditions, chemicals, harsh ingredients, and other pollutants. This is why it’s critical to keep your skin healthy and happy. The results of unhappy skin manifest as redness, itchiness, tightness, discomfort, especially if you have sensitive skin.
The key to keeping your skin calm is finding a skincare routine that soothes and smooths and keeps your skin feeling and looking beautiful. Gentle skincare products and soothing ingredients can provide relief from damage and irritation, so we’re sharing our top tips for giving some TLC to your skin this winter season with the right help.
#1 – Remove Buildup With a Gentle Cleanser
Just as the seasons change so does your skincare arsenal. Starting with your facial cleanser. While you may use foaming cleansers in the hotter months, during the cool season you will want to opt for a gentle formulate cleanser. The dirt, oil, and pollutants that accumulate on your skin throughout the day can cause irritation and other visible complexion concerns, such as premature aging and acne. Foaming cleansers can strip the skin of its moisture and disrupt the skin barrier. Oil, astringent and cream cleansers aren’t as harsh and are just as effective at washing your skin. Using the proper cleanser, you want to be sure to cleanse your skin thoroughly twice a day to protect your complexion from damaging stressors.
We recommend Joatinga Gentle Cleanser, our gentlest cleanser for all skin types, including sensitive skin. This natural formula works to nourish the skin, improve the skin’s texture, and cleanse the complexion while providing lasting hydration. It’s completely free of common irritants, such as soap, and is dermatologist-tested for safety. Use it daily to cleanse, soothe, and comfort your skin.
#2- Moisturize To Lock In Hydration
Skin irritation is often the result of a damaged skin barrier. In addition to cleansing the skin from pollutants and irritants, moisturizing is also important to keep the skin healthy, hydrated, and protected. Emollients found in oils, lotions, and creams are beneficial for calming inflamed and itchy skin since they help the skin retain moisture. When choosing a moisturizer look for those with as few additives and harsh ingredients like soap, or strong fragrances. Instead, opt for mild, yet hydrating moisturizers, such as Copacabana Body and Bath Oil.
This Brazilian formula is made with natural ingredients that lock in up to 10 times more moisture on wet skin than an ordinary lotion can on dry skin to moisturize and visibly reduce redness and irritation. It also contains several powerful emollients, including cherry and grape seed oils, to provide deep, long-lasting hydration. With regular use, this ultra-gentle and lightweight body oil work to repair the moisture barrier of vulnerable skin.
#3 – Incorporate a good exfoliator
No solid winter skincare regime is complete without regular exfoliation. Harsh winter weather can turn the volume all the way up on dryness, redness, puffiness, and inflammation during colder months, which means that your winter skincare routine may benefit from a bit of gentle exfoliation. Since the winter also slows the skin barrier function, dead skin cells are more likely to build up. This is what gives your skin the dry, flaky appearance that we all dread during the season. A gentle exfoliator can help remove dead skin skills, rid your skin of dirt, grime, and other debris and reveal softer, glowing skin.
Opting for targeted formulas such as Grumari Body Exfoliant, Prainha Apricot Body Scrub, and Arpoador Gel Exfoliant can go a long way to supporting dry winter skin. These surface exfoliants not only help your moisturizer absorb better, but also help create a smooth base for makeup, protective skincare, and SPF application, making it the perfect winter skincare addition. You should apply a gentle exfoliant up to two times a week for maximum effectiveness. A gentle exfoliator will also be a good option if you have sensitive skin that can be irritated easily.
* BONUS winter skincare tips to ensure your skin stays healthy and hydrated in the winter:
Humidifiers help, not harm: Cold weather brings dry air – both inside and outside. Especially with the indoor heat cranked up, you will want to invest in a humidifier to make sure there is enough moisture in the air to keep your skin from drying or becoming irritated.
Skip the super-hot baths: As good as a steaming hot shower can feel during the winter months, hot water can irritate and even damage sensitive skin. It’s best to keep your baths and showers at a lukewarm temp and also limited the time you spend in the water to avoid stripping your skin of needed moisture and oils.
Loose, soft fabrics make a difference: We all know layering is essential in the winter, but be mindful of what you put on when you bundle up. Your clothing acts as a barrier between your skin and the elements, but some fabrics can be just as irritable. Make sure your gloves, scarves, and even undergarments are made of comfortable, non-irritating, breathable fabrics.
Refresh and reapply throughout the day: If you feel your skin getting dry, itchy, or flaky at any point throughout the day, apply a small amount of cream, oil, or balm with you. This includes lip balm.
Layer your skincare: Layer your skincare to help lock in moisture to prevent dry skin during the winter season. A good rule of thumb is to layer lightest to heaviest (toner, serum, moisturizer, oil, cream/mask).
As the seasons and weather conditions change, so does your skin and your skin needs. The drop in humidity, prolonged exposure to indoor heat, and freezing outdoor temperatures all combine to make this the season that’s hardest on our skin. This means it’s essential to care for your skin in slightly different ways during the cold months. Reassessing our routines, switching up our solutions, and changing our habits can go a long way to keeping skin soothed and complexions comfortable this frosty season.
Now that you are aware of how to take care of your sensitive skin during winter, go ahead and start implementing these tips in your daily skincare routine. If you have questions about your skin type or your skin’s needs, give us a call to set up a private skincare consult with one of our Wax & Skin Pros! We’ll chat about your skin’s unique concerns and get you personalized recommendations on what you need to keep your skin glowing and looking fabulous all year long!
