As we get into the winter months, our skincare regimen will change. Winter is not the same in every region and so that will factor into the game plan. What estheticians are looking for is how a clients’ skin behaves throughout their day. What do they notice once the cooler weather arrives? The concerns are more for a dry and mature skin that feels tight and itchy. But, what if you are not a dry skin type? Let’s break it down…

Dry Skin Winter Recommendations

Dry skin tends to suffer the most during the colder months. In the morning, a dry skin type may feel normal. As the day progresses, they may begin to feel very dry, flaky, tight, itchy, and burning. In some cases, severe dry skin will crack and could even bleed. Boosting hydration will be the key. First we would want to use a creamy, milky cleanser. This will leave a lotion like feel to the skin and allow for hydration to begin. Adding in products that exfoliate, like an enzyme, will remove the dry skin buildup. This forces the skin to remember how to deliver natural hydration. Afterward, products like hyaluronic acid give the skin a “drink of water”. Hyaluronic acid is what occurs in our cells, throughout our entire body. This water loving binder will deplete with age and are very lost in those with dry skin. When we infuse this as serum or within a moisturizer, it holds 1,000 times its weight in water. This draws moisture into the skin from the air around us as well as the hydration within our body. This is part of why drinking water is critical.

Another area of focus would be moisturizers. With dry skin, we need to deliver heavier moisturizers into the skin. A moisturizer containing ceramides and peptides will work wonders for dry skin. Ceramides are waxy lipids (oil) that also have water-holding capability. And peptides are chains of amino acids that produce many types of changes in the skin. Dry skin needs to be treated with care and intention since there is already a deficit in oil production. We have to be mindful that what we are using is giving back to the skin and not depleting.

Oily and Combination Skin Winter Recommendations

Oily and combination skin in the winter will stay on the same consistent routine. Their sebum output doesn’t change much because of the cold, in fact, the cold will help them to appear and feel less oily. They may wake up in the morning feeling normal, even a little dehydrated. The goal here would be to decrease oil output without drying the skin. This could cause further issues of breakouts, as the skin tries to adjust. Changing their regimen would not be necessary, unless they are complaining of dry patches.

If that’s the case, we can increase their hydration at night with a moisturizer that is not oil free, again adding in ceramides and peptides. We also love the use of niacinamide for those with oily or combination skin. This ingredient supports the skin with antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and hydrating properties! Gel based cleanser with salicylic acid would be a great option to control oil output and ward off breakouts. Exfoliation is still a must to rid the skin of dry, dead cell buildup. Oily skin can tolerate more aggressive treatments, like granular scrubs, enzymes, and at home peels. We do need to keep in mind that if there is inflammation and breakouts, we should avoid the use of scrubs. Exfoliating masks would be a great option for this situation.

Acne-prone Skin Winter Recommendations

Acne-prone skin will need to create a balance. They may find that they have fewer breakouts in the winter. Since the oil production is not as prevalent during the colder months. This could also leave them feeling a bit dry or dehydrated. Using a gel based cleanser with salicylic, lactic, and glycolic acids will keep the skin balanced and exfoliated. Twice a week we add another form of exfoliation. In a mask, will be helpful especially for breakouts. Something that has clay, papaya, or pineapple would be wonderful to help absorb excess oil as well. Niacinamide, peptides, and hyaluronic acid will also be great options to incorporate into a regimen. Acne prone skin needs hydration to balance out any of the drying effect that may occur from the cleanser and exfoliator. Spot treatments are in case of breakouts and an oil free moisturizer will still be ideal.

Universal Skin Winter Recommendations

A few universal skincare recommendations for winter would be starting off with a gentle cleanser. So as not to strip the natural oils from the skin. Adding in a toner to help infuse hydration and balance the pH of the skin. Applying your skincare to dampened skin may also help to keep the skin feeling refreshed. Using a creams or serums of vitamin C and E combined during the day. Both have antioxidant properties to help fight off the environmental scavengers we face each day. Adding in a facial oil to blend or layer with an evening moisturizer. Vitamin A should be a staple in any skincare routine for proper exfoliation and skin balancing. There are many options and derivative's to suit the different skin types. Another must have is sunscreen! It is a misconception that sunscreen is not needed in the winter months. Sunscreen is a must regardless of the time of year and an SPF of 30 is the least during the winter months. The sun is always out, even if it’s a cloudy day. And the aging rays pass through glass and clouds.

Remember, with the proper guidance form a professional, you don’t have to guess what you need for your skin situation. Your routine does not have to be complicated or overwhelming. In fact, studies suggest that simple is better.

Let us help you curate the best routine for your skin type this winter. Reach out to your Pomp Beauty professional, take the online survey and your Esthetician, will design a regimen that fits your needs.