It’s Christmas time and everyone wants to look good. Winter months call for special care to your skin so that it can glow bright like the Christmas tree. Before you get into the process of buying gifts, fixing the chimney, and furnace repair, you must whip up the perfect skincare routine to stay and feel fresh these winters.
On social media, skincare is portrayed as too expensive or too complex to follow. Then there are people who love to lather their face with coconut oil – which blocks their pores – in the name of DIY. You must steer clear of both these parties.
Your skincare routine should personal and be curated out of your needs and not peer pressure. It must be easy to follow and you shouldn’t have to carry 10 products with you every time you travel.
So, here’s a guide for you to build one that you can upgrade with age, team, and seasons:
Understanding your skin
The worst approach that one can go with is going on the internet to see what works without knowing your skin. Your body practically tells you what it requires with different signs that you ignore. Therefore, you must listen to your skin.
Understanding your skin should also take into account the levels of air pollution in your region, the weather and climatic conditions, as well your daily diet. All this has an effect on how your skin looks and feels. Many individuals are under the assumption that they should start using anti aging products at an advanced stage of their lives. That is not true. If the forces of nature take their toll on your skin, you need to make sure that you start using anti aging products as soon as possible. The point is that there is no harm or side-effects of doing so.
There are three types of skin:
- Dry: Dry skin feels irritated and itchy. This can be caused when your sweat and oil glands stop producing as much moisture. Another cause might be eczema, which leads to red and itchy paths on the skin. Normal dryness is natural but you should consult a dermatologist if you see symptoms of a disease.
- Oily: Everyone’s familiar with oily skin and most people have this during their teenage. Oil gathers around your nose, on your forehead, and upper lips. People with oily skin have a higher chance to develop acne.
- Combination: As the name suggests, combination skin is including both oily and dry characteristics. One may have oil gathering up on some parts of the face while others may be dry. The severity depends on the skin and climate they live in.
Once you’ve figured out your skin type, it becomes easier to develop a routine that works for you. The main advantage is that you know what products to avoid as people often use products that might be unsuited for their skin type.
Developing a Skincare Routine for yourself
The basics are simple. The fundamentals of skincare are based on a three-step holy ritual – cleansing, toning, and moisturizing. These three steps are perfect for teenagers and anybody who’s beginning their skincare journey.
Cleansing: The first process is pretty basic. You can’t apply products on dirty skin so clean it beforehand. Choose a cleanser that’s best for you.
During winter, it’s best to choose a cleanser with hyaluronic acid as it’s perfect for moisturizing. Most cleaners can be harsh for this skin type as they aim to remove oil and dirt. But the scarcity of oils makes matters worse. To stay hydrated, drink lots of water, and no product can become a substitute for that.
Toning: Toning is useful to balance the pH of the skin. With this, you might need a few tries to find the perfect one for you. The one by Pixie is a favorite product that suits all skin types. It tackles the winter dryness and preps your skin for more layers.
Moisturizing: You might think only people with dry skin need moisturizer, but that’s not the case. It is the key step to repair and rejuvenate your skin. Applying a good moisturizer on a clean face before going to bed helps your skin heal while sleeping.
The most effective products in the market include:
- Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel Cream
- Clinique Moisture Surge
- Nivea Soft Moisturizing Cream
- Kiehls Ultra Soft Facial Cream
- Avene Hydrance rich hydrating cream
Moisturizers contain information about their usage. You’ll know whether it’s made for oily, dry, or combination skin.
Serum: Serum is the step that creates the magic. These are specially curated formulas for specific skin concerns that penetrate well and fix the problem. If you’re looking for a basic serum, go for Vitamin C serum as it tackles multiple skin problems without causing any harm. You can buy hydrating sheet masks as they offer a boost of moisture to your skin.
Winters calls for extra care as you deal with harsh weather. Following a set skincare routine every daywill keep your skin in tip-top shape. It’s embarrassing when dry patches show up on your face, but you need not worry about those now. We forget to drink enough water in winters, and no product can compensate for that. On top of the routine, take a full night’s sleep and cut down on stressful elements in your life. After that, you’ll have a jolly winter with uplifted spirits.