How to Change Your Skincare Routine from Summer to Winter

Salicylic acid-infused foaming cleansers are ideal for clearing pores in the spring and preventing oil buildup in the summer. Unfortunately, many of these products also include sulfates like sodium lauryl sulfate, which are abrasive lathering agents that may strip skin of its protecting natural oils and make the problem much worse during the dry winter months. Swedish beauty company Eleni &Chris co-founder Christinah Nicolaisen recommends switching to a mild but rich cleanser to keep skin nourished and maintain a healthy barrier during the winter months.

Protective skincare partners are a need in the colder months. And the most potent of them is a protective serum. These liquid elixirs provide high doses of active substances that help reduce inflammation and fill in dry lines. To prevent water loss and calm red, irritated skin, Bonné recommends a rich serum with hyaluronic acid and soothing compounds like niacinamide. Layer your products from thinnest to thickest for optimal absorption, with serum placed underneath your moisturizer. Nicolaisen elaborates, “each of your products includes a particular concentration of chemicals meant to have a specific impact on the skin.” “By layering, you may treat many skin issues at once.” Even on overcast days, UVA rays are prevalent, thus she recommends applying SPF. Sun protection factor (SPF) is essential all year long since ice and snow both reflect UV rays and may cause sunburn.

Humidity in the summer causes skin to retain more water, thus a less heavy lotion may have been sufficient to relieve dry areas. However, a more aggressive three-pronged moisturizing lotion attack is required during the winter months. In order for enzymes to stimulate natural exfoliation and prevent chapping, skin has to have at least 10% water. Humectants (such as hyaluronic acid and glycerin) are necessary to increase water content because they attract atmospheric moisture into the skin’s dermis and papillary layers. You should also look for oils like sweet almond, cloudberry, and jojoba seed oil in your moisturizer rather than water. Shea butter and other emollient substances are used to prevent moisture loss because they include fatty acids that are structurally similar to those found in the skin’s natural barrier.

Experts in the field of dermatology have long cautioned that extended use of hot water might dry up the skin. Therefore, take short, warm showers. Furthermore, you only have a three-minute window to apply body lotion after showering for maximum efficacy. If you don’t seal in the moisture soon, your skin will start to dry up. “In general,” says Nicolaisen, “moisturizer is more effective when applied to wet skin since it absorbs more rapidly.” Because of the dry air in the winter, it’s beneficial to apply moisturizers in a steamy bathroom with the door closed.