when it gets cold outside, we must hydrate : here’s what you need
Well, it finally happened. The snow is here, and so is our dry & dull skin. It is proven that there is less moisture in the skin during winter than in the summer and fewer lipids in the skin barrier. This moisture loss contributes to our dryness and irritation. But don’t worry, Frida Babe - you aren’t alone!
First, we need to cut back on harsher products that can potentially dry our skin.
I generally switch from the exfoliating cleanser by ZO to the hydrating cleanser by ZO. This allows me to fully clean my skin and remove any dirt, pollution or products but leaves my skin a little less irritated and dry. We don’t want to strip the skin of oils that are necessary for proper barrier function. Another tip - lukewarm water instead of hot water is best for cleansing to prevent further drying.
Don’t forget to exfoliate 1 - 2 times per week!
When our skin is dry and flaking, we have a layer of dead skin that makes us feel dull and lacklustre. Once we help our skin rid itself of this, we help it to more deeply and easily absorb our hydrating products. The only physical exfoliator I trust is the Exfoliating Polish by ZO. Seriously, it is the best thing ever. Remember - Don’t press too hard with your physical exfoliants; we are trying to help our skin do its job, not cause further damage.
If your skin is going through it in the cold, you may need to add a hydrator.
A hydrator (like the ever-popular hyaluronic acid) helps to bring water to the skin using humectants. These humectants help collect moisture in the environment and bind it to the skin, allowing it to absorb the water. My absolute favourite hydrators are the DMK Beta gel and SkinCeuticals B5 Gel.
Next up is to consider switching out your lightweight moisturizer for a deeper moisturizer.
In the summertime, I stick to a lightweight gel or hydrating serum, but in the wintertime here in Calgary, that just doesn’t cut it for my skin. The SkinCeuticals Triple Lipid Restore is my holy grail in the winter. It restores the essential skin lipids: natural cholesterol, ceramides, and fatty acids, and leaves your skin feeling nourished and hydrated even in the harshest weather.
Most importantly (as always!), don’t forget your SPF! Just because the weather has changed doesn’t mean you can skip this step. UV damage happens all year round and loves to sneak up on us on those cold days.
