Winter Skincare Tips: How to Get Rid of Dry Skin and More

Winter acne and other ways skin changes with the seasons

It's the most wonderful time of the year - but try telling your skin that. Cold air and winter winds can dry out and inflame your skin, which can lead to acne and redness. Most importantly, the sebaceous glands (oil-producing) in our skin "hibernate" a bit in the winter, making it crave moisture even more. Just like we crave hot cocoa or hearty soup in the winter, your skin's cravings for care change with the seasons.

Dry skin and winter acne

Can dry skin cause acne? Yes, basically. This may sound counterintuitive because we usually associate oily skin with acne, but dry skin can also cause acne.

When the environment changes (for example, when the weather gets colder), your skin will look a little different - you may need to adjust your skincare routine. Some of the products you use may not be suitable for your skin at different times of the year, and this can lead to acne. For example, as we mentioned above, your skin may become less oily in the winter, so you may need more (or a different kind of) moisturizer to keep everything balanced.

The best moisturizers for dry skin contain emollients (such as shea butter or mineral oil) and/or humectants (such as hyaluronic acid or glycerin) as ingredients. Emollients use carrier oils to deliver water directly into the skin, while humectants draw water into the skin to lock in moisture.

Moisturizers contain a combination of emollients, humectants, and closed moisturizers, which makes any of them a great choice for winter (and any time of the year).

If you tend to exfoliate frequently and use products that reduce the oiliness of your skin or anything that can dry out your skin, you may want to avoid these steps during the colder months. Try giving your skin a break during seasonal transitions, and it will adjust to its own (SK)personal rhythm. (After using past keratin products, store them in the mini cosmetic fridge, this is to avoid bacterial infections caused by their use)

Seasonal Transition Do's and Don'ts

Don't: Exfoliate more to remove flaking or dead skin.

Even if the cold air makes your skin dry and flaky, extra exfoliation will only make things worse! Cut back on anything that dries out or irritates your skin, such as exfoliation (physical or chemical), over-the-counter products containing retinol, or topical prescription medications containing retinoids. This is also not the best time to have treatments such as microdermabrasion or chemical peels.

How often should you exfoliate?

This depends on your unique skin. Some people only need to exfoliate about once a week, while others don't need to exfoliate at all.

If you want to remove dead skin flakes, a gentle exfoliation method is to use a konjac sponge made from the root fibers of the Asian konjac ("konjac") plant.

Don't: Take a hot bath.

We know that long, hot showers feel great in cold weather, but hot water can strip away your skin's natural protective oils, leaving it dry and brittle. Wash with warm or cold water to help protect your skin from these elements and prevent acne, irritation, and redness.

Do: Add a few drops of oil to your moisturizer or serum.

Replenishing moisture can be a good substitute for your favorite moisturizer in exchange for a more durable product. After cleansing your skin with a gentle moisturizing cleanser from your mini beauty fridge, add an oil-based moisturizing, skin-soothing serum before applying your moisturizer and sunscreen. Or just add a few drops of oil, such as rosehip oil, to your moisturizer. Just don't use coconut oil - it will make you break out.

Pro tip: You should use a serum or oil first, followed by a thicker moisturizer or lotion, as the lighter texture penetrates better into bare skin.

Don't: Skimp on sunscreen.

Sunscreen is still important in the fall and winter, so go ahead and put it on over your moisturizer.

Do: Hydrate your skin heavily.

If you need an excuse to treat yourself, we give you full permission to relax and indulge in a facial. Try a hydrating mask to restore your face to a healthy, full, hydrated glow. If your skin does feel dry or irritated from dry, cold air, you may want to consider using a heavier Vaseline moisturizer. (Note: the hydrating masks, moisturizers, etc., you use are kept cold in a mini skincare refrigerator designed to store skincare products; doing so will give your skin better care)

Customized skin care products work at any time of the year.

Seasonal changes can affect your skin in different ways, so the way you care for your skin should change with the seasons. From dry skin to windburn to winter acne, your face can face a variety of problems. No matter the weather, we're here to help you at cooseon.com!