The way your skin feels and appears largely depends on you and your skincare routine, however, certain factors can be beyond our control, seasonal changes being one of the main factors. When it comes to dealing with sensitive skin, we all know the drill- harsh products and ingredients like fragrance and alcohol are a big no, and mild, gentle skincare products are the right way to tackle sensitive skin. While the best way to deal with sensitive skin is to invest in products that are free of irritants, like we mentioned before, seasonal changes, winter in particular, can prove to be a bit harsh for sensitive skin.
Winter results in loss of moisture in the skin, which in turn, aggravates the issues associated with sensitive skin such as redness, inflammation, and tightness. Sensitive skin needs much more care and attention in winters than it needs in summers. If you are tired of tackling sensitive skin flare-ups in winter, then the following skincare tips might come in handy to you.
Include a hydrating cleanser in your routine
The first thing you need to do as soon as the winter arrives is to change your cleanser. Using the same cleanser you used in summer won’t help you with winter dryness or in controlling flare-ups. Therefore, you need to switch to a hydrating cleanser as it does not strip your skin of its natural oils further. You should avoid using deep cleansing or drying face washes in winter, and if you wear makeup daily or occasionally, then you should also consider including cleansing or micellar water in your skincare routine in order to remove dirt, makeup, and other impurities from your skin.
Invest in a humidifier
Winters can prove to be pretty harsh for sensitive skin; your skin constantly gets exposed to harmful agents, especially if you are someone who needs to go out every day. Additionally, your sensitive skin isn’t safe at home either; the heating devices can cause your skin to feel irritated and flaky as well. The best thing you can do to avoid this issue while you are at home is to invest in a humidifier, keeping a humidifier inside your home will ensure your skin doesn’t lose any moisture till the time you are at home.
Exfoliate and tone your skin
While it’s not really suggested to exfoliate sensitive skin, we can make an exception for winter. Exfoliation is an essential skincare step, and when it comes to sensitive skin, you should definitely indulge in regular exfoliating sessions during winter in order to get rid of dead skin build-up from the skin and allow better penetration of other skincare products. You can use a fine-grained physical exfoliant or a washcloth to exfoliate your skin once or twice a week, chemical exfoliants and exfoliating brushes can prove to be harsh for the sensitive skin. Additionally, you should include a soothing toner in your routine to calm your skin.
Be strategic while using hydrating skin treatments
Dealing with sensitive skin is not easy, individuals with such skin type always have to remain cautious about the ingredients that are used in skincare products, and products with potent ingredients are a big no for them as they can easily result in flare-ups. The trick is to use hydrating skin treatments strategically, and the best example of it is a lightweight hyaluronic acid serum that helps in retaining moisture in the skin for an extended duration. You can also consider using certain facial oils, however, make sure to do a patch test before including it in your routine.
Double down on moisturizing
Slathering any heavy cream on the face whenever it feels dry isn’t the right way to deal with sensitive skin. One of the best ways to deal with sensitive skin in winter is to double down on moisturizing, but you need to use a moisturizer that is suitable for sensitive skin. Instead of using face lotions, use emollient creams to provide intense hydration to the skin, and keep dryness induced flare-ups at bay.
