The Winter Cleansing Routine You Should Switch To

The chill in the air brings the winter season and takes an awful toll on the skin. Even the most flawless of skins starts to feel like sandpaper and turns dull and dry. The harsh weather requires a change of your skincare routine and cleansing regime, and the same products that have suited you throughout the summer won't work for you in the winter season.

Winter brings pesky skin problems with it such as the skin starts to lose its softness and becomes dry, often with cracks and flakes. When the weather turns cooler, it is strongly advised to change your skincare and cleansing routine, and include products that will heal, nourish and protect your skin all winter long. Here's what you need to do to cleanse your skin in the cold winter months:

Cleansing with a Hydrating Product

You can not skip cleansing your skin no matter what. You may not be sweating and there may not be visible dirt on your skin, but cleansing is an essential part of skincare that can not be left out. For winter, switch to a hydrating cleanser, preferably a cream cleanser that will not strip the skin of its natural oils. The skin needs to be squeaky clean without compromising on its protective barrier and for that, non-soap based hydrating formulas work best.

Rejuvenating Sheet Masks

Sheet masks soak into the skin and contain high concentrations of nourishing properties, fatty acids and vitamins that help the skin glow. Putting one on right after you cleanse your face will give an added boost of rejuvenating ingredients that will keep your skin soft and supple all day long. Sheet masks also serve as a good hydrating agent for the skin, and using good quality moisturizing sheet masks regularly will keep your skin healthy during the cold winter months.

Moisturizers

It is a no-brainer that your skin needs an extra dose of moisturizer during the winter months. We are suggesting to switch to moisturizing cleansers and sheet masks for your winter cleansing routine, but that does not mean you can skip out on an actual moisturizer. When the humidity drops, your skin needs to be moisturized frequently to save it from getting dull and dry. Moisturizers which are ceramide-based are the best as they contain fatty acids essential for the skin. They lock in moisture and prevent the skin from getting dry and dull.

Serums

As moisturizers lock in moisture for the skin, serums are known to brighten the skin and one that contains antioxidants even helps against inflammation. Serums also increase collagen and elastin in our skin which increase elasticity and firmness in the skin, keeping it supple and plump. Vitamin C based serums are quite popular as they block abnormal pigmentation and make the skin radiant, and are also suitable for those who have sensitive skin as well.

Add-ons: Lip Balms & Sunscreen

Add-ons for your winter cleansing routine must include a good quality sunscreen and a pocket size nourishing and hydrating lip balm that you can carry with you at all times. It is a myth that there is less sun in winter, and your skin will be exposed to the sun as much as in summer months. Sun protection is not just for sunny days and you must apply sunscreen as you do so in the warm weather. Lips tend to get cracked and dry within minutes of being exposed to the harsh winter air, and for that a hydrating lip balm must be kept with you always.