Weather changes from summer heat to harsh winds, cold temperatures and invariable temperature fluctuations in the fall/winter can do a number on your skin. Temperature changes can make your skin dry, itchy and irritated and if left unattended can compromise your skin’s acid mantle.
To maintain a healthy glow to your skin all year round, a mild tweaking of your skin care regimen is necessary to protect the integrity of the acid mantle. To help with your dry skin problems, you can kick start your routine for the fall season on a high gear with these tips:
Evaluate your cleanser. If you are experiencing dry, itchy skin, make sure you are using a cream cleanser and steer clear from a gel cleanser. Dry skin is a result of the skin’s inability to retain moisture. In addition, natural insufficiencies of vitamins A and B contribute to dry skin condition and if not addressed can lead to chronic dry skin condition.
To arrest this skin condition, it is best to use a jojoba oil-based cleanser. Contrary to what most think, jojoba oil does not clog pores and in fact, decongests skin and unclogs pores to help bring out the debris to the surface of the skin. Consistent use of this cleanser type will restore skin moisture.
Exfoliate the gentle way. Exfoliation is an important skin care step to do during all seasons. However, not all exfoliants are created equal. Be very cautious with the use of granular scrubs as this can create micro tears on the skin’s acid mantle which will lead to irritation and other skin problems.
Remember, protect the integrity of your skin’s acid mantle! We like using a kaolin-based clay mask which when applied thickly draws debris to the surface, so it can be washed away when you apply your cleanser. It also leaves the skin soft and radiant.
Moisturize with a vitamin A-based moisturizer enriched with antioxidants. Not all vitamin A products are similar and too much too soon can create skin irritation and a retinoid reaction.
We recommend a gradual use of vitamin A products so it can be easily tolerated by the skin. We also prefer Vitamin A in the form of Retinyl Palmitate versus Retinyl Acetate for the beginner user.
Sunscreen is not just for summer. It is important to protect the skin from harmful UV rays of the sun all year round. Do not leave home without it.
These little tweaks to your skincare regimen will keep your skin soft, supple, and glowing all year round!