Ahead of the cold season, it’s important to make sure your skin is ready to face harsh weather conditions and all the challenges that winter brings. In addition to having a warm coat and gloves, you also need to care for your skin in order to stay beautiful and keep yourself healthy during winter. Here are 5 winter skin treatments you should start before winter arrives.
5 Winter Skin Treatments to Prepare Your Skin for the Cold
Chemical Peels
A chemical peel is a skin treatment that uses acid or enzymes to resurface your skin. Depending on what you want, a dermatologist can recommend an appropriate peel based on your skin type and overall health. You should let your doctor know if you are pregnant, have allergies or sensitivities, or have concerns about anesthesia (if you are getting Botox).
There are also some ingredients that don’t work well with certain procedures, so it’s good to run everything by your dermatologist first. For example, if you’re going in for a laser hair removal session and need numbing cream, make sure they aren’t using something that will interfere with your results. The bottom line: Always do your research before booking any procedure.
Chemical Exfoliants
A chemical exfoliant, like Glycolic Acid, is one of those skin treatments you should make before winter. In fact, skin specialists recommend doing it twice a month. Chemical exfoliants (also known as glycolic acid peels) work by taking off layers of skin and helping cell turnover, which essentially means you’ll get smoother, healthier-looking skin in no time. If done correctly, they can even help reduce acne scarring—another major plus before you roll out your cold-weather makeup kit.
And unlike other types of exfoliation, these treatments don’t require an appointment at a dermatologist’s office or spa; you can buy them over-the-counter at drugstores. But be sure to do your research: Different formulas are formulated with different strengths, so some might be too strong for sensitive skin. And if you have darker skin tones, be careful when buying products that contain hydroquinone because they could potentially cause dark spots and discoloration. Be sure to consult with a professional if you have any questions about what will work best for your specific needs.
Good Ol’ Face Masks
You might think that only Millennials do face masks, but it turns out there are plenty of ways these skin treatments can benefit everyone. The mask craze isn’t about covering your face with a thick layer of goo, but instead using targeted ingredients such as cucumber and strawberries to get rid of specific skin problems (i.e., acne and sunburn). Regardless of your age or skin type, all you need is 10 minutes—although some treatments may require multiple applications.
Find a dermatologist or skin specialist near you who can help you decide what kind of mask will work best for your needs. Most dermatologists offer free consultations that’ll give you an idea if their services are right for you—and could even help with your dry winter skin before it’s too late!
Eye Creams
The under-eye area is very delicate and prone to wrinkles and sagging. To avoid these problems, you’ll want to put on a good eye cream that contains retinol, glycolic acid, or peptides (depending on your skin type). Using an eye cream will also boost hydration levels under your eyes; as dehydration may leave skin vulnerable to wrinkles in addition to puffiness.
Eye creams are designed specifically for sensitive skin around your eyes and shouldn’t cause redness or irritation. If you have dry or sensitive skin, find an eye cream that is labelled non-comedogenic which means it won’t clog pores around your eyes.
Acne Treatments & Pore Minimizers
Aside from putting on a healthy amount of moisturizer and sunscreen, don’t forget about your pores. Go see a skin specialist and talk about products that can help minimize breakouts and get rid of acne. Products like salicylic acid are effective at treating acne because they penetrate deep into your pores, which is where all that pesky oil lives.
Plus, visit your dermatologist or aesthetician at least once every 3 months; it’s important to keep up with preventative treatments like exfoliating so you don’t develop anything worse than acne. Ask them what they recommend and what kind of results you can expect after using a product consistently—there are tons of great options available on both drugstore shelves and premium skincare shops!
Takeaway
Sometimes it’s better to be proactive than reactive. The cold, harsh winter can take a major toll on your skin, especially if you haven’t been looking after it properly. Of course, you shouldn’t go overboard and treat your skin like a pet rock, but spending a little extra time on your beauty routine could save you quite a bit of heartache come January.
