Hi Everyone,
The skin care routine also requires a change like the seasonal changes.With the onset of winters,one common skin problem which arises is dry skin.Especially if you are on acne treatments or if you have oily-acne prone skin,finding a solution to this problem is not easy.I have been getting repeated queries regarding this so I decided to do a post about skin care routine for oily-acne prone skin during winters.Here are some of my personal tips which helps me during winters:
1)Do not wash your face with hot water
It is a known fact that hot water strips moisture of your skin leading to dehydration of skin and dryness adding to the cold weather woes.So I suggest using cold water and luke warm water to wash your face.Hot water on dry skin also causes mild stinging or burning sensation.
It is also advisable not to wash your face frequently,not more than 2 times in a day.If you feel the need to wash your face,you can try facial/cleansing wipes or splash some cold water and pat dry.You could also facial mists or get a spray bottle (which are easily available online for Rs.80)and fill it up with water/rose water.
2)Use soft cotton towel to wipe your face
Always use soft cotton towel to wipe your face.Do not rub your face with the towel but pat gently to absorb the excess water.Rough towels cause some abrasion on the skin leading to more dryness.
3)Say no to scrubs/scrubbing!
4)Use a Mild/Gentle Cleansers
Do not use harsh cleansers for the winters.Use neutral or mild cleansers like Kaya Soothing Cleansing gel which cleanses the skin without drying out the skin.
5)Use a Good Moisturiser
This goes without saying use a good non-comedogenic moisturiser.A moisturiser plays a crucial role in treating dry skin.It soothes and moisturises dry skin.Based on your skin needs and weather ,opt for light weight-heavy duty moisturisers.You can check out: Best Moisturisers for oily-acne prone skin.
6)Adjust the frequency of acne treatments
If you have oily-acne prone skin,you are sure to follow a proper skin care regimen which includes acne treatments/creams.I follow Epiduo Acne regimen, which contains a retinoid Epiduo which causes dryness.So best thing do is decrease the frequency of application or usage of such products to minimise the dryness.Example:If you apply acne cream everyday,make it 2-3 nights in a week depending on how your skin can handle.
If you are facing severe dryness/peeling/flakiness due to acne treatments then discontinue all acne treatments for 4-5 days and switch over to Cetaphil Cleansing Lotion and a good moisturiser.There is no point in applying acne treatments if your skin is very dry.Once the skin is normal,restart the acne treatments with reduced frequency/application.
7)Don't forget use the sunscreen
I can't stress the importance of sunscreen enough.Most of the them think sunscreen is not essential in your skin care routine especially during winters/cloudy/rainy days.Read: Is Sunscreen really necessary? Always use a sunscreen generously whether you are indoors or outdoors.I like use moisturising sunscreens for winters like Sunprotek Sunscreen Gel and Kaya Daily Use Moisturising Sunscreen SPF 15.You can check out : Best Sunscreens for Oily-acne prone skin.
8)Eye-care and Lip care
As said before acne treatments cause dryness/peeling/flakiness which is no exception to eye area and lips specially more during winters.So make it a point to use a eye cream to moisturise the delicate area and a lip balm for your lips.You can check out : Best Eye creams and Winter care for Lips.
9)Drink water & Eat right
As winter dehydrates the skin,you need to drink plenty of water which also prevents dry skin.
Winter calls for warm and spicy food.Avoid oily and fatty foods as it can lead to breakouts.One also needs to exercise regularly.
11)Guys go easy on Shaving and After-Shaves
Shaving is not advisable on dry skin as it could cause some abrasions.Ditch your alcohol based toners,after-shaves and opt for Aloe vera gels or Calamine lotion.More tips on shaving here.You can try alternating with electric trimmers instead of razors.
12)Girls avoid heavy make up
One needs to modify their make up routine as well during winters.With Summers its more of oil-free,matte matte up make up.Always moisturise at nights and before applying make up as well.Moisturiser will act as a good make up base,makes skin soft and make up adheres well on the skin.Opt for non-comedogenic and light weight and hydrating foundations and blushes.Avoid heavy pore-clogging make up.
And yes never forget to remove your make up before you sleep with a good make up remover like Bioderma Sensibio H2O otherwise it will clog pores and lead to breakouts.
Hope you guys find these tips helpful and maintain a clear skin these winters without facing any breakouts or dryness.You can also check out: Skin,Hair and Health care tips for monsoons.
