Did you think that dry skin is just that, dry skin? Well, you thought wrong. Everyone’s complexion varies, so when it gets hit by cold air, your best defense (or best repair regimen) will largely depend on your skin type, skin tone, and lifestyle habits. From flakes to freckles, this article looked at some of the most common characteristics of winter skin and the best
ways to deal with them according to skin experts. So here’s how you can manage to keep your skin looking smooth and supple all winter long.
1. If you have fair skin.
People who have naturally fair skin lacks pigment and are less protected against the sun’s UV rays which can be very harmful in the long run. And while fair-skinned people are okay with wearing sunscreen during the summer months, a lot of them forego the same when winter hits. Note that your face can still get exposed to the elements during the winter months and the sun can still do some extensive damage. Everybody can benefit from a year-round use of moisturizers and sunscreen as it prevents premature aging and helps keep the skin looking smooth and dewy.
2. If you have freckled skin.
It’s the same story with people who have freckled skin—which is basically the body’s attempt at protecting and shielding itself from previous UV damage. You don’t get any benefits from having freckles, and chances are you’re going to have more if you continue to expose yourself to the sun without any protection.
3. If you have dark or olive-toned skin.
The darker your skin is, the more natural protection you get from the sun’s rays, however, don’t think even for a second that you can walk away scot-free if you skip on your sunscreens. More skin pigment also places you at higher risk for long-term scarring due to skin irritations such as pimples and dry skin patches. Often termed as post-inflammatory hyper pigmentation—it’s one of the main reasons why people opt to stay indoors during the winter months; not because they worry about the dryness, but because they tend to be more concerned with their actual appearance. OTC bleaching creams are available in the market for treating dark spots and
help them fade, but like what they always say, “prevention is always better than the cure”. Moisturizing the skin on an everyday basis can aid in lessening the probability of having skin irritations and can also help it maintain its fresh glow.
4. If you have dry skin.
When you have this skin type, you need to ramp up your moisturizing. If you’re using a lightweight formula during the summer, switch to a heavier one once winter arrives. Apply moisturizers each time you wash, and avoid taking long showers as it can dry your skin too.
5.If you have flaky skin
Wind burn, sunburn, or too much dryness can cause your skin to crack and get flaky, even though you’re already using tons of moisturizers. So to eliminate that damaged top layer of your skin, you may want to try using an exfoliating facial wash with citric acid contents. Chemical exfoliants tend to be less harsh
than their physical counterparts like beads or grains. If your skin normally stays dry most of the time during the winter season, you can just exfoliate once or twice in a week.
6.If you have combination skin
Having combination skin is probably the most challenging skin type to manage especially during winter.During this season, the areas of the face that are usually oily tend to become dry, and the normally dry areas start becoming oily. Because of this, people with this skin type may have to treat both in a
separate manner. During winter, start applying a light moisturizer to the T-zone—chin, nose and forehead. Heavier formulations are needed in dryer areas like the cheeks and the skin around your lips and eyes. Dry patches may be relieved with the use of petroleum jelly as it is more effective in locking moisture in, thereby giving better protection against the elements. If it feels too heavy or greasy to use
during daytime, try it during nights.
