When it comes to skincare, winter can be a challenging time of year. This applies to teenagers in particular, whose hormonal turmoil can wreak havoc on the skin. But seasonal skincare problems can often persist well into adulthood.
If you’re suffering with dry skin at this time of year, you might wonder exactly what can be done about it. In most cases, the answers to looking after your skin will vary.
Hydration is Key
If your skin cells don’t have access to enough water, then it’s inevitable that they’ll dry out. Taking on board plenty of fluids is therefore essential. Make sure that you’re drinking enough water, and that you supplement this intake with the right cleansers and moisturisers. Avoid diuretics like coffee and alcohol. You can often find products specifically developed to help teenagers. Skincare for teens tends to be formulated slightly differently, and it might be more effective.
You should also bear in mind that cold, dry air and indoor heating will often strip the moisture from your skin. Try to avoid it where possible. The same goes for hot showers – try to dial down the temperature, or even embrace the benefits of the cold shower.
Protect Your Skin Barrier
One of the primary functions of your skin is to keep harmful microbes and substances away from the inside of your body. If the topmost layer of skin is damaged, then you might notice that you’re more prone to breakouts of acne, rashes, and other problems. You can support this topmost protective layer of your skin by eating plenty of vitamins C, E, and A – and by looking for skincare products rich in ceramides and hyaluronic acids.
Don’t Skip Sunscreen
Just because you don’t feel the sun quite as often during winter doesn’t mean that those ultraviolet rays aren’t finding their way to the surface of your skin. The long-wave ‘UVA’ rays that pose the greatest risk can penetrate clouds easily. SPF protection should therefore be considered an ongoing necessity – so look for skincare products that offer it. Fortunately, there are many such products available.
It’s worth noting that the damage caused by the sun is more of a long-term concern. Sun protection probably won’t alleviate short-term oiliness and dryness – but it will slow down the ageing process and reduce your risk of skin cancer.
Adjust Your Skincare Routine
Your skin will naturally face a different set of challenges during winter – so it’s worth adjusting your skincare routine to meet those challenges. If you have particular concerns, then you might speak with a dermatologist to meet them. With their help, you might be able to come up with a special regimen that meets the challenges of winter in a way that’s tailored to your specific skincare needs.
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