With the summer starting to slowly fade, you may be noticing that your skin is becoming a little drier and dull. Our skin needs extra care as soon as there is a transition between seasons to ensure it remains healthy through seasonal changes. Let’s take a look at 5 basic steps that can you can use in order to keep your skin hydrated and glowing through the fall and winter.
1. Choose Lukewarm Water
Using lukewarm water instead of hot water is important when washing your face. This is because no matter how soothing the hot water feels on your skin it can actually strip away the natural oils in our skin, leaving it rather unprotected to the harsh, dry weather. On the other hand, using really cold water on your face may irritate the skin and cause increased redness. Lukewarm water for your daily face wash is ideal.
2. Moisturize Your Face Right After Washing
The best time to moisturize your face is immediately after washing it. Following your face wash with a moisturizer (while your skin is still damp) will ensure to seal that moisture into your skin. For this reason, make sure to keep your moisturizer at all the places where you may wash your hands or face, such as the shower, the bathtub, the kitchen, and sinks. Get into a habit of moisturizing often, especially in the morning and before going to bed. Choosing a lighter moisturizer with SPF 40 (or more) in the morning as well as a thicker, richer moisturizer before bed will provide an optimal balance and hydration.
3.Consumption of Supplemental antioxidants
Vitamins C, E, and minerals such as selenium and zinc allow your skin to combat damage by free radicals by speeding up its natural repair systems. Our skin combats damage every day from pollution, UV rays, and other environmental factors. Fish liver oil, flaxseed oil, wild salmon, avocados, and walnuts contain the omega-3 fatty acids which are also great supplements since they enrich your skin with the nutrients required to look smooth and supple.
4. Drink Plenty of Water
It is obvious that to keep your skin moist, drinking plenty of water is key. Ideally, shoot for 6 or more cups of water or other non-sweated liquids per day. Low-sodium sparkling water, with a twist of lime is a favorite! Your skin’s moisture can also be maintained by cutting down on caffeine and alcohol as they have a diuretic effect.
5. Exfoliate, but not too often!
Some skin types require more than just regular moisturizing. Exfoliating can help remove the outer layer of dead skin, promoting the growth of healthy layers underneath. Pick a gentle exfoliant such as one from NeoCutis, and use it only 1-2 times per week. Exfoliating too often can increase irritation and dryness, and may actually more harmful to your skin.These are just some of the many ways through which you can take care of your skin this fall. If you require more information for your skin type, feel free to contact our team.