The cold, dry air of winter can wreak havoc on sensitive skin. As if it wasn’t challenging enough to manage skin sensitivities during the rest of the year, the winter season brings its own set of issues. The drop in humidity dries out the skin, making it feel tight and flaky. Harsh winds chap the skin. Indoor heat further dehydrates. It’s the perfect recipe for increased irritation, redness, breakouts and sensitivity flare ups.
If you struggle with keeping your sensitive skin happy in the winter, it’s time to switch up your routine. The key is to go extra gentle, using cleansers and moisturizers formulated for irritation-prone skin. You’ll also want to avoid sensitizing ingredients like fragrances, alcohols, and acids. Here’s a guide to adapting your skincare routine for sensitive skin in winter.
Gentle Yet Effective Cleansers
The starting point is choosing a cleanser that won’t strip or dry out your skin. Stay away from foaming cleansers, as the surfactants can be harsh. Opt for cleansing oils, milks, or gels that contain skin-soothing ingredients like oat extract. Look for formulas labelled as sensitive skin friendly or hypoallergenic. Some great options include Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser, La Roche Posay Toleriane Gentle Hydrating Cleanser, and Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser.
Hydrating, Fragrance-Free Moisturizers
Extra hydration is non-negotiable for sensitive winter skin. To avoid stinging or irritation, choose a fragrance-free moisturizer formulated for sensitive skin types. Ingredients like hyaluronic acid, ceramides, aloe vera, and colloidal oatmeal bind moisture to the skin and restore your protective barrier. Two of my favorite moisturizers are Aveeno Calm + Restore Oat Gel and First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream. Apply your moisturizer to damp skin and layer a face oil like jojoba or squalane on top to seal in hydration.
Weekly Exfoliation
A gentle weekly exfoliation can help remove flaky skin so your products absorb better. But steer clear of harsh scrubs with microbeads or abrasive ingredients like walnut shells. Look for a chemical exfoliant like PHA or mandelic acid which are gentler alternatives to glycolic and salicylic acid. The Isntree Clear Skin 8% Mandelic Acid Refining Serum is a nice option. Always do a patch test first when introducing new acids.
Facial Oils for Added Nourishment
In addition to your daily moisturizer, a nourishing facial oil really brings the hydration and skin-strengthening fatty acids. Rosehip oil, sea buckthorn berry oil, and marula oil are great options for sensitive, winter skin. Use a couple drops daily after water-based products to seal everything in. I love the herbivore Orchid Facial Oil for sensitive skin.
Skip Acid Treatments and Retinoids
During the summer you may be accustomed to using vitamin C, retinol and AHA/BHA toners. But exposure to these active ingredients can irritate sensitive winter skin. It’s best to back off the potent treatments until the warmer months return. Your skin will thank you.
Focus on Soothing and Calming
Look for opportunities to soothe and calm irritation. This may mean using a more minimalist routine of just a couple products. Add in a hydrating serum or facial mist with calming botanical ingredients like aloe, chamomile, green tea. The Avene Thermal Spring Water is a go-to for me. Using ice globes can also help calm skin while de-puffing.
Listen to Your Skin
Always listen to your skin and adjust your routine as needed. If your face feels tight, stings or looks red after applying a product, it likely contains an irritating ingredient. Try switching products or using a lighter hand. Don’t force your normal routine if your skin is distressed. Sometimes less is more for sensitive winter skin.
While the cold weather can exacerbate irritation and cause sensitive skin to flare, a little routine tweaking goes a long way. Stick to the gentlest cleansers and moisturizers, avoid common irritants, focus on skin-soothing elements, and your sensitive skin will stay calm and comfortable all winter long.
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