7 Top Tips For Tackling Sensitive Skin This Winter
The Skinsmith | 7th December 2021
What are Skin Cleansers and Why Do We Use Them?
Dropping temperatures, winter winds and central heating can reduce our skin’s moisture levels and deplete its natural defences. These changes can have a big effect on your skin, such as making your skin flaky, itchy, dry, red and irritated; with these symptoms potentially being more severe if you have sensitive skin.
Because we can’t hide inside when the weather is bad, here are some of our top tips to perfect your skincare routine for sensitive skin this winter.
1. Be Aware of Triggers and What You Are Putting on Your Skin
One of the best ways to manage sensitive skin is to be aware of what causes your skin to react. The more you understand, the better you are at identifying the causes, allowing you to take the find an effective solution. Triggers can differ from person to person, but can include:
- Seasonal changes
- Stress and lack of sleep
- Dehydration
In addition to this, knowing what you are putting on your skin can make a big difference. Two of the biggest triggers that cause irritation and flare-ups are harsh chemicals and artificial fragrances. Opting for natural skin care products that have calming, anti-inflammatory ingredients such as chamomile, coconut oil, aloe vera and shea butter is a good place to start. If you are trying new skin care, it’s always best to perform a patch test and wait at least 24 hours for signs of irritation.
2. Gently Cleanse
If you wear makeup, it’s important to remove this and any dirt and pollution that has accumulated during the day, but over cleansing should be avoided as it can strip the skin of its natural barrier leading to dryness and irritation.
Finding the right facial cleanser for sensitive skin can be a minefield as they come in all types of textures and consistencies, but using a cream cleanser like our Calm Skin Chamomile Cleanser will help remove impurities without irritation.
3. Exfoliate – But Don’t Over Do It
Exfoliation is essential during the winter months as it removes dead skin cells and helps products penetrate more efficiently. Sensitive skin can still be exfoliated gently once or twice a week. We recommend Calm Skin Chamomile Exfoliating Peel as it contains AHA’s such as lactic and mandelic acids to increase cell turnover while maintaining moisture.
Take a closer look at our Calm Skin Chamomile Cleanser
4. Tone
A gentle toner can do wonders for sensitive skin as it can restore the pH balance in the skin. Using toners that are free from alcohol works best. Using a facial mist with skin-soothing ingredients such as stone crop hydrating mist will help alleviate inflammation and irritation.
5. Moisturise
During the winter months, most people trade their usual face cream for a heavier one, but for sensitive skin, heavy doesn’t always mean better. Look for moisturisers for sensitive skin that help to replenish your skin’s moisture barrier and that contain soothing ingredients to calm and comfort your complexion. Chamomile, calendula and arnica in our Calm Skin Chamomile Moisturiser will help soothe dryness and reduce redness. If your skin is both sensitive and oily try Rosehip Whip Moisturiser.
6. Eyes and Lips
The skin around our eyes is one of the thinnest on our face and requires extra TLC. If you have sensitive skin, the harsh conditions of winter can cause the skin around your eyes to become red, itchy and flaky. We recommend Biodynamic® Bearberry Eye Repair Cream to gently nourish and hydrate your eye area.
It goes without saying that winter and chapped lips go hand-in-hand. A soothing and protecting Lip balm like Rosehip & Lemongrass Lip Balm SPF15 will treat weather-ravaged lips and provide a boost of moisture.
7. Keep Healthy from The Inside
As well as investing in skincare, it’s also important to keep hydrated by drinking plenty of water – dehydrated skin can look dull and tired. As well as drinking water, eating antioxidant-rich ‘good fats’ from avocadoes, oily fish and seeds will help keep the mind, body and skin healthy.
For additional tips on how to prevent and reduce sensitive skin, read another of our blogs here.
Leaning Towards Skincare Products but Unsure on What Product Would Work Best for Your Skin? Check Out Our Guide on Medical Skincare Products Vs Home Sensitive Skincare Products
It can be tough finding products that work with your sensitive skin and winter can be especially tough. If you need further help choosing the right products for you. If you are unsure on what type of sensitive skincare product would work best for your skin, check out our guide on medical skincare products vs home skincare products by clicking here.
Alternatively, you can get in touch with a member of our friendly, experienced team by utilising our simple and easy to use contact form below. You can also contact a member of The Skinsmith team on 01305 300950 or by emailing us at [email protected]. We look forward to hearing from you.