Generally, depending on geography, most people in colder regions find their skin is much drier in the winter months because of the elements, thus their winter skin care routine alters. Cold weather, winds and spending much of the time in a home or office with dry heat blasting all contribute to dry skin. This isn't just on your face, but your entire body.
You probably find that you need to use a body moisturizer much more frequently in the winter months verses the summer months, so it's only natural to assume that your face will follow suite with your body and start to need additional care.
But this isn't a blanketed answer. Not everyone will need to change moisturizers in the winter. If you are in love with your current facial moisturizer, you might not need to completely ditch it in the winter. Here's how to see if you need a new winter skin care product.
- Is your skin flaking? Flaking skin is a tell-tall way to know that your skin isn't getting the moisture it needs. But sometimes it's hard to notice the flaking because it's not as noticeable as it is on, say, your legs. Look around the creases of your nose and hairline. It's sometimes easiest to see flaking in these areas. Flaking can be seen sometimes immediately after washing, but also later in the day.
- Is your skin feeling tight? Another obvious way to know your skin needs more moisture is simply by the feeling you get. When your skin is lacking moisture, it feels tight and uncomfortable. How does your skin feel after you put on your moisturizer? What about hours later in the day?
- Are your fine lines more noticeable? Many of the very fine lines you have can be minimized by a good dose of moisturizer. The drier your skin, the more noticeable the fine lines are. How do yours look?
If your skin is in that stage where it tends to break out with too hydrating of a moisturizer, you're probably unsure you want to up your current moisturizer to one made for dry skin. But if you live in a region that is cold, dry and windy, you'll have to judge your skin on a daily basis. We suggest you follow these tips below.
- Alternate moisturizers. By having a moisturizer for dry skin on hand, when your skin is feeling dry, tight and uncomfortable, you will be prepared. (And you'll be glad you were when your skin soaks in that moisture!) Look at your skin and make the decision daily.
- Switch up your cleanser instead. Ditch the bubbly cleanser for a creamy cleanser made for dry skin. Sometimes just changing your cleanser is enough for your skin's moisture level to even out.
- Access your nighttime moisturizer. If you're not using one, now might be the time to start. If you are using one, try using one made specifically for dry skin. Giving your skin a boost of moisture at night might be all it needs to boost your skin's moisturizer barrier during the day.
You said you love your moisturizer that you're currently using, so my advice to you is just keep on top of your skin, watching for signs of dehydration. You may very well get to keep using your current fave through the winter, with little doses of emergency hydration along the way. Congrats for finding a product you love so much!
