Prepare yourself

The temperatures are finally starting to drop and the outdoors will be friendly again. And while this change in season probably requires a change in wardrobe, it also requires a change in our skincare regimen. As the weather starts to cool down, it becomes less humid and the indoors become especially dry and stuffy, depriving you of natural moisture. This new dryness can lead to flakiness, red patches and excess dead skin cells that clog pores and cause acne. So what’s needed? A skin care regimen tailored to specific skin types. Here’s what you can do:

Oily skin

Winter and dry climate is actually quite a blessing for those with oily skin that otherwise poses to be a problem for most women. The reason is simple – lesser humidity and drier weather helps preventing breakouts and also reduces flare ups. The skin’s natural oils work hard to compensate for the loss in moisture and while dry breeze will remove excess oils naturally, the skin will still need hydration, exfoliation and moisturising, so take care.

What to use

A face mask packed with fresh blueberries is perfect for cleansing the skin and soothing redness and irritation, without stripping the skin of its natural oils. Day oils are also great for this weather and oily skin.

Dry skin

Dry skin struggles in colder weather. With lesser moisture than usual, skin needs a heavy moisturiser, soft exfoliator and hydration. Hot showers may sound alluring, but they strip skin of natural oils and make it flaky. Instead, take showers with lukewarm water and drink lots of water. Use a lighter facial cleanser to clean skin without excessive scrubbing.

What to use

Invest in a good light facial cleanser that cleans your face and removes make-up. Using a moisturising scrub can help clear dead skin and keep it hydrated. An illuminating serum could also help in reducing the appearance of lines and spots, followed by some extra strong cream for strengthening and lifting the skin.

Combination skin

Change in weather often gets confusing for combination skin, i.e. when you have an oily T-zone (forehead, nose and chin) and your cheeks are dry. It starts to flake because of dehydration and excess buildup.

What to use

Mild gel cleansers and mild exfoliators will definitely help balance skin and keep it supple and shiny all season long.

Other skincare essentials

And while you are updating your seasonal skincare products; stock up on the sunscreen, lip scrub and lip balms. It might not be as sunny anymore but the sun is still prevalent, and you will still need SPF for protection. Lip scrubs like the ones with exfoliating treatment exfoliate the lips, leaving them softer and free of dead skin, and a good rouge balm will keep your lips moisturised and lightly layered with SPF 20.

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