Come winter; you should change more than just your clothes. In December, the breathable gel moisturizers and charcoal cleansers that were effective in September may not be enough. Dry air, chilly winds, and continuous exposure to inside heat rob your skin of moisture as colder weather approaches and deplete it with the oils necessary for a healthy skin barrier function. These disorders may also cause the skin to become sensitive, irritated, and red. In conclusion, a routine overhaul is necessary.

Don’t, however, start planning a complete makeover just soon. You may need a few minor adjustments. Watch how your skin changes, then alter or replace the items as necessary. You should generally be cautious about using softer cleansers and thicker moisturizers. Follow these dermatologist-recommended skincare switcharoos to execute a flawless transition and keep skin moisturized, happy, and flaky freakout-free.

Here are 15 things you should know about your skin in winter:

1. Stay hydrated

With colder weather and central heating onset, your skin will become drier and frequently more sensitive. Make sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day and replace your coffee with green tea, which has powerful antioxidant properties. The skin barrier must be as healthy as possible to retain essential moisture, so gentle cleansing is necessary. As a general rule, if your skin feels tight after washing, your skin barrier has probably been compromised by the cleanser you use. If you are reaching for your moisturizer right after washing, consider using a gentler cleanser. The skin should feel calm and hydrated after washing.

2. Too much change isn’t always a good thing

A total makeover of all items owing to a change in seasons is not advisable since, in my opinion, it is unnecessary. The most crucial element is to become aware of your skin and how it reacts to various surroundings and products. You can then make easy adjustments to assist your skin in adjusting to a change in environment. It’s also crucial to be careful of substances like vitamin C, retinoids, and exfoliating acids that might irritate.

3. Be extra careful about sensitive skin

People with sensitive skin might feel the cold or wind more strongly or intensely than people without sensitive skin. Though everyone has a unique reason for being sensitive, some research indicates that one cause could be that individuals have varying degrees of sensitivity in the nerve fibers that connect our skin to our brains. A richer or more calming moisturizer can help restore balance. It is advised that you look for ingredients that can soothe irritated skin.

4. Take into account professional skin treatments

The winter season is ideal for skin care procedures. In the summer, peels and laser procedures usually cause us concern. There is an increased chance of unwelcome post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation with sun exposure before or after such operations. Winter and autumn consequently provide a chance. I would advise preparing ahead to ensure that your skin has enough time to adjust and be at its best for the party season. A micro-needling regimen might assist in generating new collagen and reviving skin radiance. Similarly, now is the ideal time to begin a laser hair removal course to remove unwanted hair rather than waiting until summer.

5. SPF is still necessary

You shouldn’t store your sunscreen away just because it’s winter. Even though UVB exposure is lower in the winter, UVA levels are still high enough to cause skin aging. We advise using Ladival or another sunscreen with a high UVA rating all year round to protect your skin. Since UVB is the wavelength that stimulates vitamin D production, levels can drop during the winter. If necessary, we can supplement with oral vitamin D3, a form of the vitamin.

6. Change your regular skincare routine

Your skin care routine probably needs to be adjusted if you use a moisturizer during the day. To maximize its effects, try switching from a lotion to a cream and massaging it into your skin for 30 seconds.

7. Prevent “lick eczema” on the lips

Licking sore lips will only make them drier and may result in a condition known as “lick eczema.” Always keep an effective ointment on your lips, especially before consuming anything, since some foods, like tomatoes, can irritate chapped lips. Skiers should be aware that lips are particularly susceptible to sunburn. Physical sunscreens like zinc oxide deflect UV rays away from your lips and face skin.

8. Hydrate during bathtime

The gift of a bath is to dry winter skin. Baths are a wonderful opportunity to hydrate skin in addition to offering the essential relaxation needed to switch off those hormones associated with stress that damage skin.

9. Limit your alcohol consumption

Alcohol can exacerbate a variety of skin conditions, including psoriasis, eczema, and rosacea, according to research. It dehydrates the body generally and interferes with sleep, which is necessary for skin regeneration and overall health; this upsetting of our body’s natural equilibrium may cause our skin to appear tired and dull. To maintain general hydration, we also advise limiting the amount of alcohol consumed in a single day and remembering to drink water.

10. Peel your feet

When the temperature drops, feet frequently become dry and cracked. Although frequently exfoliating and using a potent moisturizer always help, there are not enough hours in the day for many people.