Avoid Dry Skin During Cold Season

Everyone's skin is different. Some of us have skin that requires little maintenance. Some of us have skin that raises havoc when slightly irritated or for no apparent reason at all. And some of us dwell in a middle ground between low and high maintenance skin. That is why we always recommend consulting a Dermatologist when changing or adding to your skin care regimen. 

Fall and Winter can often change the way your skin acts, no matter which skin type you may have. One of the biggest challenges cold months can present is dry skin. If you are suffering from dry skin this Fall or Winter, consider some changes or additions to your routine to get your skin dialed in for the cold.

Makeup Removers and Product

Avoid makeup removers with alcohol, harsh chemicals, or even strong fragrances. Also, be sure all makeup removers and other product in your routine doesn't leave a residue that can block your pores or restrict natural oils. Be VERY careful about removers and products that include the use of wipes as they can also irritate the skin and compound the problem.

Seventh Sojourn soaps do a great job of removing makeup too. If you choose to try our soap for makeup removal, start with Unscented Simple White Soap. Simple White is very gentle and will avoid any potential reaction to fragrance or essential oil.

Don't Scrub Unless Necessary

Even if you have oily skin, scrubbing is generally not necessary unless you are trying to remove something that is otherwise not going to come off easy. Scrubbing with a washcloth or loofah can sometimes make dry skin matters worse. If it's necessary to use a washcloth or loofah, do so gently by damping your skin. Applying lots of pressure will also irritate your skin and potentially overwash you, stripping your skin of natural oils that are healthy for it. For those with very sensitive skin (like myself) hand-washing with a gentle soap can be the best balance of cleanliness and natural oil retention. 

P.S. The same holds true with towel drying. Try to avoid rubbing the towel with force against your skin. Try damping your skin dry with the towel instead.

Don't Overwash

Frequent washing throughout the day will dry you out no matter the season, but especially in cold months. Avoid overwashing as frequently as possible. If your skin is feeling dry but you haven't showered for 24 hours, ask yourself, "do I really need a full shower?" Consider cleaning only the areas that feel like they need it while leaving the dry areas alone. Hands may be the only exception to this rule, since you also need to protect yourself from germs, bacteria, and viruses. For hands, find a lotion that works for you and use it after every time you wash your hands.

Avoid Hot Showers

Apply Your Moisturizer 3-5 Minutes After Shower

You may use lotions, creams, butters, balms and/or ointments after your shower. Apply your desired products 3-5 minutes after you exit the shower, preferably while your skin is still a bit damp. Your pores will be open for business and ready to absorb all the goodness you are sending their way! 

Avoid Excessive Exposure To The Cold

We know you can't lock yourself in a bubble all Winter long, but try to avoid excessive exposure to extremely cold elements. And if there is no way around it, be sure that you are covered up! Scarfs can often be positioned to cover and protect parts of the face in the extreme cold. 

Continue Applying Moisturizer Throughout The Day

Get a routine down for re-applying your chosen moisturizer throughout the day and stick with it! Be sure you have backups of your moisturizer for travel and unexpected time away from home.

Use A Humidifier

Drink Plenty of Water

Explore More Moisturizing Options

Lotions are a very common moisturizer used in Winter months, but balms, butters, and oils can provide even longer relief or can act as a great team-up with your lotion of choice. Our Body Balm provides excellent moisturization that lasts longer than lotions in many instances. 

Lip balms are also popular for keeping the lips moisturized during winter months. Be sure your read the ingredients in your lip balms and try to stick with balms that contain ingredients you can pronounce! Our lip balms have gotten great feedback for their lasting qualities and contain only natural ingredients. 

Have questions? Put them in the comments below and we will respond asap. For detailed questions on particular usage and skin conditions, please consult your physician.