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There’s no avoiding it now: cold and dry weather is here for the foreseeable future. The average temperatures in Texas usually drop to the low 30s, and sometimes it can seem as though we can feel it down to our bones. Much more obvious, though, is that we can feel the cold weather on our skin. Cold weather in Houston brings dry air in direct contact with your skin, leading to flakiness, dryness, redness, and irritation. The good news is that just like you prepare your body for the cold with sweaters, boots, and scarves, you can prepare your face and skin, too. Keep reading to learn some cold weather skin care tips and routine adjustments that will protect your skin this fall and winter from the cold weather in Houston.

1. Switch from Heavy to Light Exfoliation

Some people might try to steer you away from exfoliation altogether since this can dry you out, but we think that skipping exfoliation completely does more harm than good, especially in the cold and dry weather. Exfoliating your skin can boost your skin’s glow, remove dead skin cells, and reduce flakiness. This is especially important during the winter when skin can look dull thanks to dryness and dead skin cells accumulate after exposure to the cold. However, heavy exfoliation can dry your skin out even more and leave fresh and new skin cells exposed to the harsh elements. That’s why we recommend using lighter exfoliating products and putting heavy exfoliators away for the season. Light exfoliation can give you all the benefits of exfoliating without drying you out. In fact, exfoliating before using cleansers or moisturizers can help your body absorb those things better, leading to easier and more efficient hydration.

2. Hydrating Cleansers

Speaking of hydration, you should consider adding a hydrating cleanser to your routine. Opt for a creamy cleanser so you can clean your skin and gain moisture in one fell swoop. Other types of non-creamy cleansers can end up stripping away moisture, which you don’t want during a season where the weather already does that. Creamy cleansers with vitamin E and vitamin C that aren’t soapy or foaming are your best bet to avoid stripping away moisture or essential oils.

3. Moisturize More (Including Your Scalp!)

Besides a moisturizing cleanser, you should also use a straight-up moisturizer. Moisturizers are crucial all year to keep your skin healthy and hydrated, but their importance skyrockets during the winter when you’re losing moisture faster than you’re gaining it. Swap your lighter moisturizers for thicker and heavier options to really seal in essential oils and hydration. For an all-natural moisturizer, our favorite is Sweet Almond Oil. It is a lighter oil so it does not leave you greasy — perfect for an everyday routine. We recommend applying moisturizer after exfoliating, cleansing, or washing your face. This can help your skin absorb the moisturizer more easily. You should also pay attention to how you apply it. It should be generous and rubbed in thoroughly. Massaging the moisturizer into the skin will help it absorb and give your skin a dewy glow. You also shouldn’t skimp on moisturizing your scalp with hydrating shampoos and conditioners. Your lips need attention too: scrubs can take away the dead skin while moisturizing lip balms add some moisture back to this sensitive area.

4. Take Off Your Makeup

This is another year-round rule but is one of those cold weather skin care tips that comes in especially valuable during cold and dry weather months. Makeup can be extremely drying, especially when wearing a full face. Leaving makeup on for too long can also clog your pores, which can lead to acne and breakouts. Not only that, but clogged pores and makeup covered skin cannot absorb moisture from cleansers and moisturizers as well, which is counterproductive and essentially wastes those products. Take your makeup off every night before bed. Kill two birds with one stone by using hydrating cleansers that also removes makeup.

5. Get a Facial

Along with that pore-clogging note, some people find that the extra moisturizing can also clog their pores along with makeup. If you’re looking for the right place to get facials in Houston, check out Chic Lash Boutique. This service will clear away some breakouts and blackheads without irritating your skin. It can also give you a little “reset” and help your skin look refreshed and glowing during the winter when the weather can tend to dull and dampen your skin. Facials can also take care of moisturizing and exfoliating so you don’t have to do it as often at home. They remove dead skin cells, boost collagen production, reduce acne, reduce hyperpigmentation, and moisturize your skin all with one service. Various facial types can be adjusted to your skin type and issues. For example, we offer an acne facial for those with acne issues on both the face and the back. We also have a “signature” facial that will be custom-tailored to your wants and needs and specifically designed for the winter season.

6. Adjust What Makeup You Use

Besides taking your makeup off and adding moisturizers and cleansers into your makeup routine, there are certain make-ups that you should avoid using (or at least not use as often or as much) to avoid excessive drying or damage. Powders, soapy cleansers, and matte lipsticks all tend to dry out skin. This can lead to creasing, wrinkling, flakiness, and more. Powder also dulls the skin, which you don’t want since the weather tends to dull skin already. Instead of using a traditional skin primer, swap it out for a luminous primer during cold and dry months. This can boost your skin’s glow and shine. Liquid or cream foundations should be used over powders along with liquid highlighters.

Take Care of Your Skin This Fall and Winter

These are just a few of our top cold-weather skin care tips created and approved by our skin and makeup experts here at Chic Lash Boutique. However, we know that everyone’s skin is different and unique. That’s why we’re happy to speak with you about your specific skin type and concerns and set up a makeup or facial appointment to create a treatment perfect for you. Contact us today to book an appointment or consultation.