With the holidays behind us and the new year in full swing, you might feel like it’s time for a refresh. Maybe your skin has suffered from the stress of the season, or you’re just looking to update your routine. Whatever the reason, Skintuition is here to guide you with the perfect plan of attack.
The Problem: Stressed-Out Skin
Stress triggers a chain reaction in your body, releasing hormones like cortisol, which can lead to skin problems, including breakouts, sensitivity, and flare-ups of existing skin conditions. Stress can also lead to collagen breakdown and dull, lackluster skin.
The Plan
If you’re dealing with stress-related skin issues, a few skincare and lifestyle changes can help manage your symptoms. Begin by adopting a simple and gentle skincare routine that doesn’t involve too many products. Use a mild cleanser to gently remove dirt and oil, and apply a hydrating moisturizer to help repair your skin’s barrier. Don’t forget to apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen daily to protect your skin from UV damage. Incorporate soothing ingredients like niacinamide, centella asiatica, and antioxidants such as green tea into your routine. For breakouts, consider using a clay-based mask to absorb excess oil. Additionally, be mindful of products that can worsen your skin problems, especially during stressful times. For instance, steer clear of harsh exfoliants that can strip your skin of its natural oils.
Moreover, consider incorporating stress-relief techniques such as exercise, meditation, or journaling into your daily routine. You can also try strategies like deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, or visualization. Stay hydrated and try to get at least 8 hours of sleep each night to give your skin ample time to repair and regenerate. Eat a balanced diet that includes fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Try to avoid foods that are overly processed or have a high sugar content. Limit your exposure to alcohol and caffeine, which can increase inflammation and dehydration.
The Problem: Breakouts
Breakouts can happen for various reasons, from excess oil to stress to changes in our regular diets. Although the severity and causes of acne can vary from person to person, if you’re experiencing a minor breakout, your plan should include gentle but effective treatments.
The Plan
Although you may feel the urge to treat a breakout with nuclear-level intensity, being gentle with your skin is always the best approach. Use a mild cleanser (like Cetaphil or CeraVe) twice daily. Additionally, consider using a gentle clay mask (1 or 2 times a week) after cleansing to give your skin a deeper clean.
For masking, look for mild ingredients like kaolin clay, and avoid ingredients like bentonite and charcoal, which can be too harsh on the skin. Be sure to moisturize with a fragrance-free, noncomedogenic moisturizer. During a breakout, you may be tempted to let pimples “dry up,” but letting your skin go without proper moisture will only make matters worse. Skip alcohol-based toners, astringents, and harsh physical exfoliants that can strip your skin.
Avoid touching, picking, or popping pimples to prevent scarring and worsening inflammation. Use hydrocolloid patches or salicylic acid for spot treatments. If your breakout is severe or doesn’t improve with at-home care, consider consulting with a dermatologist.
The Problem: Dehydrated, Dry, and Flaky Skin
If your skin is dehydrated, dry, and flaky, it’s likely losing excessive water, often due to environmental factors such as cold, dry air or indoor heating. Moreover, hot showers and harsh cleansers can strip the skin’s natural oils, weakening its barrier. A compromised barrier allows water to evaporate more easily and irritants to penetrate the skin, leading to dry, flaky, or even itchy skin. Symptoms can also include dullness and early signs of aging, such as wrinkles and decreased elasticity.
The Plan
To start, increase your water intake and eat hydrating foods. Take a break from alcohol and caffeine, as these can contribute to water loss from the body and skin. Consume fruits and vegetables with a high water content, such as celery, cucumbers, apples, and berries.
For your skincare routine, avoid using hot water, and use a gentle, hydrating cleanser that won’t strip your skin. If you need to exfoliate, use gentle options such as enzyme-based exfoliators or a Konjac sponge to remove dead skin cells. Apply a gentle serum rich in humectants like hyaluronic acid and glycerin. Follow with a fragrance-free moisturizer containing humectants (like panthenol) and occlusives (like ceramides, dimethicone, or natural oils) to draw water into the skin and seal it in.
Also, be on the lookout for ingredients that soothe irritated skin, such as oatmeal, aloe vera, and squalane. Avoid products that contain alcohol. Use a humidifier to increase your home’s humidity, especially during dry winter months, to help prevent further skin irritation.
The Problem: You Need a Fresh Start
If the new year has you hankering for a new skincare routine, concentrate on the basics (cleanser, moisturizer, sunscreen), and focus on minimizing your routine as much as you can. If you’ve been lax in your skincare routine lately, a fresh start may be just the thing you need to get back into the groove.
The Plan
Give your skincare drawer a good declutter, tossing out any expired products and anything that’s been irritating your skin. You may also want to give some thought to eliminating any products that have produced lackluster results. Give special consideration to the essentials (cleanser, moisturizer, sunscreen), and keep those at the forefront as you build your routine. Concentrate on fragrance-free products and make sure that the products you’re using are suited for your skin type. Be sure to read our guide on ways to declutter your skincare collection.
Final Thoughts
Whatever the situation, it’s important to remember that skin works on a cycle. Your skin regenerates roughly every 30 days, so it may take some time to fully reset. Stick to a simple routine and use products that contain proven, effective ingredients. Resist the temptation to overload your skin in pursuit of quicker results. Be patient and consistent with your routine, and you’ll be on your way to healthier, more radiant skin!