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Winter is coming: Here's how to choose the best face wash for winter

Feel that crisp morning air? We’re approaching winter, and that means you’re thinking about switching your wardrobe from sundresses to sweaters, but your skincare routine needs a seasonal makeover, too. If you suddenly notice your trusted face wash is feeling harsh or your skin is looking less than its usual self, you might be wondering why. You’re not alone; don’t worry about this winter skincare confusion.

Your skin requires different care during these colder months than you would wear your summer clothes when it's freezing. So we’ll now look at winter skincare and how choosing the right face wash for winter can be your first line of defence against the effects that the season has on your skin.

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How does winter affect your skin?

Picture this: The next morning is a cold wintery morning. You step outside, and your skin feels tight and uncomfortable. So, what’s really going on under the surface? The perfect storm of skin-challenging conditions that wreak havoc on your complexion happens in winter.

The humidity levels outside and inside (heating sucks out the moisture) plummet during winter. Your skin is a protective barrier that, when exposed to cold and dry air, becomes compromised. The result? Your skin's natural moisture balance is thrown out of whack.

But that's not all. That switching between freezing outdoor temperatures and warm indoor heating is what dermatologists call 'thermal shock.' This temperature effect can lead to:

• Increased redness and sensitivity
• Broken capillaries
• Accelerated dehydration
• Disrupted oil production
• Skin barrier dysfunction

Your skin reacts by getting dry and flaky, or, surprisingly, it reacts by producing more oil to make up for the moisture loss. This is why so many people with combination skin are confused during winter: their T-zone could get oilier, and their cheeks could be desert dry! The solution? Use the best winter face wash for combination skin from the best brand.

Tips to choose the best face wash for winter

Check for cream-based formulations

Time to kick those harsh, foaming cleansers to the curb that may have been spot on in summer. Cream-based face washes are your best friends when it comes to winter. They clean well while leaving your skin’s natural moisture barrier intact.

A great example is the Clear & Calming Acne Face Wash from The Pink Foundry, a cleanser that’s nice and creamy yet doesn’t strip your skin. Try to look for terms like ‘cream cleanser’ or ‘milk cleanser’ or ‘cleansing balm.’

Look for hydrating ingredients

When shopping for a face wash for winter, scan the ingredient list for these moisture-loving compounds:

• Hyaluronic Acid: It attracts and holds up to 1000 times its weight in water.
• Glycerin: A powerful humectant drawing moisture from the air
• Ceramides: It helps to rebuild and strengthen your skin barrier.
• Natural oils (like jojoba, argan, or almond): Use non-comedogenic moisture.
• Squalane: It helps to mimic your skin’s natural oils

These ingredients help soothe and heal dry, irritated skin and keep your skin’s moisture levels even when you clean.

Also read: How to Keep Skin hydrated: Tips For Hydrating Skin

Avoid harsh surfactants

Free of aggressive cleansing agents, your face wash for glowing skin in winter should be mild. Look out for and avoid:

• Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS)
• Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES)
• Alcohol-based ingredients
• Strong fragrances
• Benzyl alcohol
• Cocamidopropyl betaine
• Sodium cocoyl isethionate
• Coco-glucoside

Consider your skin type

In winter, your basic skin type matters even. Here's a quick guide:

• For Combination Skin: A face wash that cleanses without drying is the way to go, like The Clear Calming Acne Face Wash.
• For Dry Skin: Use super creamy formulas with added oils
• For Sensitive Skin: Choose products with minimal ingredients, especially fragrance-free.
• For Oily Skin: Natural oils don't strip, so select gel cream hybrids that won't strip natural oils

Also read: Combination Skin: How to Identify and Manage This Skin Type

pH-Balanced formulation

Look for a face wash with a pH level similar to your skin’s natural pH (5.5). This helps maintain your skin's acid mantle, which is crucial for:

• Protects against environmental stressors.
• Beneficial bacteria maintenance
• Preventing moisture loss

Anti-inflammatory ingredients

Skin is more sensitive and prone to inflammation in the winter. Beneficial ingredients include:

• Chamomile
• Green tea extract
• Aloe vera
• Calendula
• Allantoin

Consider texture transitions

The best face wash for winter might change its texture during use:

• Balm-to-oil cleansers
• Oil-to-milk formulations

These transformative textures often yield superior cleansing yet remain hydrating.

Conclusion

Winter skincare is your skin’s comfy sweater — it’s about more than protection; it’s about wearing the season with pride. As experts always say, winter skincare is about a journey, not a destination. As temperatures rise and fall, your skin’s needs may change, and that’s fine. If you feel tight skin, it’s asking for more hydration. It’s trying to tell you to be a little gentler if it's becoming sensitive.

When you’re out in the cold months ahead, your face wash for winter is your skin’s Reset Button, your daily opportunity to start new while preserving the good work your skin does naturally. After all, battling against the season to get that winter glow simply isn’t the point; it’s about working with it. Your skin is a lot more resilient than you realise, and with the right cleansing partner, you can help it thrive, not just survive, through the winter months.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Should I wash my face in the winter?

A: Wash your face only twice a day, morning and night. During winter, overwashing can remove your skin’s natural oils.

Q2: When should I wash my face in winter with hot water?

A: Not warm water, but lukewarm. Hot water can break down your skin’s moisture barrier, making it drier and more irritating.

Q3: Is using the same face wash throughout the year okay?

A: It's recommended to switch to a more hydrating face wash for winter as your skin's needs change with the seasons, especially if you're looking for a face wash for glowing skin in winter.

Q4: Why do I feel so tight after washing in the winter?

A: In this case, it means your face wash is too powerful. Switch to a gentler, cream-based cleanser specifically formulated as a winter face wash for combination skin or your specific skin type.

Q5: Is winter a time when I need to double cleanse?

A: Double cleansing is gentle if you wear makeup or sunscreen. Use an oil-based cleanser first, followed by a hydrating water-based face wash for winter skincare.

November 14, 2024

Blemished skin: Meaning, types, and prevention tips

Have you ever looked into the mirror after a long shower and found those weird spots, marks, and discolourations on your clear skin? You're not alone. Millions around the world are afflicted with blemished skin—regardless of age or skin type. These imperfections can be frustrating, but knowing what makes them happen and how to deal with them makes all the difference.

So let’s explore all you ever needed to know about blemished skin — from what it looks like and what causes it to how you can actually fix it!

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What is blemished skin?

When we talk about blemished skin meaning, we're referring to any type of mark, spot, or discolouration that disrupts your skin's natural appearance and texture. Blemishes are irregularities that show up on your skin like a canvas, and it’s just a matter of internal and external factors.

Blemishes meaning on face can encompass various skin concerns, from temporary redness to more persistent issues like acne scars or dark spots. These marks are found anywhere on your body but will show up most on your face. Blemished skin is very challenging to deal with because it’s not just a superficial issue; it can really be an issue that affects how you present yourself in the world and how you feel about yourself. The good news? There is a right way of treating most blemishes.

Why do you get blemishes on your face?

• Hormonal Fluctuations: Skin health is largely in your hands (specifically, hormones). During puberty, menstruation, pregnancy, or times of stress, hormonal changes can trigger excess oil production, leading to various types of skin blemishes and breakouts.

• Environmental Aggressors: Pollution, UV rays, and other environmental factors can damage your skin barrier daily, resulting in oxidative stress and inflammation. And often, this leads to dark spots, uneven texture, and other blemishes.

• Lifestyle Habits: You might be surprised to learn that your daily routine matters more than you think. Blemish skin results from poor sleep habits, touching your face often, dirty makeup brushes, or not taking off makeup before bed.

• Diet and Hydration: Your skin shows what you eat. Skin imperfections and blemishes can be caused by a diet consisting of processed foods and sugar and insufficient water intake.

• Genetics and Skin Type: Your genetic makeup can sometimes determine how prone you are to some blemishes. Knowing your skin type will determine which treatment approach is best for you.

• Medication Side Effects: As side effects, some medicines, such as corticosteroids, birth control pills, and certain antidepressants, can cause skin changes and blemishes. If you start a new medication, always discuss potential skin-related side effects with your healthcare provider.

Different types of skin blemishes

Inflammatory blemishes

• Papules: Red, raised bumps that feel tender to touch, small. They result from the breakdown of pore walls due to inflammation.
• Pustules: These red bumps with visible pus at their centre are also called classic pimples and indicate active infection within the pore.
• Nodules are deep under the skin and have huge, painful bumps lasting for weeks. However, scarring often requires professional treatment.
• Cysts are the most severe form of inflammatory blemishes, painful deep lesions containing pus and other fluids. They have the greatest risk of scarring and usually require medical treatment.

Non-inflammatory blemishes

• Blackheads: These are open comedones where the pore is still open, so the contents can oxidise and appear dark. Contrary to popular belief, black isn’t dirt; it’s oxidised oil and dead skin cells.
• Whiteheads: Small, flesh-coloured bumps under the skin; they are closed comedones. The pore opening is blocked to prevent oxidation of contents.
• Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation: Patches that remain after the blemishes caused by inflammation heal. The marks can be pink to brown, and they last months and fade naturally.
• Melasma: These brown or greyish symmetrical patches are often called the 'pregnancy mask' and tend to appear on the cheeks, forehead, and upper lip. Hormonal changes and sun exposure trigger them.

Also read: Understanding the causes of melasma

Additional blemish types

• Milia: Tiny, hard, and white bumps occur when keratin becomes trapped beneath the skin's surface. Common around the eyes and cheeks.
• Sun Spots: These flat, brown-coloured spots, usually due to cumulative sun exposure over time, are also called age spots or liver spots.
• Sebaceous Hyperplasia: Enlarged oil glands causing small, soft, yellowish bumps. Above all, they are more common in mature skin and can be confused with whiteheads.

How to prevent different types of blemishes on face

It’s always better to prevent the blemishes than to cure them! Begin with a cohesive skincare regimen of gentle cleansing and consistent exfoliation. The Dark Spot & Hyperpigmentation Correcting Power Serum from the Pink Foundry prevents and treats stubborn dark spots and uneven skin tone.

The Pink Foundry Dewy Hydrating Hybrid Sunscreen SPF 50+ not only protects your skin from UV damage but also prevents current blemishes from darkening.

Always keep your hands away from your face, and wash frequently things you touch your skin, like phone screens and pillowcases. The best results come from a holistic approach of good skincare products, healthy habits, and routine.

Also read: What are the best ways to remove face blemishes

Conclusion

Understanding what is blemished skin and its various manifestations is your first step toward achieving clearer, healthier-looking skin. Blemishes can be annoying, but remember that most are temporary and treatable. By following the correct combination of targeted skincare products, good habits and waiting, you can lessen their appearance and avoid future appearances. So, begin your journey to clearer skin right now.

FAQs

Q1: How long until the blemish fades?

A: The healing time varies, depending on what kind of blemish it is. Deeper blemishes, however, will take 4-6 weeks to heal completely, while surface-level spots might only last a few days.

Q2: Can stress make your skin blemish?

A: Stress actually triggers hormonal changes that cause oil production and inflammation, leading to different types of blemishes.

Q3: Are all blemishes actually considered acne?

A: Acne is literally one form of blemish, but not all blemishes are acne. The blemishes include dark spots, scars, hyperpigmentation, etc.

Q4: Can skin blemishes be affected by diet?

A: Of course, some foods, such as foods that are high in sugar and dairy products, may aggravate or make skin blemishes worse in some people. Eating a healthy diet that contains antioxidants may improve your skin's health.

Q5: Should I pop my blemishes?

A: No, popping blemishes can leave you with scarring, infection, and slow healing time. Targeted treatments are better than ones that let them heal naturally.

November 14, 2024

How to remove whiteheads: Understanding causes and prevention

Are you sick and tired of those white bumps that seem to show up on your face out of nowhere? If you're wondering how to remove whiteheads and achieve clear, smooth skin, you're not alone.

Frustrating as they are, these pesky blemishes will certainly be no match for your skincare journey, knowing what they are and how best to treat them. Whiteheads can be a real pain – in every sense of the word – and it’s time to stop suffering by understanding everything you can about them so you can finally get rid of them once and for all.

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What are whiteheads?

Whiteheads, or closed comedones, are a mild form of acne that presents as small, white, round bumps on your skin's surface. Unlike blackheads, whiteheads are closed by a thin layer of skin, whereas blackheads are open at the surface and exposed to air (and therefore become oxidised and appear dark). This is why learning how to remove whiteheads from the face requires a different approach than treating blackheads.

Blemishes occur when dead skin cells, oil, and bacteria get trapped under the skin's surface, forming a plug inside your pores. They can occur anywhere on your body but are most common in areas with a higher number of oil glands, including your face, specifically around the nose, chin, and forehead. To successfully treat whiteheads and prevent new breakouts, it’s important to know what whiteheads are.

Whiteheads, however, differ from other forms of acne in appearance and how they form. Pustules contain pus and appear inflamed, whereas whiteheads are smaller and don't have inflammation. So, they are easier to treat if you get them right.

What causes whiteheads?

Several factors contribute to the formation of whiteheads, and knowing how to get rid of whiteheads fast starts with understanding their root causes. The main cause is an excess production of sebum, which can be caused by hormonal changes, for example, during puberty, menstruation or during pregnancy. Also, your genetics will determine how susceptible you are to developing whiteheads.

Other contributing factors include:

• Using pore-clogging skincare products or makeup
• Not removing makeup properly before bed
• Excessive sweating without cleansing afterwards
• High humidity environments
• Certain medications
• Diet and lifestyle factors
• Stress and lack of sleep
• Dehydration and over-exfoliation

If you're wondering how to clear whiteheads on face effectively, addressing these underlying causes is essential. Whiteheads can also be formed from environmental factors, stress levels, and even your phone screen (when pressed against your face). Understanding the connection between these factors and your skin's health is crucial for developing an effective treatment strategy.

How to remove whiteheads from the face?

When it comes to how to remove whiteheads at home, it's important to approach treatment with gentle yet effective methods. Here's a step-by-step approach to safely remove whiteheads:

1. Use a gentle cleanser on your face with clean hands.
2. Open up pores by steaming your face for 5 to 10 minutes.
3. Use salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide treatment.
4. Carefully (if necessary) use extraction tools - but not by picking!
5. Finish with a moisturiser that isn’t comedogenic.
6. You need to protect your skin with SPF during the day.

For those wondering how to get rid of whiteheads overnight, while complete elimination isn't realistic, you can significantly reduce their appearance by:

• Spot treatments that contain tea tree oil or benzoyl peroxide
• Specifically designed pore strips for whitehead removal
• Treating areas affected by clay with a clay mask
• Like AHAs and BHAs with gentle exfoliating properties

Remember, learning how to remove whiteheads from nose and other areas requires patience and consistency with your treatment approach. The trick is having a light but strong skincare routine that suits your skin type.

Also read: How are Whiteheads formed and How to prevent them

How do I treat whiteheads: top tips for prevention

For skincare, prevention is always better than cure. Here are some effective strategies to prevent whiteheads from forming:

The Pink Foundry's Clearing & Calming Acne Face Wash is a great way to start your day, as it helps keep clear and gentle pores. Also, using their Pore Refining & Soothing Clay Mask with Cica Extract weekly will draw out impurities before they become trapped, helping to prevent whitehead formation.

Additional prevention tips for those asking ‘how do I treat whiteheads’ include:

• Keeping a steady skincare routine.
• Using non-comedogenic products.
• Washing pillowcases often.
• Touching your face as little as possible
• Drink plenty of water and eat properly
• If you wear makeup, double cleansing is especially important in the evening.
• Dermatologist-recommended retinol products
• Exercise and meditation to manage stress
• Getting adequate sleep

Prevention is dependent on understanding your skin type. If you have oily skin, you may have different approaches than combination or sensitive skin. By regularly assessing your skin and adjusting accordingly to your skincare routine, you can prevent whiteheads.

Also read: Unclogging The Mystery: Understanding Whiteheads On Your Nose

Conclusion

To summarise, having clear, whitehead-free skin is not a sprint; it’s a marathon. Armed with the right knowledge about what causes whiteheads and how to remove whiteheads effectively, you're now better equipped to tackle these stubborn blemishes head-on.

Whether you’re combating occasional whiteheads or recurrent breakouts, you can find relief from the clear skin you want with the combination of gentle, scientifically based treatments and natural remedies we’ve discussed.

Go slow, be kind to your skin, and slowly start building your perfect routine. These evidence-based strategies are your investment in your skin’s health, and with these in your arsenal, you are on your way to keeping your skin clear and confident.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Will whiteheads go away on their own?

A. Yes, whiteheads can sometimes go away independently, but skincare can help speed up the process and prevent other whiteheads from forming.

Q: Is it okay to pop whiteheads?

A.You probably shouldn’t pop whiteheads, as it can result in scarring and spreading bacteria to cause more breakouts.

Q: How long does it take whiteheads to go away?

A.Whiteheads disappear with proper treatment in 1–2 weeks, but treatment times depend on severity and method of treatment.

Q: Do whiteheads come from poor hygiene?

A.Not necessarily. Good hygiene does help prevent whiteheads. But in most cases, it is caused by hormones, genes, and many other things that might have nothing to do with basic cleanliness.

Q: Does diet affect whitehead formation?

A.Yes, some people will produce more oil with certain foods. Eating a healthy diet consisting of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can keep skin clear.

November 13, 2024