Hello Fabyoulous Readers,
Have you ever felt like your skin has a mind of its own? One day it’s perfectly balanced, glowing like a dream, and the next, it’s throwing a tantrum, flaky patches here, an oily T-zone there, and that pesky dryness around the lips that just doesn’t quit. If you nodded along, welcome to the club of combination skin woes!
As the seasons change, my skin tends to remind me that it’s not just a “type” on a skincare chart, rather it’s an experience. And not always a pleasant one. Winter, especially, has this sneaky way of creeping in and turning what was a hydrated canvas into a battlefield of dry patches and irritation.
Now, before we dive in, let me share a quick heads-up: This post contains affiliate links. That means if you decide to shop through any of the product links, I might earn a small commission at absolutely no extra cost to you. I only recommend products I trust and genuinely love, so you can rest assured these picks are top-notch.
Speaking of trusted sources, have you heard of YesStyle? It’s a leading online retailer that offers a vast array of Asian beauty, skincare, and fashion products, including some of my favourite Korean skincare essentials. If you’re looking to explore products that really work for your skin, this is the place to shop. And here’s the best part: YesStyle has an affiliate program that allows you to earn commissions by sharing your favourite products with your followers. If you’re passionate about beauty and skincare, why not join their affiliate network and turn your recommendations into an income stream?
You can sign up and get started with Yes Style’s affiliate program. This way, not only do you get access to amazing products but also a chance to earn as you share them with your friends, family, and followers.
Why does Seasonal Changes Affect Skin so much?
Picture this lovelies: The crisp, dry air of winter pulls every ounce of moisture from your skin while your heating system cranks up indoors, creating a moisture-zapping environment. Meanwhile, your skin’s natural barrier, the one that’s supposed to protect you gets weakened under the constant assault of cold winds and warm rooms.
For combination skin like mine, it’s a double whammy. The oily areas can become even oilier as they try to compensate for the dryness, while the dry areas get even drier, leading to that tight, itchy feeling.
5 Common Combination Skin Problems during Winters (And What to do About Them)
Let’s dive into the real struggles most of us face and, more importantly, how to deal with them:
1. Flaky White Patches That Just Won’t Quit
The Problem: No matter how much moisturizer you apply, there are always those annoying patches around the nose, cheeks, or chin.
The Solution: Focus on gentle exfoliation. Over-exfoliating can worsen dryness, so stick to chemical exfoliants with AHAs like lactic acid once or twice a week. Follow up with a rich, ceramide-packed moisturizer to rebuild the skin barrier.
- Product Suggestion: COSRX AHA 7 Whitehead Power Liquid – A gentle exfoliant that helps smooth flaky patches without irritation.
2. Dry, Irritated Lips That Burn
The Problem: Your lips feel like they’ve been through a sandstorm, no matter how much balm you apply. I can literally find those empty chap sticks around my house in winters!!
The Solution: Skip the fancy flavoured lip balms that sometimes dry out your lips even more. Opt for a heavy-duty ointment with ingredients like lanolin or petrolatum.
- Product Suggestion: LANEIGE Lip Sleeping Mask , A cult favourite that works wonders overnight. You can also find it on Amazon in the Original Laneige Jar and mess-free pocket friendly tube packaging also!!!
3. An Oily T-Zone
The Problem: While the rest of your face feels tight, your T-zone is busy producing enough oil to fry an egg. Yes! I mean can’t you act like one? There’s a whole different story everywhere on my face!!!
The Solution: Layer your products smartly. Use a lightweight hydrating serum with hyaluronic acid all over your face and follow it with a mattifying moisturizer only in the T-zone if you are wearing make-up. Mattifying products just goes well with my skin during seasonal changes. Still, It’s always wise enough to work with what’s best for your skin, like I always say, every skin is different!!!
- Product Suggestion: IUNIK Beta-Glucan Power Moisture Serum – Hydrates without making oily areas worse. Find it on StyleKorean and Amazon also!!
4. Make-up That Slides or Piles up
The Problem: Your foundation either clings to dry patches or slides right off the oily areas.
The Solution: Prep is everything. Start with a hydrating primer on the dry areas and a mattifying one on the oily zones.
- Product Suggestion: Maybelline Fit Me Mattifying Poreless primer: A pore-blurring primer that creates a smooth, flawless base for makeup at an unbeatable budget-friendly price.
- e.l.f. Poreless Putty Primer – A pore-minimizing, hydrating primer that’s perfect for creating a smooth, long-lasting base.
5. Burning, Sensitive Skin Around Mouth and Cheeks
The Problem: No matter how gentle your products are, some areas always seem irritated.
The Solution: Look for products with Centella Asiatica (hello, Skin1004!) and ceramides. These ingredients soothe inflammation and repair your skin barrier.
- Product Suggestion: Skin1004 Madagascar Centella Ampoule – A personal favourite for calming redness and irritation. If you’re curious about my full experience with this product, check out my detailed review here where I dive into its benefits, texture, and whether it’s worth adding to your routine.
My Winter-Skin Life savers
Here are a few of my go-to products that have helped me navigate the seasonal skin struggle:
- Heimish Moringa Ceramide Collagen Enriched Moisturizer – A dream for locking in hydration without feeling heavy. This one is available on YesStyle (Use code AYKA1823 for a discount!).
- COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser – Gentle, effective, and doesn’t strip my skin. You can Find It Here !!
- Barr Centella Calming Barrier Cream – A deeply hydrating moisturizer that keeps the skin soft and nourished, making it perfect for maintaining balanced, healthy skin, especially during colder months. get it on StyleKorean !!
Additional Tips for Winter Skincare
Beyond product choices, here are some habits that have made a significant difference in managing my combination skin during the colder months:
- Humidify Your Space: Indoor heating can dry out the air, exacerbating skin dryness. Using a humidifier adds moisture back into the environment, helping your skin stay hydrated.
- Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water is essential. Hydration starts from within, and during winter, it’s easy to forget to drink enough fluids.
- Avoid Hot Showers: As tempting as a hot shower is on a cold day, hot water can strip your skin of natural oils. Opt for lukewarm water to maintain your skin’s moisture balance.
- Gentle Cleansing: Over-cleansing can disrupt your skin’s barrier. Stick to cleansing once in the evening to remove impurities, and consider just rinsing with water in the morning.
Dealing with seasonal skin changes isn’t just about piling on products; it’s about understanding what your skin needs and when. It’s also about being patient. Skin and skincare products takes time to adjust, so don’t expect miracles overnight.
Personally, I’ve learned that listening to my skin is the best approach. Some days it needs extra love, like a deeply hydrating mask, and other days, just the basics are enough. The beauty of skincare is that it’s not one-size-fits-all!! It’s a journey of trial and discovery, and winter just happens to be a season that challenges us to adapt.
If you’re like me and love exploring skincare, you’ll appreciate having access to a platform like YesStyle. Not only do they offer an incredible variety of Asian skincare products, but their affiliate program also lets you turn your passion into an opportunity. Whether you’re someone who loves sharing beauty tips or just starting to blog about skincare, you can join their affiliate program and earn commissions by recommending your favourite products. It’s an exciting way to grow alongside a community that values authenticity and quality.
Ready To Elevate Your Winter Skin Game?
Winter skincare doesn’t have to feel like a chore. With the right knowledge and a few trusted products, you can transform your routine into a comforting ritual that not only protects your skin but also feels indulgent.
Take a moment to review your current routine. Are you giving your skin what it truly needs? If not, start small! Maybe with a lightweight hydrating serum or a soothing moisturizer. Your skin will thank you.
And if you’re curious about the products I mentioned, you can check them out on YesStyle. Plus, if you’re looking to make a side hustle out of your skincare passion, don’t forget to explore their affiliate program – it’s a win-win! (P.S. Use my discount code AYKA1823 to save a little extra!)