We all know the cold winter months make it so hard to keep your skin healthy and happy!
Not only are you dealing with frigid temperatures, but you also have to factor in the bone-dry central indoor heating and strong winds that can disrupt your skin barrier!
Don’t worry though – I have a few tweaks to your skincare routine that will help with any of your winter skin conditions.
Follow these skin winter care tips below to keep your skin happy and healthy this winter season.
Tip #1: Apply Thick, Rich Moisturizer
The best winter moisturizers are rich in skin-loving ingredients and thick enough to protect your natural moisture from the cold, dry air.
After washing your face, try applying a layer of moisturizer twice per day. This step is crucial for everyone, especially those with dry and sensitive skin.
Tip #2: Try a Humidifier
Keeping your skin hydrated when indoors is a great way to help preserve skin moisture and protect yourself from the cold weather outdoors.
Tip #3: Take Shorter and Cooler Showers
Did you know that consistently showering in hot water can strip your skin of its natural oils?
It’s true!
By taking colder, shorter showers in the winter, you can reduce your chances of developing dry and flaking skin!
Stick to lukewarm water and aim for 5-10 minute showers to start.
Tip #4: Apply Your Moisturizer on Damp Skin
After washing your face and body, avoid drying off completely before you apply your moisturizer.
Instead, apply your moisturizer right away on damp skin! This helps lock in moisture and protect your skin barrier.
Plus, you can always pat a few drops of oil on top for extra nourishment.
Tip #5: Use a Gentle Cleanser
If you’re dealing with dry skin, the last thing you need in the winter is harsh soaps and foaming cleansers!
Instead, try sticking to milky and hydrating cleansers that will gently clean your skin without stripping you of your natural oils.
You may also want to stay away from cleansers with sulfates which can be quite harsh on your sensitive, thin facial skin.
Tip #6: Reduce the Frequency of Harsh Actives
Certain ingredients can cause irritation and dryness in the winter like:
Retinol
Benzoyl peroxide
Salicylic acid
Alpha hydroxy acids
If you’re experiencing any unpleasant side effects, consider cutting back and using them only 2-3 times per week as opposed to every day or even every other day.
Tip #7: Try a Hydrating Serum
Hydrating skincare products with humectants like hyaluronic acid and glycerin are perfect for winter!
Try layering a hydrating serum underneath your moisturizer or sunscreen twice per day and watch as your dry, dull skin transforms!
Tip #8: Don’t Be Scared of Facial Oils!
Do you know that saying, “oil and water don’t mix”?
Well, it’s true!
Facial oils can help create a fatty barrier between the natural moisture in your skin and the dry air in your environment.
This helps lock in hydration and prevent dryness and dehydrated skin!
Tip #9: Don’t Neglect Your Lips
A good, hydrating lip balm is a winter must for people with chapped lips!
Ingredients like shea butter and ceramides will help heal and protect your lips.
Be sure to apply liberally throughout the day, and don’t be afraid to wear some at night!
Tip #10: Gently Exfoliate off Dead Skin Cells
Dry winter skin can build up, and you might need some gentle exfoliation to help reveal your healthy, fresh skin!
Physical scrubs can be alright for your body, but sometimes they can make things worse for the sensitive skin on your face.
Instead, try using gentle exfoliators like:
Mandelic acid
Fruit enzymes
Polyhydroxy acids
You can start with 2-3 times per week and slowly increase frequency as tolerated.
Why do we get dry winter skin?
The winter’s colder, drier conditions suck up moisture from your skin, and it’s so hard to your skin hydrated!
First, you have lower humidity levels outdoors and dry central heating. These guys pull water away from your skin and can cause dryness or flaking.
Then, you’re also dealing with lower vitamin D production because you’re not getting as much sun exposure.
Therefore, your body isn’t able to heal itself as well as it normally could!
All of these effects of harsh winter weather can make your skin more vulnerable to conditions like:
Irritation
Redness
Cracking
Dullness
Winter Skin Care Routine
Your skincare routine for winter should look something like this:
In the mornings, rinse your face with lukewarm water and apply a vitamin C serum for antioxidant protection. Follow up with a good winter facial moisturizer and sunscreen as necessary.
In the evenings, use a gentle cleanser to wash your face thoroughly. Then, try using a retinol serum or exfoliant before following up with a hydrating serum and moisturizer.
Finally, you can finish off with a good facial moisturizer and occlusive to help lock everything in!
Summary: How to Get Glowing Winter Skin
We all know that strong, cold winter weather can bring out the worst in your skin.
But it doesn’t have to be that way! Christmas skincare is supposed to be fun!
By customizing your skincare routine for the winter, using a humidifier, and taking shorter, cooler showers, you can keep your skin beautiful all throughout the season.
Don’t forget – skincare is no replacement for a real doctor!
If you have severe winter skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis, be sure to visit your local board-certified dermatologist to get their expert advice.
