As the temperatures drop and the air gets drier, your skin might start to feel tight, flaky, or even irritated. Winter brings its own set of challenges for your skin, but with a few tweaks to your routine, you can maintain that radiant glow all season long. Here’s your ultimate guide to winter skincare!
1. Hydration is Key
One of the biggest culprits behind winter skin woes is a lack of moisture. Cold air has less humidity, which can strip your skin of its natural hydration. To combat this, switch to a heavier moisturizer packed with hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid, ceramides, or squalane. Don’t forget to drink plenty of water—hydration starts from within!
2. Swap Out Harsh Cleansers
Foaming cleansers and those with strong ingredients like salicylic acid can further dry out your skin in winter. Instead, opt for a gentle, hydrating cleanser that cleans your skin without stripping its natural oils. Look for cream or balm cleansers that leave your skin feeling soft and nourished.
3. Exfoliate Wisely
Exfoliation is still important in the winter to slough off dead skin cells and allow your moisturizer to penetrate better. However, over-exfoliation can lead to irritation. Stick to exfoliating once or twice a week with a gentle scrub or a mild chemical exfoliant containing lactic acid, which also helps with hydration.
4. Don’t Skip SPF
Just because it’s cloudy and cold doesn’t mean you should forget about sunscreen. Harmful UV rays can still penetrate through the clouds and cause damage. Use a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher daily, even if you’re indoors near windows. Bonus: Many sunscreens now come with hydrating properties to give your skin an extra moisture boost.
5. Add a Humidifier to Your Routine
Indoor heating can dry out the air, which in turn dries out your skin. A humidifier helps maintain moisture levels in your home, creating a more skin-friendly environment. Place it in your bedroom or workspace to keep your skin hydrated all day and night.
6. Treat Yourself to a Professional Facial
Winter is the perfect time to treat your skin to some professional TLC. A hydrating facial can deeply nourish your skin, restore its moisture barrier, and leave you feeling pampered. Plus, an aesthetician can assess your skin’s needs and recommend the best products for the season.
7. Upgrade Your Nighttime Routine
Winter is the time to lean into richer, more reparative skincare products at night. Incorporate a nourishing night cream or a face oil to lock in moisture while you sleep. Don’t forget your lips—apply a hydrating lip balm before bed to avoid chapping.
8. Focus on Barrier Repair
Cold weather can weaken your skin’s protective barrier, leading to sensitivity and redness. To strengthen it, use products that contain barrier-repairing ingredients like ceramides, niacinamide, and fatty acids. Avoid hot showers and harsh exfoliants that can further damage your barrier.
Winter skincare doesn’t have to be complicated. By making a few mindful changes to your routine and prioritizing hydration, you can keep your skin healthy, glowing, and happy no matter how chilly it gets. Ready to upgrade your skincare for the season? Book a winter facial with us and give your skin the hydration it craves!
