Your guide to winter skincare: tips, products, & more for healthy and glowing winter skin
Winter can be a challenging time for your skin, and you often ask yourself – what are some good skincare tips for that season? The cold weather, indoor heating, and dry air can leave your skin feeling dry, itchy, and irritated. However, with the right skincare routine, you can keep your skin healthy and glowing all winter long. In this article, we’ll share easy skincare tips from top dermatologists for the winter season, for all skin types, for men and for women.
Before we dive into the skincare tips, let’s take a look at how winter can affect your skin and how the skincare tips and routines to avoid dry skin.
The Effects of Cold Weather on Skin
Cold weather can cause your skin to lose moisture, leading to dryness, flakiness, and even cracking. The cold air can also constrict your blood vessels, reducing blood flow to your skin and making it look dull and tired.
How Indoor Heating Affects Your Skin
Indoor heating can be just as damaging to your skin as cold weather. Heating systems can dry out the air in your home, leading to dry skin, chapped lips, and even nosebleeds. The dry air can also cause your skin to produce more oil, leading to breakouts.
Why Your Skin Needs Extra Care in Winter
Given the harsh effects of winter on your skin, it’s important to give your skin some extra TLC during the winter months. With the right skincare routine, you can keep your skin hydrated, protected, and glowing all winter long.
Skincare Tips for All Skin Types
Regardless of your skin type, there are some universal skin care tips that can help you keep your skin healthy and hydrated during the winter months. We asked several top dermatologists and experts with which we partner – what are the 15 things you need to to know in winter as winter skincare tips. Here is what they said.
Moisturize, Moisturize, Moisturize
Moisturizing is key to keeping your skin hydrated in winter. Look for a moisturizer that’s rich and emollient, and contains ingredients like hyaluronic or polyglutamic acid, glycerin, and ceramides. Apply your moisturizer twice a day, and be sure to apply it to damp skin to lock in moisture. Here is our curated choice of the best moisturizers we offer to our clients.
The Importance of Choosing the Right Moisturizer
Choosing the right moisturizer is crucial for keeping your skin hydrated in winter. If you have oily skin, look for a lightweight, oil-free moisturizer. If you have dry skin, opt for a richer, more emollient moisturizer. And if you have combination skin, look for a moisturizer that’s lightweight but still hydrating. Obaji Hydrate Light is a great example, as it moisturizes five times more than most other products, due to the polyglutamic acid it contains.
How to Apply Moisturizer for Maximum Benefits
To get the most out of your moisturizer, apply it to damp skin after cleansing. This will help lock in moisture and keep your skin hydrated all day. And don’t forget to apply moisturizer to your neck and chest as well!
Tips for Keeping Your Skin Hydrated All Day
To keep your skin hydrated all day, try using a facial mist throughout the day. Look for a mist that contains hydrating ingredients like aloe vera, glycerin, and hyaluronic acid. You can also try using a hydrating serum before your moisturizer for an extra boost of hydration.
Protect Your Skin from the Elements
In addition to moisturizing, it’s important to protect your skin from the cold, dry air. Below are some tips for keeping your skin protected.
The Benefits of Sunscreen in Winter
Even though it’s not sunny outside, UV rays can still damage your skin in winter. That’s why it’s important to wear sunscreen every day, even in winter. Look for a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30.
How to Choose the Right Sunscreen for Your Skin Type
If you have oily skin, look for a lightweight, oil-free sunscreen. If you have dry skin, opt for a moisturizing sunscreen. And if you have sensitive skin, look for a mineral-based sunscreen that’s free of fragrances and other irritants.
Other Ways to Protect Your Skin from the Cold
In addition to sunscreen, there are other ways to protect your skin from the cold. Wear a scarf or hat to cover your face and protect it from the wind, if you’re going to be outside for an extended period of time.
Adjust Your Skincare Routine for Winter
Your summer skincare routine won’t cut it in winter. Here are some tips for adjusting your skincare routine for the colder months.
In summer, your skin produces more oil, so you may need a lighter moisturizer and less exfoliation. But in winter, your skin needs more hydration and protection, so you may need a richer moisturizer and more frequent exfoliation.
Tips for Cleansing Your Skin in Winter
In winter, it’s important to use a gentle cleanser that won’t strip your skin of its natural oils. Look for a cleanser that’s free of sulfates and other harsh ingredients. And don’t forget to moisturize immediately after cleansing to lock in moisture.
How to Incorporate Exfoliation into Your Winter Routine
Exfoliation is important for removing dead skin cells and allowing your moisturizer to penetrate more deeply. However, in winter, you may need to exfoliate less frequently to avoid irritating your skin. Look for a gentle exfoliant that won’t strip your skin of its natural oils.
Don’t Forget Your Lips
Your lips need extra care in winter, as they’re more prone to dryness and cracking. Look for a lip balm that contains hydrating ingredients like shea butter, coconut oil, and beeswax. And don’t forget to reapply throughout the day!
Skincare Tips for Men and Women
Men and women have different skin care needs, but there are some universal tips that can benefit everyone. Whether you are looking for simple and easy skincare tips for men, or for quick & effective skincare tips for busy moms – you will find them here!
Take Care of Your Hands and Feet
Your hands and feet are also more prone to dryness and cracking in winter. To prevent this, apply a thick layer of moisturizer to your hands and feet before bed, and wear gloves and socks to lock in moisture.
How to Prevent Dry, Cracked Hands and Feet
To prevent dry, cracked hands and feet, avoid using hot water when washing your hands or showering. Instead, use lukewarm water and a gentle cleanser. And don’t forget to moisturize immediately after washing or showering.
The Benefits of Regular Hand and Foot Care
Regular hand and foot care can help keep your skin soft and smooth all winter long. Try using a foot scrub once a week to remove dead skin cells, and apply a thick layer of moisturizer to your hands and feet before bed.
Invest in a Humidifier
Now that you have assembled your winter skin survival kit – let’s see what else is key. A humidifier can be a game-changer for your skin in winter. It adds moisture to the air, which can help prevent dryness and irritation. Look for a humidifier that’s easy to clean and has adjustable settings.
A humidifier can help keep your skin hydrated, prevent dryness and irritation, and even reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Plus, it can help you breathe easier and sleep better!
Tips for Choosing the Right Humidifier for Your Home
When choosing a humidifier, look for one that’s the right size for your room, easy to clean, and has adjustable settings. And be sure to use distilled water to prevent the growth of bacteria and other irritants.
These skincare tips, hacks and tricks will help you no matter if you have dry, oily, normal or combination skin. In any case – listen to your body and it will show you if you need even more moisturizing or lip balm!
Taking care of your skin in winter doesn’t have to be a chore. With the right skincare routine, you can keep your skin healthy, hydrated, and glowing all winter long. Remember to moisturize, protect your skin from the elements, adjust your skincare routine for winter, and don’t forget to take care of your lips, hands, and feet. And if you’re really struggling with dry skin, consider investing in a humidifier for your home. With these winter skincare tips and secrets, you’ll be ready to face whatever the season throws your way!
Written By: Karen Albright – BodyLase® Founder & President
