Winter is a time for cozy sweaters and holiday fun, but it also comes with harsh weather that can wreak havoc on your skin. Cold outdoor air, dry heat indoors, and whipping winds create the perfect storm for dehydration, irritation, and a complexion that can look more dull than radiant. To keep your skin healthy, comfortable, and glowing all season, this guide will help you find the right products for your winter skincare routine.
How Do You Keep Your Skin Hydrated in the Winter?
In the summer months, heat and humidity provides a natural layer of moisture that helps protect your skin. During winter, the skin’s natural moisture support weakens. Exposure to cold air and indoor heat increases transepidermal water loss (TEWL), causing moisture to deplete faster than your skin can replace it. To keep your skin hydrated in the winter use a rich, nourishing moisturizer, avoid harsh cleansers, wear SPF and drink plenty of water.
How to Protect Your Skin Barrier?
Protecting your skin barrier in the winter comes down to gentle skincare products and consistent hydration. Cold temperatures, low humidity, and indoor heating can deplete your skin’s natural oils, leaving it dry, sensitive, and prone to irritation. Start with a cleanser, then lock in moisture with a thick moisture containing skin barrier repairing ingredients, and complete your winter skincare routine with a broad-spectrum SPF. If you exfoliate several times a week, it’s best to consider scaling back to once a week instead. Over-exfoliating can cause tiny micro-tears in your skin barrier, causing it to be more vulnerable and dry.
What is the Best Facial Moisturizer for Winter?
One of the most important winter skincare swaps is your moisturizer. In summer, lightweight moisturizers help your skin breathe, however, winter calls for thicker moisturizers that lock in moisture. A heavier moisturizer helps not only replenish essential oils, but also forms a protective barrier, shielding your skin from harsh, dry air. Here’s what to look for in a face moisturizer for winter:
- Skin repairing ingredients like ceramides and fatty acids because they help rebuild and strengthen the skin’s natural barrier which often gets weakened by cold, dry air.
- Humectants like hyaluronic acid and glycerin because they draw moisture into your skin.
- Occlusives and emollients seal in hydration and prevent moisture from evaporating into the cold air. Shop our recommended moisturizers.
What is the Best Cleanser for Winter?
Switch to a gentler cleanser in the winter because the cleanser you used in the summer could strip your skin when the air is dry. Use cream or oil based cleansers that remove dirt and makeup without compromising your skin's natural oils. Shop our recommended cleansers.
Why Should You Use Sunscreen in the Winter?
It’s a common misconception that sunscreen is only for summer, but the sun’s rays can still damage your skin in the winter and contribute to skin aging. “Cloud coverage [in the] winter doesn’t provide sun protection. In fact, up to 80 percent of UV rays burn right through the clouds,” making sun protection essential year-round. Shop our recommended SPFs.
Skincare Treatments in the DMV Area
It’s important to pay attention to how your skin feels in the winter. Skincare products are not one-size-fits-all, so seasonal adjustments should be tailored to your skin's needs. If you want to find the best skincare products for your skin type, request an appointment for a consultation so one of our master estheticians can create a personalized skincare routine for you.
FAQs
Why does my skin feel drier in winter?
Winter air is colder and holds less moisture, and combined with indoor heating, this strips the skin of its natural oils leading to dryness, flakiness, and sensitivity.
How often should I moisturize in winter?
Moisturize at least twice a day⎯morning and night.
Can I still exfoliate in winter?
Yes, but keep it to once a week if your skin is dry. Over-exfoliating can damage your skin’s barrier.
Can a humidifier help my skin?
Yes, using a humidifier indoors adds moisture to dry winter air, which helps maintain your skin’s hydration and barrier function.
How can I prevent winter skin irritation?
- Avoid hot showers. Use lukewarm water.
- Pat skin dry instead of rubbing.
- Layer hydrating serum and thick moisturizer.
- Avoid harsh chemicals and treatments.
