10 Skincare Routine Changes for Winter
While everyone’s skin is different, we all experience changes with the new seasons. In the winter, low humidity and indoor heating cause dehydrated skin. Additionally, the cold air causes pores to shrink and reduces blood circulation. This prevents the production of natural oils, which typically act as a protective barrier to trap moisture.
Without these natural oils, even normal or oily skin types can be left dry and irritated. There is no cure-all treatment for skin, but adjusting your routine to accommodate your skin's current needs is crucial year-round. These tips, tricks, and products will help restore your skin's bouncy texture and summer glow.
1. Skip the steam!
After a long, cold day, it is hard to resist jumping into a hot shower. For your skin’s sake, try turning down the heat. Wash your face with lukewarm water rather than hot water. This ensures your skin's barrier is protected, considering hot water will further dry out your skin.
2. Ditch foamy cleansers!
Lathering face cleansers can be extremely drying to the skin. They are great for oily or acne-prone skin in the summer, but not great for winter. Glossier’s Milky Jelly cleanser is a soothing alternative to remove dirt and makeup without stripping the skin of its natural oils. Think of it as face shampoo and conditioner. As it gets out the grime, it also conditions and repairs the skin.
3. Exfoliate!
Exfoliating rejuvenates dull, flaky skin. Dry skin can clog pores and contribute to breakouts. Physical scrubs can be effective, but they are often harsh and abrasive especially during winter. Scrubs with large granules (such as the St. Ives Apricot Scrub) can cause microtears in the skin. For a gentler approach, we recommend a chemical exfoliant, as directed. They push the cell turnover process to reveal bright skin without going overboard and damaging your face. In addition to brightening the skin, chemical exfoliants also prevent acne and clogged pores by dissolving extra dead skin. Glossier Solution is great for an effective, gradual exfoliation.
4. Layer! (I’m not just talking about jackets)
It is beneficial to layer hydrating products for long-lasting moisture. After washing your face, instantly layer a hydrating serum. This will give your skin a moisture boost. Next, apply face cream to set the serum for long-lasting hydration. Try The Ordinary’s Hyaluronic Acid Serum. Hyaluronic acid is naturally occurring in skin and can attract 1,000 times its weight in water. The variety of molecule sizes in this serum allows the skin deep hydration, as well as an instant surface-level plumping effect. Pro tip: massage into skin with a chilled face roller to reduce puffiness!
5. Leave the lotion!
As seasons change, so does our skin and its needs. It is important to ensure your skin remains moisturized when it is windy and dry. Swapping to a thick, cream moisturizer will last longer and create a barrier between your fragile skin and the harsh, cold air. Pond’s Dry Skin Cream is my favorite. It is affordable, suits sensitive skin, and keeps skin hydrated all day.
6. Use SPF!
Not the sticky, white goop your mom slathered on you as a kid. I am talking about a lightweight, moisturizing skin protectant. And no, the SPF in your makeup or moisturizer does not count. Although UVB rays are stronger in the summer, UVA rays are present year-round, which can cause premature aging, wrinkles, dark spots, skin damage, and potentially skin cancer. For dry, normal, or combination skin types, Elta MD Skincare offers UV Daily with SPF 40 for sheer coverage packed with hydration, thanks to the hyaluronic acid included in the formula.
7. Moisturize everything!
Your whole body needs hydration. The ideal time to moisturize your skin is after showering or washing your hands. You have a clean, prepped canvas that’s ready to fully absorb moisture. I constantly carry mini lotion to prevent chapped hands.
8. Thinnest skin = thickest moisture!
Lips have the thinnest skin on your body, so it's crucial they get special attention when it comes to winter skincare. Leave the EOS behind, and upgrade to a repairing lip product. I swear by the Laneige Lip Glowy Balm as well as their Lip Sleeping Mask. These holy grail products save dry lips without feeling sticky. Shea butter gives daylong moisture to the driest lips. For an at-home fix, Aquaphor gets the job done, too.
9. Save clay masks for summer!
Instead, opt for serum-based face masks that nourish and hydrate the skin. Honey, avocado, and aloe are great, naturally-soothing, and moisturizing ingredients to look for. Make sure to follow it up with a moisturizer!
10. If you were looking for a sign to refill your Hydroflask, THIS IS IT!
Hydration for skin begins within. Make sure you drink enough water everyday by following the 8 x 8 rule (eight, 8-oz. glasses of water). If you want to further your hydration, consider getting a humidifier to restore your skin's natural moisture.
Now, you should be prepared to brace the cold with your faux post-facial glow!
Art by Francesca Polistina