'Tis the season—but hopefully not the season for dull, dry skin. While winter brings many festivities and cozy moments, it also welcomes cold winds, indoor heating, and low humidity. This combination can strip your skin of its natural moisture, making it more important than ever to adjust your skincare routine to the season in order to combat these issues. With a few simple changes and mindful practices, you can keep your skin hydrated, healthy, and glowing all season long. Here are six essential tips to help keep your skin extra plump during the winter months.
Cecile Paravina, Dr. Barbara Sturm
Hydration is Key
Maintain your skin's moisture levels by incorporating hydrating serums or rich moisturizers into your routine. You may even want to swap out your daily products for a thicker cream. Look for ingredients like hyaluronic acid and ceramides to lock in moisture and combat dryness caused by cold weather. Consistent hydration not only keeps your skin soft and supple but also helps prevent irritation and flakiness.
Tone Down the Exfoliation
While exfoliation is essential for removing dead skin cells and might seem like the go-to method for the winter months, overdoing it can quickly strip away your skin's natural oils. Reduce the frequency of exfoliation to once or twice a week, and opt for gentle, non-abrasive exfoliants. This will allow your skin to retain its protective barrier, ensuring it stays healthy and resilient during the colder months.
Don't Skip the SPF
Even though the sun might feel less intense in winter and you may be spending less time outdoors, harmful UV rays are still present. Don't skip out on applying a broad-spectrum SPF daily, focusing on exposed areas like your face and hands. Sunscreen not only protects against sun damage but also prevents dryness and premature aging caused by UV exposure, which can be intensified by winter glare off snow or ice.
Switch to Gentle Cleansers
Harsh cleansers can leave your skin feeling tight and dry, especially in winter. Swap out your usual cleanser for a hydrating, gentle option that won’t strip your skin of its natural oils. Cream or oil-based cleansers are excellent choices as they cleanse effectively while leaving your skin nourished, refreshed, and comfortable.
Invest in a Humidifier
Winter air, combined with indoor heating, often leaves your skin parched. Adding a humidifier to your home is a simple way to introduce much-needed moisture back into the air, helping your skin retain its natural hydration. Place one in your bedroom to keep your skin replenished overnight, since this is when it does most of its repair work. Plus, you can add a drop of your favorite essential oils for the ultimate cozy touch.
The Masons, Beautifully Bamboo
Limit Shower Time
Long, hot showers or baths might feel amazing on a cold day, but spending too much time under hot water can strip your skin of essential moisture. Opt for shorter showers with lukewarm water to protect your skin barrier and prevent it from drying out. Follow up immediately with a rich moisturizer to lock in hydration and keep your skin feeling soft all day.
