Winter skincare guide: how to protect your skin from the cold

Winter is a time for cozy sweaters, warm drinks, and festive cheer. But for your skin, the drop in temperature and low humidity can cause a range of issues—from dryness and flakiness to redness and irritation. Cold weather can strip the skin of its natural moisture, leaving it feeling tight and uncomfortable.

If you’re looking to keep your skin looking healthy and hydrated all season long, this winter skincare guide will help you maintain your glow, no matter how cold it gets outside.

How does winter affect your skin?

Common symptoms of winter skin include:

• Dehydration
• Redness
• Tightness
• Flaking
• Continuous discomfort

1. Switch to a richer moisturizer

One of the most important steps in winter skincare is keeping your skin moisturized. Cold air and indoor heating can leave skin parched, so it’s essential to switch to a richer, more emollient moisturizer.

Look for products with:

• Humectants: These ingredients, like glycerin and hyaluronic acid, help draw moisture into the skin and hold it there.
• Occlusives: These ingredients, such as petrolatum, shea butter, and ceramides, create a barrier on the skin to lock in moisture.
• Emollients: These help to smooth and soften the skin. Look for oils like argan, jojoba, and squalane to nourish your skin deeply.

Tips:

• Apply your moisturizer immediately after showering or washing your face, when your skin is still damp, to trap in as much moisture as possible.
• Consider using a night cream with richer, more hydrating ingredients to replenish your skin while you sleep.

2. Use a humidifier

Indoor heating systems, while necessary in winter, can drastically reduce the humidity in the air, leading to dry, flaky skin. To combat this, consider using a humidifier in your home or bedroom. A humidifier adds moisture back into the air, which can help prevent your skin from becoming too dry.

Benefits:

• Helps maintain skin’s hydration levels.
• Reduces the chance of developing dry patches and cracked skin.
• Improves respiratory comfort by balancing the humidity in your environment.

3. Gently Exfoliate

Exfoliating is essential to remove dead skin cells, but you should be extra gentle in winter. Harsh exfoliants can irritate the skin and strip away moisture, so it’s best to switch to a gentler exfoliant. Look for products with mild exfoliating agents like lactic acid or fruit enzymes, AHA or BHA. Our The Gentle Renewing is a great choice because in addition to cleaning, when left in contact with the skin it has an exfoliating action due to the presence of 5 AHAs derived from fruits.

How to exfoliate in Winter:

• Use exfoliating products once a week at most.
• Consider a hydrating exfoliant to remove dead skin cells without drying out the skin.
• Avoid physical exfoliants with large, rough grains—opt for chemical exfoliants instead, which are gentler on the skin.

4. Protect your skin from the elements

Winter weather can be harsh, with wind, cold temperatures, and even snow or rain. These elements can cause damage to your skin, especially to exposed areas like your face, hands, and lips.

Key protection steps:

• Face: Apply a thick layer of sunscreen (yes, even in winter!) and a protective moisturizer to shield your skin from windburn and UV damage. UV rays can still be strong in winter, particularly if you’re in snowy areas where they reflect off the snow.
• Lips: Lips are especially prone to chapping in the winter, so use a hydrating lip balm with nourishing ingredients like shea butter, beeswax, or vitamin E.
• Hands: Hands can crack and become painful in cold weather. Wear gloves when outdoors and use a thick hand cream that includes nourishing oils or ceramides.

5. Avoid hot showers and baths

While it’s tempting to soak in a hot bath or take a long, steamy shower during the winter months, hot water can strip the skin of its natural oils, leading to dryness and irritation.

Tips:

• Opt for lukewarm water instead of hot.
• Keep your shower time short to prevent excessive moisture loss from the skin.
• Use a gentle, hydrating body wash that won’t dry out your skin further.

6. Hydrate from the Inside

Winter can dehydrate you just as much as it dehydrates your skin. The cold air and indoor heating can leave you feeling parched, but dehydration can have a serious impact on your skin’s health, making it appear dull and lackluster.

Hydration Tips:

• Drink plenty of water throughout the day. Aim for 6-8 glasses (1,5L – 2L),
• Eat foods rich in water content.
• Incorporate healthy fats into your diet—avocados, nuts, and seeds can help support your skin’s moisture barrier from within.

7. Adjust your skincare routine

Your skincare routine may need to change slightly in winter to account for the change in temperature and environmental factors. If you’re using products that are too harsh or drying, consider switching to gentler alternatives.

Consider:

• Use a mild and gentle cleanser so it does not  strip skin of its natural oils.
• Adding an oil or serum to your routine to boost hydration. Our face oil The Dream Glow is excelent to keep your skin hydration level.
• Avoiding products like toners with astringents (like alcohol) that can leave skin feeling tight and dry.

8. Don’t skip sunscreen

Many people think they don’t need sunscreen in winter, but UV rays are just as damaging in the colder months. Snow, ice, and even cloudy skies can reflect UV radiation, increasing your exposure.

Sunscreen Tips:

• Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30.
• Make sure to apply sunscreen every morning, even on overcast days.
• Don’t forget areas like your ears, neck, and the backs of your hands, which are all prone to sun damage.

9. Consider adding a face mask

Winter is a great time to indulge in hydrating face masks, which can provide an extra boost of moisture to your skin. Look for masks that contain ingredients like hialuronic acid, panthenol, aloe, or hydrating oils.

Types of Masks to Try:

• Hydrating sheet masks: Infused with moisture-boosting ingredients like hyaluronic acid.
• Cream masks: These can help restore moisture and soften dry skin.
• Overnight masks: Perfect for a deep treatment while you sleep, leaving your skin feeling nourished by morning.

Conclusion

Winter skincare is all about keeping your skin hydrated, protected, and nourished. By switching to richer moisturizers, avoiding harsh products, and protecting your skin from the elements, you can keep your complexion glowing throughout the cold months. Don’t forget to stay hydrated from the inside out and to continue using sunscreen—even when the weather is chilly! By making a few simple adjustments, you can enjoy smooth, healthy skin all season long.