Even if your skin is in a happy state right now, it is worth making some changes for the new season. As we change our wardrobes, we should also rotate certain skincare products depending on the environment and climate in order to protect our skin.
Winter is the harshest season on our skin and not just because of the drop of temperature, cold, and wind – indoor heating causes just as much problems. We automatically turn up the heater or take longer, hot baths as it gets colder and basically spend 24-hours in an extremely drying environment. The result: dry, flaky skin, especially on our faces and on our hands, where the skin is the thinnest and there are less sebaceous glands that produce sebum, the oily substance that protects the skin. That nice face wash that makes your summer oily skin clean or the lightweight moisturizer just won’t cut it during wintertime.
How to protect your skin from harsh winter weather
My 3 golden rules of winter skincare
+ Hydrating
+ Layering
+ Special ingredients that increase water retention and are incredibly moisturizing
The star ingredient for winter skin care – hyaluronic acid
My star ingredient for winter is hyaluronic acid, a vital natural substance in our bodies. Its secret lies in its moisture-binding capacity, one HA molecule can bind up to 1000 times its weight in water. Unfortunately, its production in our skin is reduced overtime as we age, thus we must replenish it with dedicated skincare products. All of the HA products I’ve tried so far had truly awesome instant results – glowy, smooth, plump skin. Look for hyaluronic acid or sodium hyaluronate in the ingredients and always follow up with a good moisturizer. I also go for monthly HA ultrasound treatments that delivers it even deeper to the skin.
Other great moisturizing ingredients to look out for: glycerin, squalane, vitamin E, and ceramides.
Use oils in any form and capacity
Skincare oils should be a staple of every winter skin care routine. I plan to write an in-depth post on why they are essential and why we shouldn’t be afraid to use them, but for now, let’s just say they are winter skin’s best friends. The right oils can provide hydration, important active ingredients, antioxidants, and other benefits as well. Use them as cleansing oils, serums, or moisturizers, and switch to oil-based creams from water-based ones.
Keep skin safe with winter SPF
Just because we don’t see the sun, it doesn’t mean it’s not there, with all those harmful UV rays. UVA rays can penetrate glass and clouds, reach us when we commute, sit by the window, take a walk or go skiing (especially when we go skiing, as “snow and ice bounce back up to 80 percent of the rays so that they hit the skin twice”. Thus, regardless of seasons, sun protection has a perpetual place in my skincare routine. Check out my most important SPF tips here.
Avoid products with alcohol
Alcohol-based products, especially toners and some cleanser can be too harsh in the winter, as alcohol generally dries the skin. Though we must make some distinctions: if you see SD alcohol, denatured alcohol, or isopropyl alcohol in the ingredient list, they are the drying types of alcohols. There’s nothing wrong with cetyl, stearyl, and cetearyl alcohol – they are fatty alcohols and you can absolutely use them.
Try to avoid witch hazel, eucalyptus, and menthol as well, because they have the same effect.
Layer your products
Even if your skin is dry, you don’t need to necessarily go for the heaviest creams. Try a moisturizing toner or essence, follow it up with a hydrating serum, and then a moisturizer and SPF. Or you can use oils on slightly damp skin as well, to lock in moisture.
Wash your face with lukewarm water
I know many experts recommend skipping on hot baths altogether as they really dry the skin, but let’s be real – is that really an option? I for sure am NOT going to give up on a relaxing hot evening bath, whatever anyone says. But go easy with the hot water on your skin to avoid stripping it from oils and hurting the micro veins. Follow up with a moisturizer immediately.
Use an air humidifier – the winter miracle device
One item you can always find on my desk or in my living room is an air humidifier. It adds moisture to the air, prevents skin from being dry or dehydrated, reduces the risk of infections and is also great for sinus health. Beauty and help benefits combined in one tiny device.
My top 10 winter skin care heroes
- Emma Hardie Moringa Cleansing Balm. One of the best balm cleansers out there, gets off all makeup and dirt, leaves the skin soft, plumped, and nourished, and has a divine smell. It’s definitely worth the hype, and while it’s not cheap exactly, you only need to use a tiny amount, so one jar lasts a long time (at least 6-8 months).
- Pixi Glow Tonic. Acids should not be forgotten during winter as exfoliation is important so that the products can penetrate the skin. This one is quite gentle, yet very effective.
- [Missha] Time Revolution The First Treatment Essence Intensive Moist. Essences are one of the main secrets of the Korean beauty routine. Use it after toning and before serums and tap it gently into your skin – it provides great hydration.
- Caudalie Vinosource SOS Serum. A very lightweight moisturizing serum to be used in the morning for some extra hydration and as a protective layer.
- Fresh Seaberry Moisturizing Face Oil. A great moisturizing oil, full of antioxidants and fatty acids that can be used in the morning as it absorbs quickly and leaves a nice silky finish.
- Indie Lee Squalane Facial Oil. Squalane has intensive moisturizing benefits. I usually use this at night before my night cream, when my skin is extra dry and sensitive.
- bareMinerals Prep Step Mineral Protection Shield SPF 50. My all-time favorite SPF – it’s a lightweight mineral sunscreen that works great under makeup. Doesn’t leave a white residue, but a rather smooth, silky finish.
- Farmacy Honey Savior. A calming salve full of oils and honey, propolis, and royal jelly extract. Great for extra dry skin patches, around your nose after a cold, chapped lips, or any other problem areas.
- Weleda Skin Food. A more budget-friendly, yet still as effective alternative to the Farmacy balm. A great deep moisturizing treatment and winter protection cream with oils, lanolin, and glycerin.
- Lanolips The Original Ointment. My chapped lips savior. I’ve probably tried like 30 different lip balms and this is the best one for me. The tinted versions even have SPF in them.
What are your winter skin care essentials?
