Understanding how winter affects your skin
Before diving into skincare tips, it’s important to understand why winter can be so tough on your skin.
Dry air and low humidity
During winter, the air tends to be much drier, especially in areas that experience cold, harsh winters. The lower humidity means that the moisture in your skin evaporates more quickly. This can leave the skin feeling parched, tight, and uncomfortable. The lack of moisture can also lead to flakiness, cracks, and rough texture.
Indoor heating
While the cold air outside can dry out your skin, the indoor heating systems used to warm up your home or office can have a similar effect. Forced air heating systems, radiators, and space heaters all reduce the moisture in the air, creating a dry environment that saps the skin’s hydration levels.
Wind and cold exposure
Wind can exacerbate the drying effects of winter. It strips the skin of its natural oils, leaving it vulnerable to irritation, redness, and sensitivity. Prolonged exposure to cold temperatures without proper protection can lead to chapped lips, cracked skin, and even frostbite in extreme cases.
Shorter days and lack of sunlight
The reduced daylight hours during winter mean less sun exposure, which can decrease your vitamin D levels and affect your skin’s natural radiance. However, despite the less direct sunlight, it’s still important to wear sunscreen during the winter months, as UV rays can penetrate through clouds and still cause damage.
Changes in diet and lifestyle
The winter season can also bring changes in diet, with people often eating richer, heavier foods and drinking less water. This can affect the overall health and appearance of your skin. Additionally, we may spend more time indoors, leading to less physical activity and potentially more skin issues such as acne or dullness.
Essential skincare tips for winter
Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate
Proper hydration is the foundation of any good skincare routine, but it becomes even more crucial in the winter months. When the air is dry, your skin loses moisture more quickly, and you need to replace that lost hydration to maintain healthy, glowing skin.
Drink plenty of water
While it’s easy to forget about drinking water when it’s cold outside, staying hydrated internally is key to keeping your skin plump and hydrated. Aim for at least 8 glasses of water per day to support your skin’s health.
Use a humidifier
Since indoor heating systems can dry out the air in your home, using a humidifier can help add moisture back into the air. This is especially helpful during the night while you sleep, allowing your skin to recover and replenish hydration levels.
Opt for hydrating skincare products
Switch to richer, more moisturizing skincare products during the winter months. Look for serums, oils, and creams that contain humectants like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and aloe vera. These ingredients attract and lock in moisture, preventing the skin from becoming too dry.
Switch to a gentle, hydrating cleanser
In the winter, it’s important to cleanse your skin, but you need to do so without stripping it of its natural oils. Choose a gentle, hydrating cleanser that won’t dry out or irritate your skin. Avoid cleansers with harsh ingredients like sulfates, as these can exacerbate dryness.
Look for cleansers with moisturizing ingredients like glycerin, honey, or chamomile. Cream-based or oil-based cleansers tend to be more nourishing and effective at retaining moisture compared to gel-based or foaming cleansers, which can be drying.
Exfoliate, but not too much
Exfoliating your skin helps remove dead skin cells and promotes cell turnover, but during the winter months, it’s essential to exfoliate gently and not too frequently.
Over-exfoliating can strip your skin of its natural oils, leading to more dryness and irritation. Limit exfoliation to once a week or bi-weekly, depending on your skin’s sensitivity.
Use mild exfoliants
Instead of abrasive physical exfoliants like scrubs, opt for chemical exfoliants with gentle acids such as lactic acid, glycolic acid, or salicylic acid. These exfoliants dissolve dead skin cells without rough abrasion, making them a better choice for dry, winter skin.
Focus on sensitive areasBe especially gentle around areas like the lips, eyes, and cheeks, as they tend to be more sensitive and vulnerable to the winter elements.
Use a rich moisturiser
A thick, nourishing moisturiser is a winter skincare essential. During the winter months, you need a moisturiser that creates a protective barrier to lock in moisture and shield your skin from harsh elements.
Choose moisturizers with occlusive ingredients
Look for moisturisers containing occlusive agents like petroleum jelly, lanolin, and dimethicone, which help create a barrier on the skin’s surface and prevent water loss. These ingredients are especially helpful for keeping the skin hydrated in extremely cold or dry conditions.
Layering moisturiser
If you have dry skin, consider layering your moisturiser. Apply a light layer of a hydrating serum or oil first, then follow with a richer cream on top to lock in all the moisture.
Protect your skin from the elements
The winter winds can be harsh on your skin, and prolonged exposure to cold temperatures can lead to chapped skin, redness, and even frostbite in extreme cases. Protecting your skin is key to avoiding damage during the colder months.
Wear sunscreen every day
UV rays can still damage your skin during the winter, even when it’s cloudy or snowy. The reflection of sunlight off snow can intensify UV exposure. Make sure to wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher every day, even when you’re indoors or not spending extended time outside.
Cover up with scarves, gloves, and hats
When heading outdoors, cover your skin as much as possible to shield it from the wind and cold. A scarf wrapped around your neck and face can protect your cheeks and chin, while gloves will help prevent dry, cracked hands. Don’t forget to wear a hat or beanie to protect your scalp and ears from the cold.
Use lip balm regularly
The lips are particularly susceptible to the drying effects of winter, so make sure to keep a nourishing lip balm handy. Look for balms containing beeswax, shea butter, or petroleum jelly to create a barrier and prevent your lips from chapping.
Choose a nourishing face mask
In addition to your regular skincare routine, you can use hydrating face masks to give your skin an extra boost of moisture. Look for masks that contain ingredients like hyaluronic acid, avocado oil, honey, or aloe vera. These ingredients help to deeply hydrate the skin and improve its overall texture.
Use a hydrating mask once a week, or as needed, to combat winter dryness and restore your skin’s moisture levels.
Adjust your shower routine
Hot showers may feel comforting in the winter, but they can strip your skin of its natural oils, leaving it dry and irritated. Opt for lukewarm water instead of hot water to minimize damage.
Use a moisturising body wash
Instead of using a harsh soap, choose a moisturising body wash with nourishing ingredients like glycerin, shea butter, or coconut oil. These will help hydrate the skin while you cleanse.
Moisturise immediately after showering
Apply a rich body lotion or body oil right after you shower, when your skin is still damp. This helps lock in moisture and prevents it from evaporating into the dry air.
Adjust your diet and lifestyle
What you eat and how you care for your body also play a significant role in the health of your skin. During the winter, you may crave comfort foods that are rich in fats and sugars, but try to include plenty of foods that promote healthy skin.
Eat skin-boosting foods
Include more omega-3-rich foods like salmon, walnuts, and flaxseeds in your diet. These healthy fats help maintain your skin’s lipid barrier, preventing moisture loss. Additionally, foods high in vitamin C (like oranges, strawberries, and bell peppers) and vitamin E (like almonds, sunflower seeds, and spinach) can support collagen production and help protect your skin from oxidative damage.
Don’t forget to exercise
Exercise helps increase circulation, which can promote healthier skin by delivering more oxygen and nutrients to your skin cells. It also helps you sweat, which can aid in the removal of toxins and promote a clearer complexion.
Get enough sleep
Sleep is essential for your skin’s repair and renewal. Make sure to get 7-9 hours of sleep every night to support healthy skin.
Winter skincare requires extra attention and care to keep your skin hydrated, protected, and healthy. Adopt a routine that includes hydration, gentle exfoliation, nourishing moisturizers, and daily protection, to help your skin thrive despite the harsh winter conditions. Remember that winter skincare is not just about what you put on your skin -it’s also about supporting your skin from the inside out with proper hydration, a nutrient-rich diet, and healthy lifestyle habits. By making these adjustments, you can ensure that your skin remains radiant, smooth, and comfortable all winter long.