Nov
Skincare
How to Prepare Your Skincare Routine for Winter
Winter is like an all-out assault on your skin. Cold air outside, dry heat inside, and a drop in humidity levels can wreak havoc on the skin’s natural moisture barrier. In fact, skin loses moisture at a much faster rate during winter, leading to dryness, irritation, and even breakouts. Research has shown that low humidity causes a 25% increase in transepidermal water loss, which means our skin loses hydration more quickly. So, how can we make sure our skincare routine is up for the challenge? Let’s walk through the key steps to take so you can maintain hydrated, healthy skin all season long.
Swap to a Gentler Cleanser
If you’re still using the same foaming or gel cleanser from the summer, it’s time for a change. Winter air strips the skin of its natural oils, so using a harsh cleanser can worsen dryness and lead to irritation. Try switching to a cream-based or oil cleanser, which is formulated to cleanse without removing essential moisture.
Gentle cleansers work to remove dirt and impurities without disturbing your skin’s lipid barrier. When looking for a gentle cleanser, opt for one that’s fragrance-free and non-foaming. Look for ingredients like glycerin, ceramides, and hyaluronic acid that help to cleanse while also adding moisture back into the skin.
Layer Up on Hydration
When it comes to winter skincare, layering is the name of the game. Adding multiple hydrating layers can make a world of difference in maintaining moisture levels throughout the day. After cleansing, the first layer should ideally be a hydrating toner or essence. These products are packed with water-attracting ingredients like hyaluronic acid, which draws moisture into the skin.
After applying a toner, reach for a hydrating serum. Winter is the perfect time to splurge on a high-quality serum loaded with hydrating ingredients. Hyaluronic acid, peptides, and ceramides are excellent options for a winter serum. Apply it while your face is still slightly damp from the toner to lock in as much moisture as possible.
Choose a Rich Moisturizer
Now that you’ve got your hydration layers on, it’s time to seal them in with a richer moisturizer. Winter skin needs more protection, and lightweight lotions might not provide enough of a barrier against harsh, dry air. Instead, look for a cream with a thicker consistency.
Moisturizers rich in ceramides, fatty acids, and cholesterol work best in winter because they reinforce the skin barrier, helping to retain moisture. Plant oils, like jojoba or argan oil, are also fantastic in the winter as they mimic the natural oils our skin produces. Apply your moisturizer while your skin is still damp to trap as much hydration as possible.
Add an Overnight Mask to Your Routine
An overnight mask is like giving your skin a big glass of water while you sleep. These masks are typically richer than regular moisturizers and are designed to be left on overnight, creating a seal that helps prevent water loss while you sleep. Apply it as the last step in your evening routine after your moisturizer.
Look for masks with ingredients like squalane, shea butter, and glycerin. These are occlusive ingredients, meaning they create a protective barrier on the skin. Using an overnight mask a few times a week can give your skin an extra boost of hydration and leave it soft and glowing come morning.
Don’t Skip the SPF
This one surprises a lot of people: sunscreen is essential even in winter. UV rays are present year-round and can damage the skin even on cloudy days. Snow reflects up to 80% of UV light, which means sun exposure can be even stronger during winter than in summer. Apply a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher as the last step in your morning skincare routine.
Choose a sunscreen that’s hydrating to avoid the dry, tight feeling that some sunscreens can cause. A mineral sunscreen with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide can provide a gentle barrier against the sun’s rays while being kind to sensitive skin.
Exfoliate, But with Care
Exfoliation is essential for glowing skin, but winter calls for a gentler approach. Over-exfoliating in the colder months can lead to micro-tears and weaken your skin’s moisture barrier, making it vulnerable to dryness and irritation. Instead of a physical scrub, try a gentle chemical exfoliant once or twice a week.
Lactic acid and polyhydroxy acids are excellent winter exfoliants because they remove dead skin cells without overly drying. These milder exfoliants also work to improve skin texture while helping your other products penetrate more effectively. Remember, less is more when it comes to exfoliating in winter.
Hydrate from the Inside Out
Drinking enough water during winter can be a struggle, but it’s crucial for keeping skin hydrated. In the colder months, we tend to drink less water, which can impact our skin’s moisture levels. Try to aim for at least eight glasses a day to keep your skin’s natural hydration in check.
You can also add hydrating foods to your diet, like cucumber, watermelon, and oranges, which have a high-water content and provide an extra boost of hydration. Consider a humidifier in your home to add moisture to the air, especially if you’re using central heating, which can dry out the skin.
Adjust for Your Skin Type
It’s essential to remember that not all winter skincare routines are created equal. Different skin types require slightly different care, especially in winter. If you have oily skin, you may not need as thick of a moisturizer, but switching to a gel-cream with ceramides can still offer hydration without clogging pores.
Dry skin types, on the other hand, may benefit from layering a facial oil on top of a moisturizer for an added layer of protection. Sensitive skin types should be extra cautious about fragrance-free products and should look for products with soothing ingredients like aloe vera, chamomile, and colloidal oatmeal.
Avoid Long, Hot Showers
A hot shower feels luxurious in the winter, but it can be harsh on your skin. Long, hot showers strip away natural oils, leaving skin feeling even drier and more irritated. Instead, opt for lukewarm water and try to keep showers brief.
After you step out, gently pat your skin dry and immediately apply a moisturizer to lock in the moisture. Body oils are also a great addition to your winter routine, as they create a barrier to help keep your skin hydrated and soft.
Winter Skincare Adjustments
Taking the time to adjust your skincare routine for winter isn’t just about looking good – it’s about keeping your skin healthy and resilient. The right products, a little extra hydration, and some tweaks to your routine can make a huge difference in how your skin feels and looks all winter long. So, bundle up your skin just as you would bundle up in a coat, and let’s welcome winter without fear!
