Winter is the best season for building snowmen, holding bonfire nights, skating on frozen lakes, enjoying a hot cup of chocolate, and curling up with a book by the fire. While there’s no better time to relax and unwind, the cold weather can dry up your skin and cause various skin concerns. Read more for winter skin care tips: 

 

Bundling up in a thick jacket, scarf, and boots is one of the best ways to stay warm and comfortable. But when the temperature and humidity levels drop, you may be forgetting that you are leaving one body part exposed: your face. Give your skin some extra TLC during the year’s coldest months. It is an area that is almost constantly subjected to different elements and your skin will love you for it.

 

How Does Winter Affect My Skin?

 

Your skin is directly exposed to pollution, daily weather, climate conditions, environmental toxins, and man-made environments. The moisture barrier, or skin barrier or Stratum Corneum, is extremely fragile, and it can get compromised during winter due to the lack of moisture in the air. 

 

What Are Some of the Common Skin Concerns During Winter?

 

Being outside in harsh winter conditions leaves your skin exposed to chilling temperatures that make it difficult to replenish the lost moisture. Pollution is also worse during winter, which increases the risk of premature ageing because of free radical damage.

 

Dryness and dehydration are some of the most common skin concerns during winter because of low temperature and humidity levels and the lack of water in the atmosphere. Other skin problems you may experience are cracking, tightness, itchiness, inflammation, redness, and sensitivity. 

 

What Is the Best Way to Avoid Skin Dryness and Dehydration?

 

Establishing and sticking to a proper winter skin care routine can help you prevent common winter skin problems and allow your skin to adjust to drastic weather changes. A three-step basic routine is advisable for those new to skincare. This process involves a cleanser, toner, and moisturizer. You can also prepare your skin for the winter by getting facials that provide hydration. 

 

Contrary to popular belief, hydration is still a must regardless of the weather—even if you have naturally oily skin during winter. In fact, the oilier your skin, the more you need to hydrate. Otherwise, your skin will continue to overproduce oil, which can clog your pores and lead to acne. 

 

What Are Some Great Additions to My Winter Skin care Regimen?

 

Keeping your skin hydrated during the colder months should be your top priority. Some winter skin care products that are worth adding to your routine to prevent dryness and dehydration are a moisturizing, multi-active beauty oil, a hydrating oil, or a heavier hydrating serum. Your skin generally takes 14 days to 6 weeks to adjust to new products.  Introduce new items to your skin as soon as the weather starts to get cold. 

 

You can also consider trying some of our natural skincare products. Our Butter Balm, for instance, is an all-purpose skin balm that aids dry, sensitive, irritated, and cracked skin. It is ideal for applying on rashes, cuticles, knuckles, heels, tattoos, and more. 

 

This skincare product is completely free from artificial preservatives, petrochemicals, colourants, or scenting agents, which is why it is designed for all skin types. It contains local, unrefined beeswax and essential fatty acids and works by creating a barrier on your skin and protecting it from various external environmental factors. 

 

Another skincare must-have for your winter regimen is the In Yo Face! vegan face cream. It is a BBC cream that is packed with vitamins and essential acids that can calm, smoothen, and heal your skin, such as omega fatty acids, niacin, panthenol, lipoic acid, vitamin E, vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, and zinc oxide. Apply this on your face before applying makeup.

 

Furthermore, your lips can easily get chapped during winter. Keep it hydrated and moisturized by using our lip balm multiple times a day. This is the perfect remedy for dry lips, and it is made with 80 percent local and 60 percent certified organic ingredients and naturally flavoured with honey.

 

 

Should I Still Apply Sunscreen During Winter?

 

Your skin can still get damaged even when the sun doesn’t feel as scorching. Exposing your skin to UV rays can cause wrinkles, dullness, loss of firmness and elasticity, and pigmentation over time. 

 

Sun Protection Factor (SPF) is important even during winter, especially during heavy snowfall because UV rays reflect off bright surfaces like snow. You still have to apply sunscreen in spite of the cold weather. Look for one that looks and feels very light on the skin and stay away from those with zinc if you are worried about SPF clogging your pores and causing breakouts.

 

What Are Other Skincare Tips I Should Remember During Winter?

 

Keeping your skin moisturized is one of the most important ways to protect your skin during winter. But aside from those, here are other skincare tips you should remember and follow and add to your winter skin care routine:

 

Never sleep with your makeup on

 

Your skin needs time to rest and breathe, and sleeping with your makeup on can keep your body from doing so. The extra layers make your body work even harder to naturally repair the damage done to your skin during the day. 

 

Make time to get rid of makeup, dirt, and dust on your face by using a makeup remover and washing it thoroughly with a gentle cleanser no matter how exhausted you are. Your skin will thank you in the long run.

 

Switch to a hydrating cleanser

 

Lightweight foaming cleansers are ideal during summer when sweat and sebum can be major concerns, but it’s worth switching to a hydrating cleanser in winter. 

 

Your skin needs all the moisture it can get during the colder months. Try a gel cleanser if you have oily skin and are concerned if a cream cleanser may be too much for your skin. This type of cleanser contains both water and oil ingredients that are effective in cleansing without stripping off moisture. In addition, this is the best time to try cleansing oils and cream cleansers that can remove dirt and impurities and help restore the natural oils in your face.

 

Get enough sleep 

 

It can be tempting to stream your favourite shows or read by the fireplace and pull all-nighters. This is true as the holiday season kicks in and the temperatures drop. However, evading sleep can lead to damaged skin over time and form wrinkles around your eyes. Beauty sleep is real. As mentioned before, your skin repairs itself at night while you are sleeping. Because of this, prioritize getting enough rest and a good night’s sleep. 

 

Cut down the time you spend in the shower

 

The winter season might be the perfect time for a long, hot bath, but it’s best to try to resist the urge. Prolonged contact with hot water can strip your skin off of its natural moisture. It’s advisable to take brief lukewarm showers instead and lock in moisture by applying rich moisturizers immediately after you shower while your skin is still damp. Use lotions as much as possible to leave your skin well-hydrated.

 

You can also try dry brushing if your skin is flaking more than usual. This method involves rubbing your skin with a brush in light, circular motions. It serves as a relaxing self-massage that can exfoliate dry winter skin and promote lymphatic drainage. 

 

Monitor scaly skin 

 

Dermatitis is a typical skin problem during winter, and it is characterized by scaling around the nose and eyebrows. This is caused by yeast and triggered by the cold weather. You can treat this by applying Canesten cream to the affected areas at least twice a day for a week and using a gentle skin cleanser and moisturizer twice a day. An anti-inflammatory cream may also be needed. Consult your dermatologist if your skin doesn’t get better after several weeks.

 

Keep your hands protected

 

Your hands are one of the most exposed parts of your body aside from your face during winter. Pay extra care and attention to them. Prevent dry, chapped hands by wearing cotton gloves to protect them from extreme weather conditions and consider switching to moisturizing hand soap. 

 

Don’t forget to apply a moisturizing lotion or hand cream after every wash and at night under your cotton gloves. Your skin barrier will eventually heal after a few nights, and you will see and feel a noticeable difference.

 

Add a humidifier to your home

 

Dry air can circulate in your home during winter. Add some moisture to the air and keep your skin feeling hydrated with a humidifier. If you don’t have one, you can also pop a bowl of freshly boiled water in your room, and the steam will help deal with the dryness in the air. It’s also worth considering doing your winter skin care routine near the humidifier to help make your skin feel supple.

 

Avoid cranking up the heat as this can make the air in your house even drier. Try setting the thermostat instead at a cool yet comfortable setting anywhere from 68 to 72 degrees Fahrenheit to maintain your healthy skin.

 

Incorporate an overnight mask into your regimen

 

A face mask is one of the best ways to moisturize your skin. Overnight masks help lock in all those creams, oils, and serums that you applied to your face before. Since skin hydration levels start to decline in the afternoon and continue overnight, leaving the mask on as you sleep is extremely helpful to keep your skin hydrated. You can also pair your overnight mask with a humidifier to further seal in moisture, especially if you are sleeping in a room with dry heat.

 

Layer your skincare

 

Your skincare products act like outerwear for your skin during winter. Layering your skincare products prevents your skin from overdrying. It also lets you address various skin concerns using different products at the same time. The best way to do this is to layer lightest to heaviest. Start with a watery toner, followed by a serum, and finally a moisturizer.

 

Use an excellent exfoliator

 

Dry winter air can cause dead skin cells to accumulate. Make sure to exfoliate regularly to remove them and leave your skin looking bright, fresh, and glowing. 

 

Avoid overdoing it to prevent disrupting your outer skin layer, which can cause dryness and irritation. A good rule of thumb is to exfoliate at least once a week. Complete your skincare routine with a post-cleaning moisturizer to lock in moisture. 

 

Wear appropriate winter clothing

 

Many cold-weather fabrics can be too harsh on your skin and further aggravate your already dry winter skin. Avoid keeping wool and rough clothing from directly touching your skin and change out of your wet clothes and shoes to prevent skin itchiness and irritation. 

 

Invest in quality winter clothes made from soft, breathable materials that can directly touch your skin. Layer with heavier, warmer sweaters to keep you warm and protected from harsh weather conditions. Wear cotton gloves or mittens to prevent dry hands.

 

Maintain a healthy diet and stay hydrated

 

Lots of water and a healthy diet are crucial during winter. Incorporate foods that are rich in omega-3 or omega-6 fatty acids. These include foods like fish oil and flaxseed. Incorporate them into your diet when your skin begins to dry. Also, don’t forget to moisturize your skin from the outside while consuming meals that are rich in vitamins and minerals that your body needs.

 

Wrap Up

 

Winter just might be your favourite season, but it’s probably not the best season for your skin. You can make the best of the cold weather and enjoy this time of the year. Just keep in mind all the tips and information discussed in this guide. Remember the common winter skin care concerns, the most ideal products you can add to your regimen, the best ways to resolve various winter skin problems, and other tips that can keep your skin healthy.

 

In addition, the skincare products you use are crucial during winter, so be careful when trying out new ones. Shop only at reliable stores that specialize in quality items like ours. Try out our new Caf-A-OK Lotion for those dry skin patches. Keep your skin healthy, and check out the mayo clinic for further recommendations and remedies

 

Here at Lowen’s, we offer natural skincare products made from locally sourced ingredients throughout the US. Shop now!