Winter’s chilly weather and dry indoor air can wreak havoc on your skin, leaving it parched, flaky, and irritated. During this season, you want to focus on deeply nourishing and protecting your skin with hydrating ingredients and innovative skincare practices. Here are some ways to embrace the latest winter skincare trends and keep your skin glowing.
Trending Winter Skincare Ingredients
- Ceramides and Peptides: These are key players in repairing your skin barrier, which can become compromised due to cold weather. Ceramides work to seal in moisture and protect against irritants, while peptides encourage collagen production, keeping your skin firm and smooth. Opt for a rich cream or treatment packed with these ingredients, especially for nighttime use.
- Niacinamide: This soothing ingredient is ideal for reducing redness and inflammation caused by winter winds. It also strengthens your skin barrier, helps retain moisture, and minimizes the appearance of fine lines. Add a niacinamide serum to your morning and evening routine for a calming effect.
- Squalane and Jojoba Oil: These oils mimic your skin’s natural sebum, making them excellent for locking in hydration without clogging pores. Use them as a last step in your nighttime routine or mix a few drops into your moisturizer for extra nourishment.
Skincare Tips for Winter
- Layer Your Products: Think of skincare as dressing for the cold—layering is key. Begin with a lightweight, hydrating serum like hyaluronic acid to attract moisture. Follow with a thicker moisturizer containing occlusive ingredients like shea butter or beeswax to prevent water loss. Always finish with SPF to shield your skin from harmful UV rays, even on cloudy days.
- Avoid Over-Exfoliating: Over-exfoliating in winter can strip your skin of its protective oils, worsening dryness and irritation. Instead, choose a gentle exfoliant, like a lactic acid or enzyme-based product, and limit use to once or twice a week to keep skin smooth without overdoing it.
- Invest in a Humidifier: Dry indoor heating depletes the air (and your skin) of moisture. Running a humidifier in your bedroom while you sleep replenishes hydration, preventing tight, flaky skin. For added benefits, pair this with an overnight mask to wake up to supple, plump skin.
- Choose Creamy Cleansers: Foaming cleansers can be too harsh for winter use, stripping the skin of its natural oils. Instead, switch to a creamy, non-foaming cleanser with ingredients like glycerin or aloe vera, gently cleansing your skin while maintaining hydration.
Winter skincare is about nourishing your skin and building a routine that protects it from harsh elements. Always check with your dermatologist and/or esthetician before incorporating new products into your skincare routine and adhere to their recommendations for your skin.
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A little extra self care
A relaxing bath or shower is a great way to take time for yourself. Set the scene with candles lit, music playing, a great face mask and bath soak or shower gel that helps soothe away the stress of the day with essentials oils and botanicals. We love Molton Brown’s Ylang Ylang shower gel and Origins Original Skin™ Retexturizing Mask with Rose Clay.
Our faves from left to right: Prequel Pre-Gleanse, Prequel Gleanse for Face & Body, Mario Badescu Facial Mist, The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid, Sephora Vitamin C + E Superglow Serum, Belif Aqua Bomb Eye Gel, Skinfix Barrier + Triple Peptide Cream, Supergoop Glow Screen.
