The humidifier is on, you’ve turned down the heat and you’re drinking more water so why is your skin still so dry?
Winter weather can take a toll on all skin types and easily lead to dry winter skin on your face and body. While little changes in your environment can help, your skin will likely need more moisture, more often, than in summer. But that doesn’t mean you need to change your entire skin care routine. Sometimes it just takes a few simple tweaks to your routine to give your skin the extra protection and nourishment it needs to prevent or comfort dry winter skin.
With so many products available, it can be difficult to know what skin care products to swap or add. Read on to see our top skin care essentials and favorite swaps to keep your skin soft and supple all winter long.
WINTER SKIN CARE ESSENTIAL #1: USE A RICHER MOISTURIZER, MORE OFTEN
Drinking extra water is a good start, but it’s likely not enough to keep your skin hydrated and glowing.
If you don’t currently use a face cream, now is a good time to start.
Your ideal moisturizer should replenish your skin barrier with anti-oxidants, vitamins and essential fatty acids. We recommend sticking with a moisturizer formulated for your skin type, ranging from extra dry to sensitive. If skin is dehydrated, switch to a formula with moisture boosters like hyaluronic acid or glycerin.
Yes, Even oily skin can become dry and dehydrated in colder weather. A serum with bakuchiol like these ones may help calm acne-prone skin. Bakuchiol's proven anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial effects mean it's may help with active blemishes, whilst its retinoid-like action means it helps unclog pores.
WINTER SKIN CARE ESSENTIAL #2: LAYER YOUR MOISTURIZER WITH A FACE OIL
When skin feels extra dry or tight, one moisturizer might not be enough.
Instead of switching your moisturizer, try layering with a face oil. Face oils are amazing moisturizers and the extra nourishment leaves skin looking and feeling instantly better. Essential fatty acids help keep skin soft and supple longer.
Choose a face oil for your skin type and concerns. If you have dry skin, a richer oil with peptides can help improve skin texture. Likewise, if you are prone to breakouts or have sensitive skin, a lightweight oil like this one can help soothe and strengthen the skin barrier.
WINTER SKIN CARE ESSENTIAL #3: TRY A CLEANSING BALM, OIL OR CREAM CLEANSER
Foaming and gel based cleansers and face wash may be too drying now. If skin is dry or tight, opt for a more nourishing formula like a cream, cleansing oil or balm.
If you live in the city, wear makeup or sunscreen or use products that need to be rinsed off, consider using a proper facial cleanser. Makeup and sunscreen are typically oil based and cannot be easily removed with water alone.
WINTER SKIN CARE ESSENTIAL #4: EXFOLIATE – GENTLY
Ideally, you’re exfoliating all year round. It’s one of the simplest ways to get an even skin tone – hence a brighter appearance. In winter your skin becomes drier and exfoliating helps slough off dry dead skin cells so your moisturizers can absorb better. But be careful not to overdo it.
WINTER SKIN CARE ESSENTIAL #5: PROTECT THE DELICATE SKIN UNDER YOUR EYES
Dry skin makes dark circles and under eye wrinkles look worse, which is why adding an eye cream to nourish and protect the very delicate skin under your eyes is so important in the winter. According to Black Chicken Remedies, the skin under your eyes is thinner (it can be up to 10 times thinner than the skin on the rest of your face). It shows signs of aging more quickly and it’s much more delicate and vulnerable than the rest of your face.
For puffiness and dark circles… try an eye cream with coffee bean extracts (or boost the effectiveness of your favorite serum with a reusable silicone eye mask for a quick fix).
For fine lines & wrinkles… try ICU Intensive Eye Care for fine lines or a firming eye cream to tackle more advanced signs of aging.
Maybe not. Unless you're experiencing loss of firmness, fine lines or dark circles, you might not need a specialized eye cream. Be sure to use a well-formulated serum like Raspberry & Pomegranate Beauty Serum which is essential oil free and safe for the delicate skin under your eyes.
WINTER SKIN CARE ESSENTIAL #6: PROTECT YOUR HANDS WITH HAND CREAM OR BALM
Winter weather and frequent hand washing can easily dry out your hands. Keeping hands moisturized helps prevent moisture loss and chapping. Use your hand lotion regularly to prevent dry hands.
For dry, chapped hands…reach for a healing balm like Balm Of Ages if hands are severely dry or chapped. And, don't forget to massage a bit of moisturizer into cuticles to prevent further dryness and cracking.
WINTER SKIN CARE ESSENTIAL #7: MOISTURIZE YOUR LEGS TO KEEP THEM SILKY SMOOTH
Hot baths or showers, cold dry air and shaving can leave legs dry, rough and flaky. Use a dry brush regularly and apply your moisturizer to damp skin to keep skin soft, smooth and healthy looking.
We love Award Winning Sesame & Frankincense Body Oil and Love Your Body Oil, which combine mood enhancing scents (from pure essential oils) and lightweight textures with serious skin benefits.
For something richer Frankincense & Orange Body Cream that has the added benefit of nutrient rich unrefined organic shea butter to protect against the ravages of cold winds and dry inside air.
WINTER SKIN CARE ESSENTIAL #8: APPLY LIP BALM FREQUENTLY
The sensitive skin on your lips is particularly vulnerable to icy winds and drying heat. Smooth on a hydrating lip balm to keep your lips smooth and protected, whatever the weather.