Nourish and Protect: Tips to Keep Your Skin Looking and Feeling Its Best This Winter

Step outside on a crisp autumn or winter day, and you can practically feel the moisture leaving your skin. As the days grow colder and the air becomes drier, you may notice patches of flakiness, along with redness, dullness, and even breakouts. While we love getting warm and cozy indoors, the constant shifts between chilly outdoor air and heated indoor spaces can wreak havoc on our skin.

Winter conditions—cold winds, low humidity, indoor heating, and frequent hot showers—all work together to strip our skin of moisture, leaving it vulnerable and sensitive. To keep your skin healthy, it's essential to adjust your skincare routine to meet the challenges of the season.

This means the cooling cleansers, lightweight serums and moisturizers from your summer routine may no longer be sufficient. The skin on your face is thinner and more sensitive than the rest of your body, and it’s the most exposed during winter, making it especially important to protect. Just as you adjust your wardrobe when it gets chilly outside, it’s important that you make adjustments to your winter skincare routine as well.

Many cleansers can be too harsh for colder months, and can strip away your natural oils so using natural gentle cleansers that hydrate and soothe are essential in winter. The most beneficial types of cleansers for dry, winter skin are cream- and oil-based cleansers. These will be helpful in protecting your skin's moisture levels and will not leave your skin feeling tight or dry.

A hydrating serum can be a game-changer in winter. Two powerhouse ingredients that work wonderfully on their own and even better together are hyaluronic acid and Vitamin C. Hyaluronic acid attracts and locks in moisture, helping to keep skin soft and smooth, while Vitamin C brightens and tackles the dullness that often comes with the colder months.

Switching to a richer moisturizer is a must in colder months. Look for options that incorporate oils like jojoba, argan, rosehip and almond oil– these are packed with essential fatty acids, reinforce the skin’s barrier, and help retain moisture, creating a layer of protection against winter’s harsh elements.

*Consider layering with a straight facial oil for an extra shield against winter’s drying effects. Apply a few drops after moisturizing to seal in hydration.

A weekly hydrating mask is also a wonderful treat for your skin in winter. Ingredients like honey, avocado, and oats are deeply moisturizing and soothing, helping to replenish hydration and calm irritation.

Just because it is winter, don’t forget SPF! The sun’s rays are present year-round, so use a mineral-based sunscreen with zinc oxide for natural, non-irritating protection against UV rays.

Lip balm is another winter essential, as lips can easily become chapped and cracked. Choose balms made from natural ingredients like beeswax, shea butter, or cocoa butter, which lock in moisture and shield lips from the cold.

Taking the time to adjust your skincare routine for the winter months can keep your complexion healthy and glowing. By incorporating gentle, hydrating products, you can maintain a balanced, comfortable complexion all winter long. Embrace the cozy season with confidence, knowing your skin is well cared for and ready to face the colder months ahead. Here’s to happy, nourished skin, no matter the weather!