Prepping Your Skin For The Winter

The seasons are changing, and that means our skincare’s changing too! As you pull out your boots, coats, and all those cozy sweaters to prep for the months ahead, it’s important to prep your skin for the change in weather as well!

Many of us experience irritated skin during the colder months. Whether it be dry, flaky, or tight – winter skin can be no fun.  Cold, harsh winds and dry air can make our skin feel tight and downright uncomfortable. This, along with the constant contrast in temperature going between the in- and outdoors can really start to take a toll on our skin – making it difficult for the skin to naturally maintain its hydration levels. In short, while we all love a winter wonderland, its general lack of moisture makes our skin very unhappy.

We know seasonal skincare can be tricky, so we’ve put together 6 tips to get you through the winter months!

1. Adjusting your cleansing and exfoliating routine!
           You may notice as the seasons change your skin is naturally producing less oil, this may be creating more tightness, dryness, and flakiness. We recommend opting for a gentler cleanser that will not only cleanse the skin but avoids stripping it from the necessary natural oils our face produces. Be mindful that you’re not over-exfoliating and sensitizing your skin! For most people winter is the skin’s most sensitive season!
   
   
2. Prioritize nourishment and hydration, and a bit less time on actives.
           Because our skin can be more sensitive than normal, it is crucial that we feed it great ingredients, vitamins, and antioxidants to keep it balanced and healthy. Focusing too much of your routine on exfoliating (AHAs/BHAs) can lead to damaging your skin barrier, which can lead to irritation, sensitivities, and further damage to your skin overall. Lean towards nourishing moisturizers, repairing serums, and hydrating toners and mists.
   
   
3. Sandwich your hydration!
           Add in a humectant-rich (moisture-attracting) facial mist to help grab onto moisture and lock it into the skin. (The Gentle Hydrating Facial Mist is our BFF for this step – we layer it after our cleansers, between our serums, before our moisturizers, and EVEN throughout the day to give the face a refreshed glow).
   
   
4. Watch Your Water Temperatures!
           This is a small change in your routine but can make a big difference in your skin’s moisture levels. Though the steaming-hot showers feel great in the moment, they can actually strip the skin, washing away extra moisture and natural oils that our skin needs to thrive. If this happens, try lukewarm water if you can. It still gives that wonderful calming experience, without drying your skin out.
   
   
5. Skincare tools! 
           We recommend 2 top tools for the wintertime to help rid your skin of flakiness and discomfort!
   
   
   1. A humidifier by your bedside! This can be a great way to add moisture to the air, help your skin recover overnight, and avoid water and moisture loss as you sleep.
      
      
   2. A dry body brush before the shower. This can give us an extra exfoliation boost all over the body, shedding dead surface skin cells, while stimulating blood flow AND collagen production in the skin.
      
      
6. Don’t be scared of heavier moisturizers!   
           We know everyone’s skin is different, so heavy moisturizers MAY not be your first choice. However, in your PM routine, they can bring your skin a lot of comfort and repair. Thicker moisturizers are usually nutrient-rich, which can help restore, replenish, and repair your skin. So, if you don’t enjoy a thicker moisturizer during the day, try incorporating it into your PM routine.

When it comes to winter skincare, remember “the more moisture, the merrier”! Your skin is constantly changing – and what it needs to be healthy changes with it. It’s important to adapt to your skin’s needs throughout seasonal changes as your concerns continue to evolve. We know it may seem like a lot to stay on top of, but we’re here to make it easy! Showing you how you can address them through small tweaks in your current routine. If you’re interested in learning more or have questions about your own routine, join our “Skincare: Learn Your Routine” masterclass to speak to one of our skin specialists one on one!