Is anyone else experiencing crazy cold winter temps this time of year? It’s important as the temperatures change to update your skincare routine to what your skin craves when exposed to cooler, dryer air. Here are a few cold weather skincare tips to keep your skin healthy this winter.
Use a Thicker Moisturizer
It makes sense that the drier air dries out your skin, right? While you may not feel dryness on your face, I’m sure you feel your lips getting chapped much quicker in the colder months. Your face craves moisture, so give it what it needs by moisturizing both in the morning and at night as part of your skincare regimen. I also like to keep a travel sized tube of Cetaphill moisturizing cream with me to apply after I walk from my office to my car or after a long outdoor walk on the weekends.
Also consider using a thicker moisturizer than you normally would – this helps to restore the skin barrier and hydrate your skin quicker when it’s feeling dry or flaky. Byrdie has gathered a list of 15 winter moisturizers that are thicker than your normal go-to moisturizing products in their guide here.
Continue to Apply Sunscreen
While you may not feel like you need to apply SPF in the winter months as it’s cloudy or your face is more covered with a scarf or hat, protecting you skin with sunscreen is equally as important. In fact, just because it is a cloudy (or even snowy!) day, the sun’s UV lights can wreck havoc on your face. Plus, failing to wear sunscreen will dry your skin out even quicker. Look for sunscreens with SPF of 30 or higher to apply to your face. And while we love a combo product such as a moisturizer with SPF, in the winter months you should consider using two seperate products to provide your skin with a little extra moisture.
Use a Gentle Cleanser
Your skin gets extra irritated in the colder months with the harsh wind and elements. The last thing you want to do is irritate it more during your cleansing routine. In these colder months, look for a cleanser labeled “gentle.” Cream-based moisturizers for cleansing both your body and face work well in colder weather as well. Just try and stay away from products that have fragrance, and instead look for ones with ingredients like hyaluronic acid, cermides, and glycerin. This article from Today lists out a number of good winter cleansers to try.
Add a Hydrating Serum to Your Cold Weather Skincare Routine
Adding a serum to your winter skincare routine will do wonders in keeping your skin glowing and fresh despite the harsh weather. Like the name of the product suggests, hydrating serums hydrate your skin and help it to retain moisture. Many contain nourishing ingredients that soothe the skin and can reduce irritation. You’ll know it’s time to add a serum to your skincare routine when you notice after applying your makeup that it looks cakey. This article from Prevention lists out some of the best hydrating facial serums for you to try.
Your Daily Cold Weather Skincare Routine
Here’s a tried and true cold weather skincare regimen you can try to not only protect your face, but leave it glowing as well:
Start by cleansing your face with a gentle cleanser and pat your face dry
Add a hydrating serum, then wait for it to absorb
Apply Hyaluronic acid to your skin and wait for it to absorb
Apply a thick moisturizer to your face
Last and not least, apply sunscreen!
Your skin will be left feeling hydrated and glowing and ready to take on the day!