Summary
- Hydrate from the inside out, including keeping up your water intake
- Switch to a lighter cleanser
- Swap out your light moisturizers for heavier ones or balms
- Continue using eye cream, sunscreen and serum
- Lessen the number of times you exfoliate if you notice skin irritation during winter
- Change your mask to a hydrating one if you’re not already using one
- Consider adding a hydrating mist to your routine
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It's that time of year again when we've swapped out our summer clothes for a wardrobe better suited for cooler temps. It's also the time we should be updating our skincare routines.
As much as your current routine works in the summer, the dry and cold air during the winter months changes the game. Depending on where you live, your skincare routine will need to change for the next few (or more) months.
Make these additions or swaps to winterize your skin to keep it looking its best!
1. Hydrate from the inside out…and then some more!
Keep drinking lots of water (hopefully you were doing this in the summer as well), as it helps keep your skin's moisture barrier hydrated.
Just like your internal organs, your skin is an organ that can get dehydrated if you don't drink enough water.
2. Swap your cleanser
As you know, washing your skin is a must year-round. But as it gets colder, the cleanser you use in the summer might be harsh and further dry out your skin during the winter. Try a lighter cleanser that doesn't strip away too much of your natural oil and retains moisture.
What I do: In the summer, I use our Turmeric Bar Soap, which I switch to our Balancing Act Cleanser in the cooler months.
3. Serum
If you don't use a serum during the summer, now's the time to start! Serums can do a range of things for your skin, like firming, reducing signs of aging, evening skin tone, and more.
During the winter, using one that hydrates is a perfect way to add an extra layer of moisture to your routine. You could add a hydrating serum to your routine or replace the one you're currently using.
What I do: I switch from our Firming serum back to our best-selling All-in-One serum, which contains Tremella mushrooms – nature's answer to Hyaluronic Acid. I use it day and night.
4. Never skip an eye cream day.
As long as you're using an eye cream, it's a good thing; keep it up! If you don't use an eye cream, please start using one. Add it to your daily routine.
What I do: I swap between our Collagen Boost and Moisture Boost eye creams. Both offer supreme hydration for your delicate eye area.
5. To mist or not to mist.
If you want to give your skin an extra dose of hydration, try introducing a mist.
What I do: I add our Spritz N Glo Mist after my serum, and I use it during the day or evening when I'm out for extra moisture. NGL, this is my favourite (favorite) product!
6. Use a heavier moisturizer
A lighter-weight moisturizer is perfect from late spring to early fall because it keeps your skin hydrated without feeling heavy. During winter, when the air is much drier, it pulls moisture from wherever it can, including the skin. Try using a heavier moisturizer or add a balm.
What I do: Our Moisture Boost creams are good year-round, since their primary purpose is to boost your skin's moisture! So, I use the Moisture Boost Night Balm at night instead of the Night Cream. If you only use the Day Cream, you may want to add the Night Cream to your daily routine if the Day Cream feels too light.
7. Sun Protection 4 Life
I will say this a bajillion times: use sunscreen every day, no matter what the weather is like. It's a high priority during summer months, especially if you love being outdoors. Even if you spend less time outside in the winter, UV rays still get through clouds, rain, snow…it doesn't matter. Keep your skin protected at all times.
What I do: I mix it into my foundation in the winter, so I may not use as much, but I still use it every day. Note that using a foundation or base with SPF doesn't provide as much protection as a regular sunscreen.
8. Exfoliate your way to beautiful skin
Exfoliation helps buff away dead skin cells, so your skin is smoother and brighter. If you didn't exfoliate before, consider starting now! And if you did and find it's irritating or drying your skin now, try reducing how often you exfoliate. If you exfoliate twice a week, try once a week. If you exfoliate once a week, try using a milder exfoliant.
What I do: I usually exfoliate only once a week because my skin is a bit sensitive. I switch from our Charcoal Exfoliate to the Mint Exfoliate in winter.
9. Amp up your mask routine
A good face mask gives your skin an amped-up dose of hydration, deep cleaning and more. Try a mask that offers you extra hydration.
What I do: I switch from our Clay Mud Mask to our Turmeric Clay Mask in the winter.
10. Stay Fragrance-free
We recommend staying fragrance-free in general because it can cause skin irritation. It's especially true in winter because the drier your skin is, the more sensitive it becomes. Why? Hydration is a key piece to naturally protecting your skin's barrier, and when your skin is too dry, the barrier weakens. It makes your skin more sensitive to irritants, which include added fragrance.
If you notice your skin getting more inflamed during the winter, look for products you're using that include fragrance or are scented (words like flavour or flavor, aroma are used as name substitutes), and swap them out for unscented versions.
What I do: I avoid fragrance products, which is easy since ours are fragrance-free!
Winterize your skincare routine your way.
It might take some time to find the routine that works for you during the winter; that's why it's best to get started as soon as possible. Hopefully, these tips will help you get started on the right path so your skin stays healthy and beautiful during the cold winter months.
