As the weather grows colder and winter approaches, it’s not just your wardrobe that needs a change – your skin needs extra attention too. The chill in the air coupled with low humidity can lead to dryness, irritation and increased sensitivity. You might find your skin becomes tight, flaky or even more red than usual. Don’t worry – these seasonal skin shifts are common and with the right care, you can keep your skin healthy and hydrated all winter long.
How cold weather affects your skin
Winter weather can wreak havoc on our skin. One of the most common effects is dryness. When the weather gets colder, the humidity drops outside (and inside) our homes. The lack of moisture in the air, especially in heated indoor spaces, strips the skin of its natural oils, leaving it feeling tight, dry and irritated. This stripping process can lead to flaky patches, rough texture and increased skin sensitivity.
Low humidity and temperature can also decrease skin barrier function. The skin’s hydrolipidic barrier serves as a vital protective shield that covers the entire surface. When exposed to harsh cold, this barrier can become compromised, resulting in dryness and sensitivity and making it more vulnerable to environmental stressors.
Cold, dry air can also exacerbate existing skin issues, making them more difficult to control. Skin conditions like eczema and rosacea are especially prone to flare-ups due to the wind and extreme temperatures presented during winter months.
Expert skin care remedies for winter
Switch to a richer moisturizer
During the winter months, switching to a thicker, more nourishing moisturizer will help keep your skin hydrated. Opt for creams rich in hydrating, skin-balancing ingredients like silver ear mushroom and ceramides. Our experts recommend crucial moisture, an emollient creme moisturizer perfect for the dry winter months. Struggle with sensitive skin? Try barrier fix daily hydrator to calm reactive flare-ups.
Pro tip: Apply your moisturizer immediately after cleansing your face, as your skin will be better able to absorb moisture.
Use a gentle, hydrating cleanser
Cold weather can make your skin more susceptible to sensitivity, so it’s important to choose a cleanser that’s gentle and hydrating. Gel and oil-based cleansers should be your winter go-to’s, as they remove dirt and impurities without drying out your skin. Our experts recommend sensitive skin cleansing oil, a 2-in-1 formula that washes away makeup, dirt and skin impurities all while working to repair your winter-damaged skin barrier. Battling breakouts, too? Try pore thing to break up pore-clogging debris while maintaining barrier hydration.
Don’t forget sunscreen
Don’t skimp out on sunscreen just because it’s cold and gloomy outside – SPF is just as important in the winter as it is during the summer. UV rays from the sun can damage your skin year-round. In fact, UV rays can actually become more intense in the winter due to the reflective nature of snow and ice. Make sunscreen a part of your daily routine with expert-recommended raydefense, a broad spectrum SPF30 that doubles as your daily moisturizer. Looking for even more protection? Try spf 50 facescreen for the ultimate year-round sun defense.
Exfoliate, but gently
Exfoliation is key for healthier skin year-round, but winter requires a bit of extra caution. Over-exfoliating can strip the skin and cause irritation, especially when the skin is already sensitive from the cold. Gentle exfoliation, however, can help remove dead skin cells, allowing your other formulas to absorb more effectively. Our experts recommend quick refiner for a gentle, everyday exfoliation. This leave-on gel is suitable for all skin types, targeting pores, dullness and lines as it brightens your entire complexion. If you struggle with clogged pores, breakouts and texture, try peel breaker to smooth and brighten skin – without irritation.
Use a nourishing face mask
Using a face mask weekly can give your skin an extra boost of hydration and protection. Look for formulas that provide intense moisture, soothe irritation and help restore your skin’s natural balance – ingredients like betaine and sodium hyaluronate (the salt form of hyaluronic acid) are great ones to try. Experts recommend hydroplunge, a hyper-saturating immersion mask perfect for dehydrated skin. Concerned with wrinkles, too? Try collagen rehab for a boost of hydration plus anti-aging properties.
Invest in a good lip care routine
Your lips are especially vulnerable to cold weather, as they are typically exposed more often than the rest of your body. When you go outside, lip protection may not be the first thing on your mind, but it’s essential. The skin on your lips differs from the rest of your face – it’s much more thin and delicate, which means it requires some TLC, especially during the winter. Try this lip duo the next time you brave the cold: lip clinic exfoliating butter and lip clinic hydrating serum. Together, this winter weather-fighting pair works to exfoliate and renew dry, chapped lips, revealing smoother, softer skin.
Sources:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26449379/
https://health.clevelandclinic.org/how-to-get-rid-of-chapped-lips
