Embrace self-care with this affordable guide to winter skin care.
Cold and heat can stress our skin in different ways, so adopting a winter self-care routine strategy for your skin is a smart move.
As we go from the warm July sand on our toes, to the first crunchy step into January snow, the winter season can vex your skin.
Seasonal variation like heat, dryness, outdoor and indoor activities can stress our skin in different ways. Therefore, a one year-round moisturizing routine might not be able to handle both summer days and frosty winter days and nights.
I personally have a summer skin routine and a winter skin routine that is a must and I would like to share some of my favorites and offer some additional products for your skin type. So let’s look at what the seasons mean for our skin, which types of products to use and how to keep our skin radiant and well protected during the winter.
Winter skin dryness
Winter can be a rough time for your largest organ (our skin.) Cold air doesn’t hold as much moisture as warm air does. Spending time outdoors in the colder months is likely to dry out our skin, bringing itchiness, chapping and redness.
“Low humidity and wind strip the skin of essential oils needed for proper barrier function,” says Joshua Zeichner, MD, director of cosmetic and clinical research in the Department of Dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City. “This leads to microscopic cracks in the outer skin layer with loss of hydration and inflammation. This translates to the dry, itchy skin that we call eczema.”
Indoor heat can also present challenges. “Increased dryness in the air and heat in the showers or our home also strip the skin barrier of natural lipids and proteins. That makes it easier for water to evaporate out, leaving the skin dry and itchy,” says Mona Gohara, MD, a dermatologist and professor at Yale School of Medicine.
Best moisturizers for winter
The American Academy of Dermatology recommends moisturizing skin, applying products right after getting out of the shower for best results. Thicker creams can help in winter, and they absorb more easily when the skin is damp.
A well-formulated moisturizer combines three types of ingredients: occlusives, humectants and emollients.
Occlusives (like petrolatum or dimethicone) form a protective seal over the skin, preventing loss of hydration and creating a barrier to the environment.
Humectant ingredients, such as hyaluronic acid or glycerin, act like sponges, pulling in hydration to the outer skin layer.
And emollients, like natural oils, offer direct moisturizing benefits and soften rough cells on the surface of the skin. Moisturizers with ceramides, glycerin, mineral oil and shea butter are the ones to look for.
Best moisturizers for dry skin
Vichy LiftActiv Supreme, recommended by Dr. Zeichner, is a moisturize that helps in addressing the visible signs of aging. It’s formulated with 5 percent rhamnose, a naturally occurring sugar derived from plants.
Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Face Cream is another recommendation. This cream boasts prebiotic oat and is created to moisturize to help achieve smooth, soft, healthy-looking skin.
Vaseline Original Healing Jelly is a classic for a reason. Vaseline Healing Jelly can keep skin moisturized even on the coldest of days. Made with 100 percent petrolatum, this balm has been used to protect and help heal dry skin for more than 150 years. I recall watching a show with an elderly woman with beautiful skin and when asked how she maintained her skin she said vaseline. Go figure!
La Roche-Posay Lipikar Moisturizing Body Cream is a shea butter-infused formula for keeping the body moisturized. This is one of my favorites! When I say my skin drinks this up and leaves a shine like no other. I would not be without this, an absolute must to by winter skin routine.
Best moisturizers for combination skin
Eucerin Skin Balance Night Cream offers a lighter consistency and if you have combination skin, stick to a lighter cream or lotion, or consider using a different product for the T-zone versus the cheeks.
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Dermallegro Ultra is another one for combination skin. It contains neurosensine, a soothing agent that targets irritation due to dryness.
Best moisturizers for oily skin
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Water Gel Look for lighter lotion or gel formulations and consider an oil-free product that does not contain vegetable or mineral oils that can lead to breakouts.
Cetaphil DermaControl SPF30 is a good option with SPF, it is formulated with antioxidants and ProVitamin B5 to soothe sensitive skin.
Other tips for winter skin care
When the air becomes dry and harsh during winter months, consider incorporating a humidifier. A humidifier adds moisture to the air, combating indoor heating’s drying effects.
Colds also happen more frequently in winter, and opting for tissues specifically designed to be gentle on the skin can make a difference. Look for tissues that are softer and less abrasive, to help minimize the chances of irritation redness.
Find yourself licking your lips often? A winter skin care routine is not complete without taking care of our lips so do not neglect lip care. Cold weather dries out the delicate skin on the lips, leading to chapping. Applying a moisturizing lip balm with SPF protection can help retain moisture, prevent cracking and shield lips from the sun’s ultraviolet rays. Reapply regularly and consider using a lip scrub to gently exfoliate and remove any dry, flaky skin leaving lips soft and hydrated throughout the winter. Keep those lips kissable!
There you have it. A winter self-care skin routine. I hope you found this informative. Remember, a winter skin routine is essential for healthy glowing skin so hydrate, protect, and nourish your skin to keep it resilient, soft, and vibrant during the winter months.
This content is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Consult with your health care provider.
Contains affiliate links disclaimer here.
References
● Joshua Zeicher, MD. Dr. Joshua Zeichner is an Associate Professor of Dermatology and the Director of Cosmetic & Clinical Research in Dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City. He is one of the country’s key opinion leaders in treating acne and rosacea, and is an expert in cosmeceuticals, skin care, and cosmetic Dermatology.
