As the colder months approach, your skincare routine needs a little winter refresh to keep your skin glowing, healthy, and hydrated. Harsh winter weather and dry heated air can strip your skin of moisture, leaving it dry, irritated, and more prone to sensitivity. To help you navigate the season with radiant skin, we’ve put together some essential skincare tips to keep you looking and feeling your best throughout the winter.
While exfoliating helps to slough off dead skin cells, it’s important to switch to more gentle exfoliants during the winter months. The skin tends to be drier and more sensitive when exposed to colder air, so aggressive scrubbing can cause irritation. Instead, opt for mild, enzyme-based exfoliants or chemical exfoliants containing AHA or BHA in low concentrations. These exfoliants help to renew your skin without stripping it of essential moisture.
Tip: Look for exfoliating products with ingredients like lactic acid or fruit enzymes to provide gentle, hydrating exfoliation.
Winter weather can quickly lead to dehydration, which reflects in your skin. Hydration is essential for maintaining a healthy skin barrier, so it’s important to stay hydrated from the inside out. Drink plenty of water throughout the day, and consider adding hydrating foods to your diet, like water-rich fruits and vegetables.
On the outside, look for hydrating serums or moisturizers with hyaluronic acid, which draws moisture into the skin, keeping it plump and smooth. Hydrating ingredients should be the backbone of your winter skincare routine.
Tip: Drink herbal teas, soups, or even warm water with lemon to support your hydration levels from the inside.
As the winter elements work against your skin, it’s important to help your skin maintain its moisture barrier. Ceramides and peptides are both essential ingredients that help to restore and strengthen the skin’s natural defenses. Ceramides work to replenish the lipid barrier, locking in moisture, while peptides support collagen production, improving skin elasticity and strength.
Look for serums containing ceramides and peptides to apply before your moisturizer for an added layer of protection. These ingredients will help repair any damage caused by the harsh conditions of winter and keep your skin resilient.
Tip: Ceramide and peptide-rich products work best when layered under a rich moisturizer to seal in their benefits.
In addition to hydrating serums, consider using an occlusive oil to lock in moisture and provide an extra layer of protection against the dry winter air. Oils like argan, squalane, or marula oil form a protective barrier over the skin, preventing moisture loss throughout the day or night.
These oils can be applied in the evening as the final step of your skincare routine, helping to seal in all the hydrating products you’ve used and allowing your skin to stay nourished overnight.
Tip: If you have oily skin, consider using a lighter oil like squalane, which is non-comedogenic and won’t clog pores.
A rich moisturizer is an absolute must for winter skincare. As the air gets colder and dryer, your skin loses moisture more quickly, so a thick, nourishing cream is essential to help replenish what’s lost. Look for moisturizers that contain ingredients like shea butter, ceramides, and glycerin, which help to provide long-lasting hydration and lock it into your skin.
Tip: Apply hyaluronic acid & then moisturizer while your skin is still slightly damp from washing to help lock in more moisture.
A common misconception is that sunscreen is only necessary in the summer months. UV rays are just as damaging in the winter, especially when reflected off snow or cloudy skies. Always apply a broad-spectrum SPF of at least 30 as the final step in your morning routine, even on overcast days. Look for a sunscreen that’s hydrating and works well under makeup. You should also reapply throughout the day if you’re outside or near a window (every 2 hours is ideal).
Tip: Choose a moisturizer or foundation with SPF for an added layer of protection.
While a hot shower might feel amazing when it’s freezing outside, hot water can strip your skin of its natural oils, leaving it dry and irritated. Instead, opt for lukewarm water when showering or washing your face. Afterward, apply your serums and moisturizer immediately to lock in moisture while your skin is still damp.
Tip: Consider using a gentle, hydrating body wash with nourishing oils to help protect your skin while you cleanse.
Your face isn’t the only part of your skin that needs extra care during the winter. To avoid rough, dry patches, incorporate body oils and rich lotions into your routine. Applying body oil after your shower while your skin is still slightly damp helps to lock in hydration and leaves your skin feeling soft and smooth. Follow with a thick body lotion for added moisture and protection throughout the day.
Tip: Choose body oils with ingredients like jojoba, almond oil, or vitamin E, which deeply hydrate and nourish.
Chapped lips are one of the most common skincare concerns during the winter months. To keep your lips soft and smooth, invest in a nourishing lip mask or lip oil. These products often contain ingredients like shea butter, honey, or vitamin E, which help to hydrate and repair dry, cracked lips.
Tip: Apply your lip mask or oil before bed for an overnight treatment that will leave your lips soft and plump by morning.
Winter skincare isn’t just about preventing dryness; it’s about nourishing and protecting your skin from the harsh elements. By incorporating these simple yet effective skincare tips into your daily routine, you can help your skin stay healthy, hydrated, and radiant all season long.
Remember, consistency is key, and with the right products and care, you can enjoy glowing, smooth skin no matter how cold it gets outside. Stay cozy, stay hydrated, and take good care of your skin this winter!
If you’re looking for personalized skincare recommendations or treatments, don’t hesitate to schedule a consultation or simply stop by Ra Aesthetics. Our specialized team has hand-selected high quality skincare products by Cellbone, KRx Aesthetics, and Rejuran to address all of your skin concerns and keep your skin hydrated and glowing all year long. We’re here to help you achieve your best skin, year-round!
Denver’s Premier MedSpa offering the latest non-surgical, safe and effective skin treatments to help you look and feel your best.
