Our Top 6 Tips to Keep Skin Glowing Through the Winter

Suffering from the winter skin blues? Aren’t we all. Cold, dry temperatures outdoors meet blasting heaters indoors, leaving our skin parched and dull. And though there’s nothing we can do to avoid it, there are ways we can help our skin make it through these cold months (relatively) unscathed. Read on for some tips on how to help bring back the hydration at the time we need it most.

1. Pop on a Peel

   For starters, if you’re looking to remove that dehydrated surface layer, we have just the ticket. Chemical peels vary in strength and ingredients, but they all aim to do the same things: deeply exfoliate the skin to reduce fine lines and wrinkles, add some brightness, and help lift away unwanted spots and discolouration¹. You can get a peel professionally at the dermatologist’s office or if you prefer something a little gentler, you can try an at-home peel that has a lower concentration of the same acids in the professional versions. Another plus for doing a peel in the winter months?  Skin is much more protected from the elements and UV rays so it can heal better.

2. Change Up Your Moisturizer

   If you feel like your face can’t get enough moisture in the colder months, you’re right. Gone are the light, breezy days of summer so out should go your light and breezy lotions. Winter calls for something a little richer and thicker that not only protects your skin, but also feeds it with the lasting moisturizer it so desperately needs. Look for a cream that has fatty acids and ceramides, both of which can help skin lock in moisture and maintain its protective barrier. For more long-lasting moisture throughout the day, you can mix your moisturizer and foundation. Just make sure both your moisturizer and foundation have the same base (oil, water, or silicone) so the mixture does not separate.

3. Pump Up Your Moisturizer

   Speaking of moisturizer, if your skin is extra dry, you might need to add more moisturizer to your routine. Or you may need to use a thick moisturizer more frequently by incorporating something a little heavier in your nighttime skincare routine. During the sleep process, your body’s reparative functions naturally cause even more dehydration². So without the addition of a proper moisturizer you could wake up looking more tired than when you went to bed.

4. Love Thy Lip Mask

   Painful cracking, bleeding, peeling lips are other unfortunate consequences of cold winter weather³. Again it’s the lack of moisture in the air that can do a number on your lips as well if you’re not careful. However, if you’re long prepared ahead of time, a lip mask can work wonders at preventing those painful lip conditions. Look for ingredients that are know to soothe and soften skin, like sunflower oil, sesame oil, vitamin E and coconut oil. You can put it on before you go to bed or while applying your morning makeup. While you’re at it, it’s also a good idea to swap out those drying liquid lipsticks and opt for something that adds more moisture.

5. Don’t Skip the SPF

   As we know all too well, sunscreen is a non-negotiable in the summer months, but are the rumours true? Can you ditch SPF in the winter? This one beauty myth we’re happy to bust. Even when the weather gets colder and the sky gets cloudier, it’s still super important to keep sunscreen in your skincare routine otherwise you could be putting skin in harm’s way—since snow and ice can actually reflect UV rays as well⁴. The good thing is, you don’t need to go crazy. Just add a little to your foundation and you’ll be good to go (think of it as making your own tinted moisturizer with SPF!).

6. Discover The Magic of Micellar Water

   No matter how you slice it, the winter months are hard on skin—even the most well-behaved complexions take a hit. Unfortunately, the heating we need to keep us warm can end up being a drying nightmare for skin. Luckily, micellar water can help bring back some much-needed moisture. It works like a miniature sponge, soaking up all the dirt and makeup, while simultaneously hydrating the skin⁵. The best part? It does all of that without stripping the skin of any essentials. It really is your secret winter weapon.

And there you have it, if you add a little more love into your skincare routine you’ll be able to help keep it in tip top shape through the cold, drying winter months. Just a little extra TLC goes a long way. As always, if you’re introducing any new products into your skincare routine, it’s always a good idea to check with a dermatologist, especially if you suffer from any type of skin condition. Happy hydrating!

References

1. Oackianathan, Nilani and Kandasamy, Ruckmani (2011) Functional Plant Science and Biotechnology. Skin Care with Herbal Exfoliants. Retrieved from: http://www.globalsciencebooks.info/Online/GSBOnline/images/2011/FPSB_5(SI1)/FPSB_5(SI1)94-97o.pdf
2. Colwell, C. Preventing dehydration during sleep. Nat Neurosci 13, 403–404 (2010). Retrieved from: https://doi.org/10.1038/nn0410-403
3. Burfeind, Daniel B. "Tips to help keep lips in tiptop shape." Dermatology Nursing, vol. 20, no. 2, Apr. 2008, pp. 150+. Gale Academic OneFile, Retrieved from: gale.com/apps/doc/A178674065/AONE?u=anon~2bc0f471&sid=googleScholar&xid=914c80b3
4. Burfeind, Daniel B.; Pitman 20, Iss. 6,  (Dec 2008): 480-482. Retrieved from: https://www.proquest.com/openview/b47df1f5403fde137f00326b0cc4382f/1?pq-origsite=gscholar&cbl=30763
5. Draelos Z, Hornby S, Walters RM, Appa Y. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2013 Dec;12(4):314-21. doi: 10.1111/jocd.12061. Hydrophobically modified polymers can minimize skin irritation potential caused by surfactant-based cleansers. Retrieved from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24305430