Winter Skincare Tips - Do's and Don'ts for Beautiful Skin!

Salvage your seasonal skincare dilemmas with these do's and don'ts for your best skin during the dry, winter weather. 

Winter weather usually means low humidity in the air, cold, blowing winds and a lack of sunshine and increase in pollution. These factors can have a huge impact on the skin and especially the skin on the face due to increased exposure to the elements resulting in greater epidermal water loss and more specifically transdermal water loss (TDWL). Most will experience increased redness, dryness, tightness and flaky, itchy skin. What’s worse, is those who suffer from skin conditions such as Psoriasis, Eczema and Rosacea may experience more frequent flare ups during the cold season. 
 

CHANGE UP YOUR USUAL SKINCARE ROUTINE DURING WINTER SEASON 

• Think about switching your cleanser to a cream based type and maybe go for a gentler toner. The lower surfactant rate and increased quantity of emollients will help stave off redness and dryness that some gel based cleansers may contribute more to as the humidity and temperature plunges. If your skin tends to reside on the drier side during this time of year try our Calming Cream Cleanser either as a short term replacement or to use as an alternating cleanser with your usual gel based option. 

HOW TO EXFOLIATE PROPERLY IN THE WINTER  

• It's always a good idea to have a regular exfoliation routine to remove dead skin cells and allow moisturizers and serums to penetrate deeper. However, winter time exfoliation is not needed as much as during warmer seasons. Be mindful of harsh and aggressive exfoliating treatments such as peels or Microdermabrasion, as these can be more irritating during the colder, drier months which can lead to excessive sensitivity, inflammation, redness or peeling. Gentle exfoliation is the way to go and can be achieved with our Gentle Exfoliating Toner or our Renew Exfoliating Serum. 

 BEST MOISTURIZERS FOR DRY SKIN     

• Look for moisturizers that contain both humectants (ingredients like Glycerin, Hyaluronic Acid and Panthenol (Pro-Vitamin B5)) that draw water from the air as well as occlusives (think butters, oils and waxes) that retain and seal in moisture. An oil based complex like our Rejuvenating Oil Serum Complex will help reduce moisture loss while nourishing the skin from harsh wind and cold to reduce redness and irritation. Other moisturizers that contain water (most creams and lotions) are also important so that skin can have an extra drink of water along with the protective, nourishing qualities of the butters and oils as well. If you are looking for a good, moisturizing cream that is also lightweight and natural then try our Intense Hydration Moisturizing Cream. 

 IS HOT WATER DAMAGING YOUR SKIN?     

• Be mindful of the time you spend in hot baths or showers and the type of soaps you are using. Try reducing the length of time you spend in a hot bath/shower or try reducing the temperature to a comfortable warm instead of skin reddening hot! When washing your face, use lukewarm water to cleanse and rinse with cool water. Doing so will reduce the amount of natural oils (sebum) being stripped from the skin which can cause dryness and irritation. Be sure to moisturize right after your bath / shower and not use soaps or washes with harsh surfactants like Sodium Laurel / Laureth Sulfates. A popular, after bath moisturizer is our Lavender Palmarosa Moisturizing Body & Bath Oil.  If you haven't tried a sulfate free body wash or shower gel yet, then check out one of our sulfate free body washes in 8 different scents. 

 HOW TO MOISTURIZE CHAPPED LIPS     

• The skin of the lips is very delicate and winter weather often chaps the skin causing flaking, cracking and pain. Be sure to nourish this area frequently during this time by first exfoliating gently with Alpha Hydroxy Acids versus physical scrubs, then hydrating with Hyaluronic Acid, Ceramides & Collagen and finally protecting from moisture loss with moisturizing butters and oils. For an all-in-one product snag, our STRIP/TEASE lip exfoliator and lip plumper duo!

Yes, you can still burn and age your skin when it is cloudy out      

• Most people forget about sunscreen during winter because it is not sunny or hot, however the sun's rays are still damaging regardless of what the weather looks like. Always apply a sunscreen with SPF 30 daily and re-apply during the day if continually exposed to sunlight. If you need a non-chemical, physical sunscreen with Zinc and Titanium instead of the harsh, irritating chemical sunscreens then check out our Vitamin C SPF30 or Anti-Aging SPF30 which gives protection from the sun while also nourishing with antioxidants and anti-aging components. 

 NOURISH TO REDUCE HAIR THINNING     

• It's quite common for hair to shed more readily during the colder, drier winter months. Therefore, its recommended to reduce your time between shampoos and moisturize and nourish the hair and scalp more frequently during this time to reduce hair fall out. Easily extend your days between shampooing with our natural, Dry Shampoo and moisturize and condition to reduce hair thinning and shedding with our Hair Treatment Oil and Intensive Hair Repair Deep Conditioner. 

Just as the seasons change so does the needs of your skin. Remembering to adjust your usual skincare routine will help keep your body in balance and nourish, moisturize and protect from the harsh dryness and irritation the colder weather can bring. 

 

Licensed Esthetician | Ceritified Massage Therapist | Herbalist | Production Lab Coordinator at RD Alchemy