During the winter months, the skin faces numerous challenges that it needs to adapt to. Fortunately, with a tailored winter skincare routine, we can maintain healthy skin throughout the coldest part of the year.
In winter, we must pay even more attention to moisturizing our skin than in other seasons. Surely, many of you have experienced the troubles of "winter" skin. Dryness, cracking, sensitivity - all of these can serve as a reminder that we need to dedicate some extra time to our skin. What do we have at our disposal for protecting and caring for our skin during the winter months?
How do winter temperatures affect our skin?
During the winter months, the skin faces numerous challenges that it needs to adapt to. Cold air, low humidity, and indoor heating can lead to dry, dehydrated skin.
Dry air and low humidity can strip the skin of its natural oils, which can result in dryness, flakiness, and irritation. Cold winds and low temperatures can also damage the skin's protective barrier, leading to sensitivity and an increased risk of irritated and inflamed skin.
Fortunately, with a tailored winter skincare routine, we can maintain healthy skin throughout the coldest part of the year. Proper cleansing and moisturizing can help you maintain healthy skin all year round.
Skincare is an essential part of maintaining overall health and well-being. It helps prevent and treat various skin diseases and problems while also slowing down the aging process of the skin. Proper skincare requires a regular routine pattern of cleansing, exfoliating dead skin cells, toning, and moisturizing the skin to keep it healthy and radiant.
Which products should be included in a winter skincare routine? For proper winter skincare, it is important to follow a regular skincare regimen and use products that both moisturize and protect the skin. This can include a gentle cleansing gel, exfoliator, toner, and rich moisturizing cream. Additionally, it is essential to protect the skin from environmental factors by using a moisturizing cream with sunscreen protection.
- Facial moisturizer
A good facial moisturizer is crucial for maintaining skin moisture during the winter. Since the skin is naturally more prone to dryness and irritation during the winter, it is recommended to choose a facial moisturizer containing hyaluronic acid, a molecule that physically binds water within the skin.
Skin with enough hyaluronic acid appears fresh, plump, and more youthful. Young skin produces a lot of hyaluronic acid that is bound to collagen. As we age, we begin to lose collagen and, at the same time, lose the bound hyaluronic acid.
- Facial serum
A facial serum can also be beneficial for winter skincare, as facial serums contain much more active ingredients than facial creams alone. This means that facial serums have a much stronger and deeper effect on the skin.
However, it is essential to be aware that a facial serum does not replace daily or night creams but merely complements the action of other skincare products.
When choosing a facial serum, it is important to know which skin issues you want to address. For example, a Vitamin C serum can help lighten pigmentation spots, improve skin tone, and protect your skin from harmful environmental factors while also providing the necessary fats that the skin often lacks during the colder months.
- Exfoliation
Exfoliation is an essential part of a winter skincare routine for all skin types. During the winter, dead skin cells accumulate on the skin more than in the summer, making the skin appear dull and rough. Opt for a gentle chemical exfoliator, as harsh (mechanical) exfoliators can strip natural oils, leaving the skin dry and irritated.
- Cleanser
Cleansing is one of the most critical steps in winter skincare, but it often receives the least attention. For very dry or sensitive skin, you may want to avoid washing the entire face and instead opt for a gentler micellar water and washable pads for removing skin impurities.
For other skin types, it is essential to use a cleanser such as MSM Foamer, which offers a softer and more nurturing approach to cleansing. Once a week, you can also add a mask to your skincare routine for additional nourishment and cleansing.
- Lip Balm
Lip balm is essential for every winter skincare routine, as lips are especially prone to dryness during the colder months. Look for a gentle lip balm with natural ingredients that will nourish and moisturize your lips, helping you avoid chapped lips.
- Sun Protection
Sun protection is the most important step in a skincare routine for all seasons. Gone are the days when we only applied sunscreen to our face and body at the beach. Sun rays can damage the skin even when the sun is not visible in the sky. Pay special attention to sun protection in high-altitude areas and on ski slopes. Choose a moisturizing sunscreen with a high protection factor, and be sure to reapply it multiple times a day if you are exposed to the sun for extended periods.
By following these winter skincare tips, you can ensure your skin stays hydrated and nourished throughout the season. If you have questions about which elements of your skincare routine need to be changed to improve your skin's appearance, we recommend consulting with a certified dermatologist.
What should we consider when choosing skincare products? Different skin types have different needs, so it is important to choose skincare products that are suitable for your specific skin type. For example, people with oily skin should choose products that are not rich in volatile fats and do not cause pore blockage, while those with dry skin should look for products that moisturize and nourish the skin. If you know you have sensitive skin, approach new products with caution, as even products with natural ingredients can cause an allergic reaction. Apply the product to a small area of skin on first use and observe the skin's response.
Winter skincare tips
- Shower with lukewarm water
Although it is always tempting to turn up the water temperature during winter, hot showers and baths can dry out your skin. Try reducing the temperature to avoid damaging your skin. Avoid washing your face with water at the same temperature as your shower – use lukewarm or cool water when cleansing to prevent redness or irritation. This tip applies year-round, not just in winter.
If your skin is very dry or you are prone to eczema, avoid soaking in water. If you still want to spend a few moments in the bathtub, add oatmeal to the water. Oats are naturally colloidal, which means they have excellent anti-inflammatory and rehydration properties, making them a great addition to your winter skincare routine.
After soaking, take a shower and moisturize your skin with a Hyaluron Body Lotion, containing natural ingredients that will nourish and hydrate your skin, with added MSM for those with very sensitive skin.
- Use a humidifier
Dry and hot air caused by indoor heating can also lead to dull and dehydrated skin. Forced air heating can be particularly drying and intense on the skin. By increasing the humidity in the air around you with a humidifier placed in the most frequently used room in your house, you can help your skin barrier remain hydrated.
- Dry skin brushing
Wrapping up in heavier layers of clothing can reduce the moisture your skin receives from the air, and the upper layers of clothing can gently rub against your skin, causing dryness and flaking. To help with this, incorporate dry skin brushing into your skincare routine.
Dry skin brushing is a process that involves using a special brush to massage the skin, typically done before showering.
Dry brushing:
- Boosts circulation: Dry brushing helps stimulate blood circulation, which can lead to better blood flow and a fresh, healthy-looking complexion.
- Removes dead skin cells: Dry brushing helps remove dead skin cells and encourages the production of new, fresh skin cells.
- Promotes collagen production: Dry brushing can stimulate collagen production, helping to maintain skin elasticity and suppleness.
