LovelySkin Masterclass Series: Winter skin care tips and building a winter regimen with SkinCeuticals

Winter skin care tips

Low humidity, harsh winds and cold temperatures can do a number on your skin in the winter. These elements can cause the skin barrier to weaken, which leads to symptoms like dry, flaky skin, rough texture, redness, irritation, increased sensitivity, chapped lips, dullness and fine lines and wrinkles appearing more pronounced.

Getting ahead of the weather is your best chance when it comes to a change in seasons. Prepare your skin before the weather gets too harsh to ensure your skin is in its best shape to protect itself. You can do this by changing the active ingredients you use, opting for more gentle formulations and being more mindful in critical parts of your routine. Cori also recommends:

1. Masking one to three times a week

Adding a mask to your routine could be a major help in the winter. Try a gel or cream mask that prioritizes hydration, and, if you can, layer a sheet mask over top for additional support. You can even apply a mask to the back of your hands or feet and cover them with gloves or socks to lock in moisture on dry, chapped skin!

2. Trying the “skin flooding” method

The skin flooding method asks you to create multiple layers of lightweight hydration with a variety of products to maintain healthy hydration and a plump appearance. It can be used on the face and body but may also be helpful on dry areas around the eyes and on the lips.

3. Staying hydrated

While most people drink enough water to stay hydrated on their own, it’s integral in the winter. Drinking lots of water is not a cure for dry skin, but dehydrated cells can’t perform at 100%. Drink enough water and maintain a healthy diet, so your body can function at its fullest.

4. Hydrating from head to toe

Dehydration doesn’t stop at your neck. From body cleansers to shampoos, be mindful of moisture in your winter routine. For an added boost, keep humidifiers next to your bed or in rooms you spend lots of time to keep the dry air from sapping moisture from your skin.

5. Trying “slugging”

Slugging is a skin care trend that has you layer an occlusive, such as SkinCeuticals Hydra Balm Moisturizing Ointment, over other hydrating skin care products to create a physical barrier on the surface of the skin, sealing in the hydrating benefits beneath.

How to avoid dryness in the winter

In addition to the winter skin care tips and tricks above, you’ll want to include certain ingredients in your routine. Look for humectants that attract and bind water to the skin to address dehydration like glycerin and hyaluronic acid. Additionally, include emollients like ceramides, fatty acids, shea butter or jojoba seed oil to replenish skin’s natural oils. Lastly, remember occlusives can be helpful for extremely dry and damaged skin, like petrolatum.

Finally, take small steps each day to maintain the health of your skin barrier:

• Switch to a more gentle or hydrating cleanser in the colder months and avoid cleansing with hot water
• Don’t skip exfoliation but dial back the strength
• Prioritize hydration to maintain a healthy barrier and try layering multiple products to maximize product benefits
• Don’t forget the eyes and lips
• Lastly, never skip sunscreen!

Other winter skin care tips:

• How to maintain a healthy skin barrier

• Why sun care should be part of your winter routine

• All about glycation and how it affects dryness