Winter can take a toll on your skin, leaving it dry, irritated, and lackluster. With biting winds, low humidity, and the drying effects of indoor heating, your skin fights an uphill battle to retain moisture. Add holiday stress and shorter daylight hours to the mix, and your complexion may appear dull, tired, and less radiant.
But here's the good news: by making a few thoughtful adjustments to your skincare routine, you can keep your skin hydrated, healthy, and glowing all winter long. Here are five essential tips to care for your skin during the colder months:
What Happens to Our Skin in Winter?
Winter weather introduces unique challenges for your skin. Harsh winds and frigid temperatures strip away its natural oils, while the lack of humidity increases trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL)—a process where water evaporates from the skin's surface. Over time, this weakens the protective barrier of your stratum corneum (the outermost layer of your skin), leaving it more vulnerable to irritation, redness, and flakiness. Even if you stay hydrated internally, these external stressors can deplete your skin's moisture reserves.
To combat these effects, focus on building a strong skincare routine designed to restore and protect your skin’s natural barrier.
Moisturize Like Your Skin Depends on It
Cold-Dry air pulls moisture from your skin, so investing in a high-quality serums & moisturizers is your first line of defense. Look for products rich in humectants like hyaluronic acid, which draw water into the skin, as well as occlusives like healthy oils, vitamins and minerals which seal hydration in place.
Consider The H20 & Active Alive serum under my Collagen Peptide Moisturizer or Satin Cream which not only provide intense hydration but also use ingredients to stimulate collagen production and repair skin cells. These products are perfect for keeping your skin soft, resilient, and radiant—even on the coldest days.
Combat Dry Winter Air
Winter’s dry air isn’t just outside—it’s indoors too, thanks to central heating and fireplaces. To combat this, hydrate both internally and externally:
Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated from within.
Use a humidifier to maintain a healthy level of moisture in your home
Incorporate H20 under Restore Vitamin A Balm at Night into your evening routine a few times a week. They hydrate, repair, and strengthen your skin barrier, offering unmatched protection against the drying effects of winter air.
Shield Your Skin from Harsh Winds
Winter winds can wreak havoc on exposed skin by stripping away its protective moisture barrier. Apply a rich, occlusive cream before heading outdoors to create a defensive layer. Look for ingredients like shea butter, ceramides, vitamin c, antioxidants, peptides, which help prevent damage while sealing in hydration.
Using the Refresh Toner, Active Alive, H20 under any cream or therapy oil is an excellent choices for this. Products not only protect and hydrate, but also leverage to repair and reinforce your skin’s natural barrier. Don’t forget to bundle up with a scarf and hat for added physical protection!
Take Hot Baths with Minerals (if you can)
After a long, cold day, a hot bath may sound heavenly— make sure you add magnesium salts or Himalayan minerals (both is best) with some baking soda so you keep the skin hydrated.
Follow up immediately with a nourishing moisturizer like Body Glow to lock in hydration. For cleansing all over, try my Himalayan Wash a gentle yet effective formula that respects your skin’s moisture balance and leaves it feeling soft and refreshed.
Don’t Forget Vitamin D & UV
With shorter days and less sun exposure, your Vitamin D levels may drop during the winter, which can affect your skin’s health and overall well-being. Try to get outside for a few minutes of sunlight each day or consider taking a Vitamin D supplement. (Choose a company that does 3rd party testing)
If you live in a sunny or high elevation climate, don’t forget to wear SPF even in winter—UV rays are still present and can cause damage to your skin year-round!
Glowing Skin All Winter Long
Winter doesn’t have to mean dull, dehydrated skin. By following these tips and incorporating healthy skin care products into your routine, you can keep your skin hydrated, healthy, and radiant throughout the colder months. Embrace winter with confidence—and a luminous glow!