As we enter the winter season we go through a lot of changes. We turn in our shorts for leggings and our tank tops for sweaters. We tend to follow hibernation-like patterns in which we spend most of our time inside, our diets also change as we lean into more comfort food and fewer salads. However, the biggest change we face in this season is our skin. As the summer ends and fall begins, the air becomes cooler and drier; as the temperature drops, so does the humidity. However, the one thing that never drops in the winter is our thermostat – the colder the winter the higher the heat. All of these changes cause our skin to struggle to stay hydrated. Due to this, our skin becomes flaky and more prone to inflammation. Our skin becomes dry and sometimes irritated, especially in areas always exposed, such as our lips and hands. This is why these areas are the first to crack and feel sore. However, the cold weather is not the only factor damaging your skin, the methods we use to combat the cold is also a contributor. When we arrive home from a brisk day our first thought is to take a hot shower (or if you are like me) a hot bubble bath. At this point you might be thinking well does this mean I need to stop enjoying my hot bubble baths or long showers? Should I lower my thermostat and just suffocate myself with 100 blankets? Fear not, follow my tips for hydrated, silky-smooth skin during the winter. Use a gentle facial cleanser, try to avoid one with harsh chemicals that could cause your skin to dry out. Use a milky lotion, these tend to have more hydration than others and help with skin lipids. Still exfoliate but not as often and gently, your skin is much more sensitive in the winter vs the summer. Apply a thick moisturizer to help maintain your skin’s hydration its ideal to apply before bed to make up for the loss of water that your skin loses throughout the day. In the morning use a serum to maintain the hydration your skin has soaked in overnight. If you are someone that has oily skin then a light moisturizer would be more beneficial but do not skip it. Those who have oily skin are most likely to overproduce sebum (oil) at these times, and oiliness will only worsen if you don’t correct the lipid abnormalities in your skin. For dry skin, look for moisturizing products containing emollients and physiological lipids such as ceramides. These can encourage your epidermis to produce the correct balance of lipids and renew the skin to protect it from the environment by retaining hydration.
Check out some of these products dermatologists recommend to keep your skin glowing all winter long.
CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser
When choosing a cleanser, choose one that is gentle and fragrance-free. This cleanser from CeraVe is a gentle cleansing lotion that contains, hyaluronic acid which helps the skin stretch and flex and reduces skin wrinkles. It contains ceramides which make up over 50% of our skin’s composition in the form of lipids (fats). And it also contains glycerin which is a humectant, a type of moisturizing agent to trap the moisture it draws into the skin.
This product is my most treasured as I been using it since I was 16 years old. Fun Fact when I was a sophomore in high school my mom enrolled me in Barbizon Modeling School. In one of my classes they taught us about our skin and the steps we needed to take to maintain young and healthy; toner was one of those steps. This toner has been the only one I have ever used and have stuck to it because of its formula. Unlike common astringents, Sea Breeze formulas features natural oils such as eugenia caryophyllus (clove), and eucalyptus globulus to enhance a soothing and refreshing cleansing experience. This product is also gentle for those with sensitive skin.
When it comes to our body, moisture is key! My all-time favorite is the Dove body wash. The Dove line is known for having ¼ moisturizing cream in their soaps and body washes. They even have a wash formulated for the winter season. This moisturizing body wash is infused with Microbiome Nutrient Serum. Which is a blend of prebiotics that nourishes your skin, and its microbiome works as its living protective layer and helps strengthen the skin’s natural moisture barrier.
This product is my personal Holy Grail, I cannot live without it! This moisturizer is hyaluronic acid-packed and provides 100 hours of hydration. Its key ingredieits include Aloe Bioferment + HA Complex which combines two hydrating ingredients into one to help attract moisture and retain it. It also contains Vitamins C and E and activated Aloe water.
Aquaphor Healing Ointment For Dry & Cracked Skin
This Aquaphor Healing Ointment is also a huge must need for the winter. Growing up my mom taught me every night to lather my hands and feet with this product to keep my skin baby smooth. This ointment is designed for sensitive skin and is formulated with 41% petrolatum, which helps to gently heal cracks and dry spots. I recommend using it at night and using socks and gloves to preserve the moisture in your skin. It’s fragrance free, and contains no preservatives or dyes. It can also be used on multiple areas, including hands, feet and lips.
