Winter is here! It’s time to take out those chunky sweaters, woolen scarves and set up snuggle date nights with your girlies. But, what about your skincare routine? Let’s be honest- as much as you love the quiet, cold nights, the weather really wreaks havoc on your skin. By the time you wake up in the morning, your skin feels like sandpaper- dry and flaky. This is because the cold air snatches the moisture from your skin. Believe it or not- even the best celebrities with their ‘perfectly’ tanned skin tones have to switch up their skincare routine accordingly to cater to the weather. 

No need to worry though, we’ve got you covered with some tips on how to deal with the cold and the dryness that it can bring! 

Don’t wash your face with hot water

Even though you’re freezing and hot water may feel like heaven on your skin, the worse thing you can do is wash your face with it! Hot water tends to dry out the skin faster, causing cracks and flakes. Instead, use lukewarm water to shower and follow up with a heavy moisturizer right after. 

Incorporate a cleansing oil for extra moisture 

When the temperature is dipping, a hydrating cleansing oil is much needed. It removes dirt and impurities from the skin without compromising the protective barrier, giving it a clean, supple feel. In the winters, it’s important to not strip the skin of essential oil so that it doesn’t over-dry. 

Sheet masks become your new best friends

Sheet masks become your new best friend once you feel the winter breeze causing goosebumps on your neck! Sheet masks are packed with rejuvenating ingredients that soak into the skin like a sponge. Snuggle up in those woolen socks, put on a short movie, and let the sheet mask sit on your face for 15-20 minutes. Wipe the excess moisture onto your neck. The best time to put on a mask is right after the warm shower when your skin has been thoroughly cleaned and the pores are open- your face will retain moisture better!

Moisturize moisturize moisturize! 

The dry indoor air from the central heating can really dry out your skin, taking a real toll on its texture and smoothness. To avoid this catastrophe, swap your light summer moisturizer with a creamier one that feels slightly heavy on the skin. Look for products that contain fatty acids like ceramide and hyaluronic acid to help lock in moisture and battle dryness. The Primary Jasmine Dew face mist works best during these trying times as it is loaded with hyaluronic acid, jasmine, green tea, and aloe- all the nutrients that your skin is craving during this dry weather. Just carry a bottle in your purse, and spritz it on your face for an instant glow any time you feel the dryness attacking! 

Don’t over-exfoliate

Gentle exfoliating is the key to getting rid of the build-up of dead cells on the skin surface. However, this does not mean you exfoliate every day. Over-exfoliation can strip your skin of its necessary oils. Light acids are gentle on the skin, exfoliating the dead skin without over-drying your skin. It’s easy to go overboard with physical scrubs but in case you can’t use an exfoliating acid, use a light touch to exfoliate your skin in circular motions with a physical scrub. This loosens the top layer of the skin. Make sure to follow up with a heavy moisturizer immediately. 

Sunscreen is essential all-year-round        

Just because the sun does not seem as harsh in the winters, it does not mean you can skip the sunscreen! That’s a myth! Contrary to beliefs, the sun is just as damaging in the winters as it is in the summers. It protects the skin from damaging ultraviolet rays, causing your skin to age much faster. So girls, lather up on sunscreen and don’t forget the neck, arms, and legs!

Toners keep your skin glowing 

If you don’t incorporate a facial toner in your everyday skincare routine, consider adding one. It helps balance out the skin’s pH levels, strengthening the skin’s protective barrier, providing hydration and keeping the skin nourished. Applying a toner right before slathering on moisturizer will increase absorption. Trust us, your skin will love you for this step! 

Your skin isn’t the only thing that needs hydration

In order for your skin to remain healthy and youthful, you need to incorporate berries, veggies, and water into your diet! Most people forget to drink water during the winter but remember, without water, your skin will look dull and lifeless. Your body needs nutrients to keep your skin healthy. 

Don’t forget about your hands and feet!

Your face isn’t the only thing that needs self-love. The hands and feet tend to get dryer during the winter months, causing obvious white cracks and darker knuckles, elbows, or knees that are an obvious sign of dehydration. Make sure to exfoliate and lather a moisturizer that has a thicker consistency. 

Stretch those muscles

As soon as the winter breeze hits, the oil and sweat glands in your body, including the blood vessels, tend to constrict. This makes it difficult for your skin to remain glowing and healthy which is why you need to step out of your cosy blanket and go for a run around the block. This helps increase your heart rate which will pump more blood to your skin, keeping it flushed and healthy. 

You don’t want chapped lips

Your lips will probably be the first to feel the effects of the cold. They may crack because of the chilly breeze outside, and may also crack because of the central heating inside. Solution? When moisturizing your face, throw in a lip balm with SPF. Look for lip balms with wheat germ oil, almond oil, jojoba oil, coconut oil, aloe vera, shea butter, sunflower oil, or cottonseed oil. These will keep your lips hydrated at all times. 

No matter how cold it gets, your skin will be happy, allowing you to go out and enjoy the beautiful weather!