Winter is a time for cozy sweaters, warm drinks, and enjoying the magic of the season, but it can also be tough on your skin. The cold, dry air outside, combined with indoor heating, can leave your skin feeling dry, tight, and irritated. But don’t worry! With a few easy adjustments to your routine, you can keep your skin healthy, hydrated, and glowing all winter long. Here are my top 5 winter skincare tips to help you embrace the season without sacrificing your skin.
As winter approaches, many people experience changes in their skin’s texture and moisture levels. This transition is often due to a variety of factors including the drop in humidity levels and the use of heating systems that dry out indoor air. Understanding these factors can help you take proactive steps to maintain your skin’s health.
1. Hydrate From the Inside Out
Additionally, dehydration can lead to more than just dry skin; it can also cause your skin to become flaky and less resilient. Consider incorporating herbal teas into your hydration routine, as they provide antioxidants along with hydration, offering multiple benefits for your skin and overall health.
Moreover, keep in mind that drinking water isn’t the only way to hydrate. Foods that are rich in water content like watermelon, berries, and oranges are excellent options. Including these in your winter diet can provide essential vitamins and minerals that benefit your skin.
We all know how important it is to stay hydrated in the summer, but it’s just as essential in winter—even though we often forget. Cold weather can trick us into thinking we don’t need as much water, but staying hydrated from the inside is one of the best things you can do for your skin.
Tip: Keep a glass of water or herbal tea nearby throughout the day to remind yourself to sip. And don’t forget to incorporate hydrating, nutrient-rich foods like tomatoes, cucumber and lettuce, as well as oranges and grapefruits to give your skin that extra moisture boost. For more information on eating hydrating foods check out this article on Healthline – 19 Water-Rich Foods That Help You Stay Hydrated.
Bonus: Pair your internal hydration with our Susan’s Soaps & More Body Oil. It’s packed with nourishing oils that sink right into your skin, locking in moisture and keeping it soft all day long. Trust me, your skin will thank you!
2. Switch to a Gentle Cleanser
Harsh cleansers might be fine during the summer, but in winter, they can strip away the natural oils your skin needs to stay balanced. When the weather gets colder, it’s time to switch to something more gentle and moisturizing. This is where all-natural ingredients can really shine.
Look for a cleanser that nourishes while it cleans, like those made with essential oils or soothing oatmeal. These ingredients cleanse your skin without leaving it feeling tight or dry.
For an added boost, consider applying a facial mist before your moisturizer. This extra layer can help your skin retain moisture more effectively, resulting in a plumper, more radiant complexion.
Our Pick: Our Carrot Seed Complexion Bar is designed with your skin in mind. It gently cleanses without stripping your skin’s natural moisture barrier, leaving you with that fresh, clean feeling while still keeping your skin hydrated. Perfect for winter!
3. Moisturize Immediately After Bathing
Experiment with different styles of moisturizers, such as oils and creams, to find what works best for your skin type. Some people may find that a thicker cream or Body Butter is necessary for their skin while others may prefer a lightweight oil.
Remember to pay attention to areas that may require extra moisture, such as elbows, knees, and your feet. Applying a thicker layer of moisturizer or a dedicated foot cream can help prevent cracked skin and keep these areas supple. Our Lotion Bars can work well for moisturizing those areas that need some extra TLC. They are also excellent for cuticles!
For those with extremely dry skin, consider using a humidifier in your home. This can help maintain moisture in the air, providing a more comfortable environment for your skin during the harsh winter months.
This is one of my favorite skincare tips, and it’s so simple! After a warm bath or shower, your skin is perfectly primed to lock in moisture. When your skin is still damp, it absorbs moisture more effectively, making it the best time to apply your moisturizer.
Consider consulting with a dermatologist if you have persistent dry areas or skin conditions that may be exacerbated in the winter. They can recommend specialized treatments or products tailored to your skin’s needs.
In winter, you want to go for thicker, richer products that deeply hydrate and nourish your skin. Ingredients like shea butter, jojoba oil, and essential oils are your best friends this time of year.
Tip: As soon as you step out of the bath or shower, apply your moisturizer to damp skin to lock in all that goodness. It’s an easy step that makes a huge difference.
Additionally, maintaining a healthy lifestyle plays a significant role in the health of your skin. Regular exercise improves circulation, which can help nourish your skin from the inside out, while good sleep habits allow your skin to repair and rejuvenate overnight.
Tip: After you step out of the bath or shower, dry off lightly and then immediately apply your moisturizer to damp skin to lock in all that goodness. It’s an easy step that makes a huge difference.
As we embrace the winter months, remember that protecting your skin requires a comprehensive approach that combines hydration, gentle cleansing, and consistent moisturizing.
Try This: Our Whipped Body Butter is a winter must-have. It’s rich, creamy, and packed with natural ingredients that leave your skin feeling soft and moisturized without feeling greasy. Plus, it smells divine!
4. Exfoliate, But Don’t Overdo It
Exfoliation is key to keeping your skin smooth and free of dead skin cells, but winter calls for a gentler touch. While exfoliating can help with dry, flaky skin, overdoing it can leave your skin irritated and even drier. The key is finding balance.
Furthermore, exfoliating not only helps your moisturizer penetrate better but can also enhance your skin’s overall appearance. Look for products that contain natural exfoliants instead of harsh chemicals that may irritate your skin.
Staying informed about the best practices for winter skincare can empower you to make choices that benefit your skin throughout the season.
Aim to exfoliate once or twice a week using a gentle scrub that will slough away dead skin cells without being too abrasive. This will help your skin absorb moisture better and give you that soft, smooth glow.
Our Pick: Our Susan’s Soaps Salt Glow Body Scrub is perfect for gentle exfoliation. Made with natural sea salts and essential oils, it gives your skin a nice polish while keeping it moisturized. You’ll be left with silky-smooth skin that’s ready to soak up all the hydration it can get!
Note: Our Salt Glows are made with a fine grit sea salt, while our sugar scrubs use an unrefined turbinado sugar. So our sugar scrubs are actually a scrubbier scrub than our salt glows.
5. Don’t Forget Winter Skincare for Lips and Hands
If there are two areas that really take a beating during winter, it’s your lips and hands. The cold, dry air outside combined with constant hand-washing can leave both feeling dry, cracked, and chapped. But don’t worry, it’s easy to give them a little extra TLC.
For your lips, use a natural lip balm with ingredients like beeswax, shea butter, or coconut oil to keep them soft and hydrated. For your hands, a rich, nourishing hand salve is key—apply it throughout the day, especially after washing your hands.
Tip: Keep a lip balm in your bag or pocket and a hand salve by your sink, so you always have them handy when you need them.
Our Favorites: Our Natural Lip Balm in a Tube is packed with essential oils and natural moisturizers to keep your lips soft and smooth all winter long. And don’t forget about our Lotion Bars—it’s rich, healing, and the perfect remedy for dry, chapped hands.
Conclusion: Winter Skincare Routine for Dry Skin
Winter may be a little rough on your skin, but with these simple tips and the right products, you can keep it looking and feeling its best. Remember to stay hydrated, switch to gentle products, and lock in moisture right after your shower. Your skin will thank you for it!
Pro Tip: Check out our full line of moisturizing and nourishing products, from body oils to lip balms, to keep your skin soft, hydrated, and glowing all season long.
Stay warm, stay cozy, and most importantly, stay glowing!
