Skin does not love winter—it’s cold, dry, and often windy outside and hot, dry, and, even more than other times of year, stressful inside. The resulting dry, flaky, itchy skin is at the very least uncomfortable; at most, it can exacerbate even-more-uncomfortable skin conditions. But a great routine leaves your skin dewy, fresh, healthy-looking, and glowing, no matter your skin type, your age, or (really) the weather. Here, our best tips for creating your ultimate regimen.
COUNTERINTUITIVELY, EXFOLIATING HELPS.
Dull winter skin—no matter the skin type—benefits from regular gentle exfoliation. Counterintuitively, regular facial exfoliation helps maintain a healthy skin barrier. Exfoliating also helps face serums and moisturizers melt right in, so skin looks instantly brighter and more luminous.
SKIP HOT SHOWERS AND USE A NOURISHING, GENTLE CLEANSER.
Long, hot showers and harsh soaps can strip skin of its natural barrier. Shower less frequently, in cooler water. And use a gentle cleanser to dissolve grime and pore-clogging residue while lavishing your skin’s moisture barrier with hydration and nourishment; even sensitive skin needs this step.
ACTIVE TREATMENTS CAN ALSO TREAT DRYNESS.
Nourish skin with powerful ingredients like antioxidants, peptides, hyaluronic acid, and botanical extracts, which can really move the needle in terms of how your complexion looks, feels, and holds up against harsh weather. Serums are great to start with because they absorb instantly and layer beautifully under more moisturizing oils and balms.
BRING IN THE HEAVY ARTILLERY.
Sometimes you really need a full-on moisture bomb. Look for rich creams and ointments made with powerfully moisturizing ingredients—fatty acids, jojoba, ceramides, glycerin, squalane, lanolin, hyaluronic acid, and shea butter, among others. What to avoid: mineral oil and petroleum jellies or ointments, which can really clog pores.
OILS SEAL EVERYTHING ELSE IN.
Massage it on as the last layer or blend two or three drops into face cream before applying—either way, face oil helps fortify skin against the elements.
No matter your skin type, using a humidifier—particularly while you sleep—can make a big difference in skin moisture levels. If you don’t have a humidifier, setting a big bowl of water out in the room can deliver a similar benefit.