Battle dryness with our product picks for the cold season
The easiest way to build a skincare routine is to pay attention to how your skin looks and feels, and then choose products that support healthier skin. However, that’s much easier said than done. A moisturizer or toner that works well in the summer might not give you what you need in the winter, and vice versa.
That’s why it’s essential to understand your skin’s baseline look and feel, then pay particular attention to how it reacts to seasonal changes. Once you understand what your skin needs as the weather changes, you can buy products and adjust your routine to match.
Common Winter Skin Issues
As we hit mid-winter, you might observe some of these common skin issues:
Lack of moisture
Itchy skin
Irritation
These three symptoms are all part of a vicious cycle. As the weather gets colder, we spend our time either outside in the cold air or indoors with dry heat on. Both these environments can dry out our skin, leaving it itchy and prone to irritation.
To add moisture back to the skin, focus on products that offer exfoliation or moisture without potentially irritating ingredients like alcohol, strong fragrances, soap, essential oils, or sulfates. These will help to remove dead skin cells and hold and seal moisture onto the skin.
Our Favorite Skincare Products for Winter
Knowing which products offer moisture, exfoliation, and skin protection without irritation can be challenging. Here are some of our picks to help support brighter, moisturized, and healthier skin this winter.
CeraVe Moisturizing Cream
CeraVe’s deeply hydrating Moisturizing Cream has been a popular moisturizer for years, and its rich formulation is fantastic for the winter. This mild-smelling cream goes on easy and dries quickly, leaving skin smooth and hydrated without feeling gooey or greasy. It’s formulated with three different types of ceramides – ingredients that help restore the skin’s moisture barrier, making it easier to stay hydrated in the face of dry, cold winter air.
Aquaphor Healing Ointment
Many people discount Aquaphor’s Healing Ointment because it’s marketed as an all-purpose ointment rather than a moisturizer or lotion. However, this completely disregards how well it can protect our skin from the harsh effects of cold weather. Many people use it as a moisturizer or add a tiny amount on top of other skincare products. It’s useful as a last step in your skincare routine because it’s an occlusive, which means it helps keep moisture on your skin for longer.
Danucera D22 Tonic
Since winter can be so harsh, it’s important to regularly remove dead skin cells to help keep skin looking smooth and bright. However, doing this gently is vital. Danucera’s D22 Tonic is a mild chemical exfoliator, which means it helps slough off dead skin cells with natural acids, minerals, and enzymes rather than physical exfoliants. Be sure to test this on a small patch of skin first to ensure it can tolerate the exfoliating ingredients in the formulation.
Kate Somerville Mega-C Vitamin C Brightening Mask
Many people develop a sallow complexion in the winter, caused by a lack of sun exposure and other irritants taking a toll on skin. A great way to combat this (in addition to taking care of your skin in your regular routine) is with a skin-brightening mask. The Mega-C Vitamin C Brightening Mask from Kate Somerville is a great choice. It works quickly to brighten skin, fade hyperpigmentation, and smooth skin texture. Use it before an event or night out for beautiful, glowing skin.
