Winter Skincare 101: Dos and Don’ts
Friends, chilly season is here! While we love the holiday season, it also means that it's time to rethink your skincare routine. The colder months bring unique challenges that require extra TLC for your skin. Let’s tackle three common mistakes that might be sneaking into your routine and share three essential tips to help keep your skin glowing all season long.
Mistake #1: Skipping Sunscreen
Just because it’s cold outside doesn’t mean the sun isn’t a factor. UV rays penetrate through clouds and bounce off snow, making sunscreen just as important in winter as it is in summer. When you skip the SPF, you’re leaving your skin exposed to damaging rays that can accelerate signs of aging, worsen hyperpigmentation, and dry out your complexion. Even on overcast days, the sun's rays can sneak through, causing harm when you least expect it.
What you should do: Make sunscreen non-negotiable, year-round. Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 and apply it to all exposed areas of skin. Don’t forget often-overlooked spots like the tops of your ears, neck, and hands—these areas need sun protection too.
Mistake #2: Using the Wrong Products
Winter’s colder temperatures and drier air can take a toll on your skin, leaving it more prone to dehydration and sensitivity. If you’re using lightweight, summer-friendly products when the weather turns, your skin could be missing out on the nourishing, hydrating benefits it needs. Many summer products are designed to manage oil and shine, but lack the richer ingredients needed to protect your skin's barrier in winter.
What you should do: Transition to products that are specifically designed for winter. Opt for richer creams with ceramides to strengthen your skin's moisture barrier and humectants like hyaluronic acid or glycerin to draw in and retain hydration. Use a gentle cleanser that cleanses without stripping away essential moisture. These tweaks help ensure your skin gets the hydration it craves.
Mistake #3: Sleeping in Makeup
Winter nights may be longer, but don’t use that as an excuse to cut corners on your skincare routine. Failing to cleanse your face at night traps makeup, dirt, and impurities on your skin, clogging pores and preventing nighttime repair. With dry air already stressing your complexion, letting makeup sit on your skin overnight can lead to irritation, breakouts, and dullness.
What you should do: No matter how tired you are, cleanse before bed. Choose a nourishing cleanser that removes makeup without stripping the skin of its natural oils. Follow up with a hydrating night cream or facial oil to support your skin's overnight recovery process. Your morning skin will thank you!
What You Should Be Doing This Winter
Now that we've covered the don’ts, let's dive into what you should be doing to keep your skin radiant and healthy throughout the season. We just want you to be able to roll up to Thanksgiving and Christmas with that added shine that makes your friends and family take a second look—we are friends afterall, aren’t we?
Tip #1: Swap Tanning for Self-Tanners
While a sun-kissed glow may look tempting during the winter months, tanning beds and sun exposure come with serious risks like premature aging and skin cancer. Achieve a bronzed look safely by using self-tanning products. They offer the same golden glow without any of the harmful UV exposure.
Tip #2: Humidify Your Space
Winter air tends to be dry, which can pull moisture from your skin. Running a humidifier indoors helps maintain an optimal moisture level in the air, which your skin will love. This simple trick can make a world of difference in preventing dryness and keeping your complexion looking fresh and hydrated.
Tip #3: Protect Your Skin from Harsh Winds
Cold winds can quickly strip away your skin’s natural moisture. Combat this by using protective products rich in ceramides to strengthen your skin barrier and humectants like hyaluronic acid to attract hydration. Don’t skip the lip balm—keeping your lips nourished is essential for preventing cracks and dryness.
Winter skincare doesn’t have to be complicated. Avoid common mistakes and embrace these tips to keep your skin at its best. After all, your skin deserves a little extra love when the temperatures drop!
Have the best day ever, beautiful friends!