How to Transition Your Skin-Care Routine for Winter

It’s no secret that one of the biggest skin-care complaints we hear during the colder months is dry, flaky skin. As the weather transitions, it’s important to update your skin-care routine to include rich, moisturizing formulas. Check out five easy tips that will help keep winter skin-care woes at bay.

TIP 1: Double Up on Moisture

Reach for heavy-duty creams and moisturizers to help moisturize your skin and ward off flakiness. We recommend searching for formulas made with hydrating ingredients, like hyaluronic acid, ceramides, essential oils, and/or glycerin. For example, we like the Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream because it offers up to  24 hours of hydration for a soft, smooth and healthy-looking complexion. 

In addition to hydrating your skin with moisturizer twice daily, try using a nourishing face mask two to three times per week. The Lancôme Moisturizing Rose Jelly Overnight Mask is an intensely hydrating formula made with hyaluronic acid, rose water and honey. Apply a generous amount on dry, clean skin at night and wake up with soft and plump skin in the morning. 

TIP 2: Beware of Artificial Heating

While it may feel nice to cuddle up near the heater in the winter, the ritual can be drying on our skin. Scaly legs and arms, cracked hands, chapped lips and rough skin texture can all occur as a result of prolonged exposure to hot air heating. To avoid the negative effects of artificial heating, invest in a humidifier. This can help replace some of that moisture loss in the air while you have your heat running. We also recommend using a facial mist to give your skin a quick boost of hydration throughout the day. Try the Pixi Beauty Hydrating Milky Mist.

TIP 3:  Protect Your Skin Before Heading Outdoors

Harsh temperatures can seriously wreak havoc on your skin. Make sure to shield your face from cold winds every time you step outside by layering up with a scarf, hat and gloves. 

TIP 4: Don’t Ditch Your SPF

Your skin should always be protected from UV rays, regardless of the weather or season. In fact, SPF during the wintertime is especially important because the sun can reflect off snow and lead to sun damage. We recommend switching out your sunscreen for a richer formula with SPF 30 or higher, like the CeraVe Hydrating Sunscreen SPF 30. 

TIP 5: Don’t Forget Your Lips

The delicate lips on your pucker have no oil glands, making them even more susceptible to drying out. Pick your favorite hydrating lip emollient — we recommend Kiehl’s Lip Balm #1 — and apply generous coats as often as needed.

Photo: Chaunte Vaughn, Design: Hannah Packer

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