Winter can be tough on your skin. The cold outdoors combined with dry indoor heat often leaves us looking less like glowing goddesses and more like parched parchment paper.
But don’t worry with a few smart tweaks, you can keep your skin happy and hydrated all season long.
Meet the Experts (and Their Personal Winter Woes)
Dr. Dyvia Shokeen, a board-certified dermatologist, recalls her early days in Chicago winters: “I used to think layering on a thick moisturizer was enough, but my skin still felt tight and irritated.”
For Sophie Carbonari, a London-based facialist, it was all about trial and error. “I learned the hard way that over-exfoliating in winter only made things worse.”
These experiences shaped their professional advice and lucky for us, they’re sharing it here.
How Winter Impacts Your Skin
Ever wonder why your skin feels so different during winter? “Aging skin naturally loses elasticity and moisture,” explains Dr. Shokeen. “The cold further strips natural oils, leaving it dry and vulnerable.”
For mature skin, this means more pronounced fine lines, rough texture, and dullness. Think of it as your skin’s cry for help and we’re here to answer.
The Ultimate Winter Skincare Routine
Let’s dive into a dermatologist-approved, foolproof winter skincare routine:
- Gentle Cleanse Begin with a hydrating cleanser. Harsh soaps? A hard no. “Look for cleansers with ceramides or glycerin to keep the skin barrier intact,” Carbonari advises. Her go-to? CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser.
- Hydrating Toner (Optional) If you’re a toner fan, choose one loaded with humectants like hyaluronic acid. Dr. Shokeen adds, “Avoid alcohol-based toners that can dry out your skin further.”
- Serum Power This step is all about personalization. Feeling dry? Opt for a hyaluronic acid serum. Looking for firmness? Peptides are your friend. Both experts swear by layering antioxidant serums, like vitamin C, for an extra glow. “But be careful with strong retinol in winter,” Dr. Shokeen warns. “They can exacerbate dryness.”
- Moisturize Like You Mean It This is non-negotiable. Sophie Carbonari says, “Choose a formula packed with ceramides, peptides, or even vegetal stem cells for mature skin.” She’s a fan of La Roche-Posay Toleriane Ultra.
- Seal with Face Oil (Optional) A few drops of rosehip or squalane oil can make all the difference. “Think of it as a winter coat for your skin,” Carbonari quips.
- SPF, Even Indoors Yes, UV rays don’t take winter vacations. Apply a broad-spectrum SPF daily, even if you’re just Netflixing by the window.
What to Avoid This Winter
Dr. Shokeen stresses avoiding harsh exfoliants like high-strength AHAs and BHAs: “They can disrupt your skin’s barrier, leaving it prone to irritation.”
Instead, opt for gentle lactic acid-based products. And steer clear of alcohol-based toners your skin will thank you.
Pro Tips for Extra Protection
- Hydrate from Within: Drink plenty of water and eat omega-3-rich foods like salmon and walnuts.
- Invest in a Humidifier: Keep the air in your home moist to prevent your skin from drying out further.
- Skip the Scalding Showers: As tempting as they are, hot showers can strip essential oils from your skin.
Final Thoughts
Winter doesn’t have to be the enemy of radiant skin. With a targeted routine and a little TLC, you can keep dryness, dullness, and irritation at bay.
Remember, your skin’s needs change with the seasons, so listen to it and adapt. And as always don’t skip the moisturizer or SPF. Your future self will thank you.
