Have you switched to a winter skincare routine since the temperature dropped?
Your skin’s needs can change on a daily basis depending on many factors. Your stress levels, water intake, routine and environment can all affect the state of your skin.
We’re a few months into winter now and I’m really starting to notice the drying effects of cold and dry weather on my combination skin.
The changes slowly came around November, and I wondered if I could get away with the same skincare routine since I’m not actually going outside too often. But around the holidays, my skin was feeling uncomfortably dry and itchy, sensitive from the cold wind and further dried out from indoor heating.
I notice these drying effects the most on my cheeks, legs, scalp, hands and cuticles. It was time to transition to a real winter skincare routine.
Here are some ways you can boost your skincare routine this winter to stay hydrated, comfortable and balanced. Have your own tips to share? I’d love to hear them. Let me know down below, or let’s chat on Instagram!
1. Thicker moisturizer for your winter skincare routine
Let’s start with the most obvious solution to dry winter skin: ditching the lightweight moisturizers for something heavy-duty.
I’ve tried a lot of different lotions and creams over the years, and found that you really don’t need to spend a lot of money to get an amazing moisturizer. I gravitate towards simple moisturizers with purposeful ingredients.
This cream from CeraVe is a crowd favourite for many reasons. You can use it on your face and body, the texture is creamy and non-sticky, and you get amazing hydration from the ceramides and hyaluronic acid.
If you have sensitive skin, you’ll love La Roche-Posay’s Cicaplast Baume. I slather it on my face before I go on walks to protect my skin from the harsh elements.
I also love using it in my nighttime winter skincare routine when I’m using a retinol or chemical exfoliant for its soothing properties.
Read more: The best moisturizers for dry skin you need to try this winter
2. Add oils to your winter skincare routine
Skin feeling parched, even with a good moisturizer? Bring out the oils.
I used to be scared of putting oils on my skin, especially when I was dealing with acne. I learned that a good quality oil meant for facial skin won’t clog your pores or break you out. They can help deeply nourish the skin, promote healing and regeneration, and give you that ~glow~.
This winter, I’ve been exclusively using this magic oil-serum from Consonant Skin+Care which has vitamin E and oat. I’ll either mix a few drops in with my moisturizer, or I’ll pat in a few drops as a last step in my nighttime winter skincare routine. Such a lovely product!
*You can use code NICESKINDAYS for 10% off your Consonant order. Works on top of sales, too!*
A couple of go-to alternatives are pure rosehip oil or jojoba oil. I’ve used both of these and find you get the same benefits with a friendlier price tag.
3. TLC for your hair and scalp
I know DIY skincare gets a bad rep, but honestly I haven’t found anything cheaper and better for my hair and scalp than organic unrefined coconut oil. I get a tub like this that lasts for over a year!
Every few weeks in the winter, I’ll massage about a tablespoon of warmed up coconut oil (20 seconds in the microwave does the trick) into my dry scalp and ends. If I’m struggling with dandruff, I’ll add a drop of tea tree oil. Both of these oils have anti-microbial properties that help treat your scalp, while the coconut oil adds much-needed moisture. Make sure to shampoo thoroughly after at least an hour.
For actual haircare products, I’ve been loving the Moroccanoil Treatment Hair Oil to smooth out the length of my hair. It does wonders for winter static, too!
4. Take care of your hands
Our hands have been under more frequent washing and sanitizing than ever before. They definitely need some extra love as part of your winter skincare routine.
I have hand cream everywhere around the house, so it’s easily accessible when I need it. My go-to hand cream for years has been the L’Occitane Shea Butter Hand Cream. You just need to try it once to realize why so many people swear by it.
I also love having bottles of this Aveeno lotion for easy access throughout the day, and also because it soaks in extremely quickly. No greasy residue on my laptop and phone. 🙂
To get in the habit of moisturizing my hands right after I wash them, I keep hand cream in the washroom and places I frequent around the house, including the kitchen counter, front foyer and computer desk.
5. Invest in a room humidifier
Sometimes, you just need to literally infuse more moisture into the air around you.
A compact humidifier by your bed or office may be the best investment you could make to keep your skin hydrated and balanced all winter long. Especially as we’re spending hours on end indoors with indoor heating making our rooms drier and less skin-friendly.
Not only that, but I find having my humidifier on helps with eye and nose dryness, too. You can find cute and affordable humidifiers online — I personally use and love this one!
6. The thicker the lip balm, the better
Last but not least, our lips need some TLC in our winter skincare routine. I can’t focus on anything when I have that tight, sandpaper feeling on my lips because I’ve been talking, eating and licking my lips all day without replenishing its moisture.
My holy grail lip moisturizer for over a year now is the famous Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask. I have the berry flavour, and realized they have a bunch of other fun flavours to choose from. You only need a small amount to coat your lips, and it lasts for a long time which is why it’s marketed as an overnight lip treatment. It’s been amazing at protecting my lips from the cold wind on my walks!
When I want a little bit of colour, I’ve been turning to this tinted lip balm by Burt’s Bees instead of lipstick. It’s hydrating with the added bonus of a flush of colour, which really comes in handy before Zoom calls. They also have an array of nice shades to choose from — so far, I’ve tried Hibiscus, Rose and Red Dahlia!
You may also like…
- Why I love the La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume B5
- AXIS-Y skincare review for acne-prone, dehydrated skin
- Is Function of Beauty skincare worth it? Pros and cons
- Do you need a dedicated morning skincare routine? Tips for dehydrated, acne-prone skin
- How to boost your skincare routine for winter: 6 essentials