5 Easy Steps to Combat Dry Winter Skin Like a Pro

Combat Dry Winter Skin Like a Pro

Is your skin feeling itchy, damaged, or dry this winter? The harsh winds and cold air lack the moisture that humid summer air provides, leading to new wrinkles and creases. The discomfort you feel on your face is due to damage from cold winds outdoors and overly dry heated air indoors. With global warming causing extreme winter weather, this issue is only set to worsen.

A Skincare Routine to Prevent Dry Winter Skin

The good news is that protecting your skin is much easier than stopping global warming. Consider the following advice as a comprehensive self-defense program to shield your skin from extreme conditions. This regimen will help you protect, repair, and preserve your skin, avoiding dry winter skin. Follow this advice diligently, and you’ll make it through winter with little to no damage.

1. Use a Hydrating Cleanser at Night

Avoid bar soap and foamy cleansers, especially during winter. Opt for a gentle, sulfate-free cleanser. Try adding face oils like argan, avocado, or sunflower to your cleanser—about 20 to 30 drops. This will provide extra hydration and clean your skin without stripping away valuable moisture.

Consider using Cera Ve Hydrating Cleanser for $16.99. Wash your face only once a day at bedtime to remove pollutants and makeup. Then, nourish your skin with moisturizers to help it repair itself while you sleep. Avoid washing your face in the morning to let your skin’s natural oils surface. This will also benefit your skincare budget.

2. Avoid Toners with Alcohol

If your skin is very dry, skip the toner this season. If you prefer using a toner, avoid those with alcohol. Some alcohols like Cetyl, Cetearyl, and Stearyl can be hydrating, but many others can dry out and dehydrate even oily skin types, causing inflammation. Try an alcohol-free toner like Kiehl’s Since 1851 Ultra Facial Toner for $24.

3. Embrace Oils

Nourishing oils like argan, avocado, grape seed, kukui, emu, marula, and moringa are excellent natural moisture sources. They are absorbed into the skin and are non-comedogenic, meaning they won’t clog pores or cause breakouts. Unlike mineral oil, these oils are viscous and penetrate easily.

You can use these oils alone, over serums, or even pat them into your foundation mid-day. They absorb quickly, providing added glow and protection, especially around your eyes and mouth. Use oils and moisturizers where your skin is dry, avoiding oily areas like your nose.

Some favorite super oils include:

Avocado: Calms itchy skin, heals and hydrates, shields skin from UV radiation, and soothes sunburn.
Grapeseed: Quick-drying oil that decreases oiliness, works as a daily moisturizer for acne-prone skin, and is anti-inflammatory.
Argan: Soothes inflammation, nourishes skin, promotes wound healing, elasticity, and hydration, and provides a barrier against pollutants.
Emu: Rich in fatty acids and vitamin A, excellent for dry skin and reducing inflammation, with healing properties for conditions like rosacea or dermatitis.
Marula: An antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and collagen-enhancing protective that strengthens the skin.
Moringa: Heals dry skin, rich in vitamins A and C, has anti-inflammatory benefits, and helps improve facial muscle sagging.

For dry winter skin, consider a mix of these oils, like a Cocktail of Oils.

4. Add Hyaluronic Acid

Hyaluronic acid is an excellent humectant that draws and holds moisture into the skin. It contains 1,000 times more moisture than any natural substance. Ensure it is in the top 5 ingredients for effectiveness. Consider options like Kiehl’s Hyaluronic Acid Super Serum for $60 or Cera Ve Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Serum for $25.99.

5. Use Hydrating Face Sprays

Setting sprays are popular for setting makeup, but some also deliver hydration. Consider using hydrating face sprays like Squalane + Hyaluronic Acid Facial Mist for $18 or Mario Badescu Facial Spray for $8.

Embrace the cold weather and layer your body and skin with protective ingredients. This will protect you from dry winter skin!

For more information on skincare, check out Skincare.com.