Four skincare products to prioritize as you head into dry, cold months
Winter brings more than just snow-filled fun. As temperatures drop and the air gets drier, your skin takes a big hit. It feels tight, flaky, and more sensitive than usual. This is why you need to be extra cautious about the skincare products you apply.
Here’s a short guide discussing four skincare products to prioritize as you head into cold, dry months:
What cold weather does to your skin
First off, let’s recap what cold weather actually does to your skin and why. Cold air, low humidity, and strong winds strip away the skin’s natural moisture. Even indoors, things aren’t much better.
Some studies suggest that filaggrin – a protein in our skin necessary for maintaining the barrier function – decreases during the winter. This dehydrates your skin, leading to dryness. Symptoms of dry skin include:
- Rough skin
- Skin feels tight
- Itchiness
- Redness
- Slight or severe peeling
- Small cracks or fine lines
As your skin loses hydration, it can worsen conditions like eczema, psoriasis, and rosacea.
1) Hydrating cleanser
If a cleanser promises to make your skin ‘squeaky clean,’ run as fast as you can. There is a great chance it contains harsh chemicals that’ll strip away your skin’s natural oils. Instead of a foaming or gel-based cleanser, opt for a hydrating cleanser.
These lotion-based cleansers are designed to remove makeup and dirt while gently cleansing and maintaining your skin’s moisture barrier. A hydrating cleanser can also reduce itchiness, redness, and inflammation caused by cold air.
The best part? It is ideal for all skin types in winter, including oily or acne-prone skin. A gentle hydrating cleanser will also set the tone for your next skincare products.
2) Moisturizing face cream
This is a no-brainer. Face moisturizers give your skin essential nutrients. This helps strengthen and repair the barrier whilst locking in the moisture. Look for the following ingredients:
- Shea butter
- Ceramides
- Hyaluronic acid
- Niacinamide
- Natural oils (jojoba, argon, almond)
Our advice? Choose thicker creams over light lotions. Your dry and dehydrated skin could really use some extra moisture to glow. If you have very dry skin, use a moisturizer containing occlusive ingredients like petrolatum. It can significantly reduce water loss by forming a protective barrier.
Always, always stick to reputable skincare brands like Clarins. There is nothing worse than skin irritation in winter.
3) Humectant-rich serum
Serums are useful year-round, but some types do really well during the cold, dry months. Humectant-rich serums are highly underrated. These are formulas that contain ingredients like hyaluronic acid and glycerin. They help draw moisture to the skin.
Other useful ingredients include panthenol (pro-vitamin B5) and aloe vera. Apply your humectant serum on slightly damp skin to maximize its moisture-binding effects. Then, apply a rich, creamy moisturizer to seal in the hydration.
4) Lip balms
Cracked, flaky, and chapped lips are super common in winter. The waxy or oily texture of lip balm forms a physical barrier on the lips, preventing natural moisture from escaping.
Lip balms can also heal superficial cracks and smooth out lines.
