Winter Skincare Routine For Dry Skin

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Do you like winter? Frankly speaking, I have mixed feelings about it. On the one hand, winter is a beautiful season filled with cozy sweaters, warm drinks, and the joy of holiday celebrations. On the other hand, the winter months with cold and dry air combined with indoor heating can wreak havoc on our skin, especially for those of us with dry skin. Indeed, the harsh winter weather, coupled with the artificial warmth from heaters, can leave our skin feeling dry, tight, and irritated. That’s why today, I’m sharing a winter skincare routine tailored specifically for dry skin. This routine will help you keep your skin healthy, hydrated, and glowing throughout the colder months.

Winter Skincare Routine For Dry Skin

To begin with, sometimes it makes sense to change your skincare routine with the change of seasons. In fact, adjusting your skincare products and habits to suit the winter weather is essential for maintaining a healthy skin barrier. This will help prevent your skin from becoming overly dry.

Let’s discuss why your skin tends to get dry during winter and find some solutions to avoid exacerbating the problem. By understanding what causes dryness, you can make informed choices about your winter skin care and keep your skin feeling soft and supple all season long. (If you have dry skin all year round, you will benefit from my blog post The Best Tips for Skin Care Routine for Dry Skin.)

Why Does Skin Get Dry In Winter?

First, the cold winter air is not only chilly but also low in humidity, resulting in less moisture in the environment. So, when you step outside, the dry air draws moisture away from your skin, leading to dehydration. Likewise, exposure to cold winds can damage the skin’s outer layer, making it more difficult for the skin to retain moisture. This can result in dryness, irritation, and even cracking.

Second, during colder months, your skin produces less sebum, the natural oil that keeps your skin moisturized. As a result, you may experience uncomfortable tightness, fine lines and wrinkles, and an overall dull complexion.

Third, indoor heating systems and longer hot water showers and baths in colder months can strip the skin of its natural oils, exacerbating dryness. The hotter the water, the more likely it is to dry out your skin.

Next, dehydration can contribute to dry, flaky skin, too. Oftentimes, people drink less water during the winter because they don’t feel as thirsty as they do in warmer weather. However, staying hydrated is crucial for keeping your skin moisturized from the inside out.

Lastly, reduced sun exposure in winter months can lead to drier skin. To clarify, sunlight helps stimulate oil production and vitamin D synthesis in the skin, both of which are important for maintaining moisture. During winter, with shorter days and more time spent indoors, your skin lacks that.

This combination of factors results in a compromised skin barrier causing flaky skin vulnerable to dryness and irritation.

How To Take Care Of Dry Skin In Winter

For starters, to take care of dry skin in winter, the key is to switch to a hydrating skincare routine. The latter should include several steps. For instance, it’s essential to use a gentle cleanser to avoid stripping the skin of its natural oils. This step can be followed by a hydrating serum with ingredients known for locking in moisture, like hyaluronic acid.

Next, it makes sense to moisturize with a rich cream containing fatty acids and ceramides to strengthen the skin barrier and prevent moisture loss. Additionally, you can use a gentle exfoliator once or twice a week to remove dead skin cells and allow better absorption of your moisturizer.

The general rule of thumb is to avoid skincare products with the ingredients listed below because besides increasing certain health risks, they can irritate the skin and permanently damage the skin barrier:

phenoxyethanol
benzisothiazolinone
methylisothiazolinone
methylchloroisothiazolinone
fragrance and “natural” fragrance, and
polysorbates and other ethoxylated ingredients.

Furthermore, consider avoiding long hot water showers as they can exacerbate dryness. If you can’t refuse yourself the pleasure of taking a hot bath, learn about bathtub water filters to help protect your skin from drying and toxic chemicals. Also, try to shield your skin from harsh winter elements by wearing appropriate clothing and using a humidifier indoors to add moisture to the air.

Let’s look closely at some of the steps that can help you with your winter skin care.

Choose A Hydrating Cleanser

Without a doubt, a crucial step in your winter skincare routine is selecting the right cleanser. During the winter months, it’s important to avoid harsh cleansers that strip the skin of its natural oils. Instead, opt for a gentle cream or oil-based cleanser that will cleanse your skin without leaving it feeling dry.

My absolute favorite: Crunchi I AM The Balm Makeup Cleansing Balm is a gentle makeup remover and nourishing cleanser. It is powered by turmeric and plant-based squalane to soften and protect your skin. The balm also contains sweet almond oil that is rich in vitamins, minerals, fatty acids, and antioxidants to help keep skin healthy. (ADVOCATE10 for 10% off on your 1^st purchase)

Exfoliate Gently

Exfoliation is key to removing dead skin cells that can accumulate and cause your skin to look dull and flaky. However, during the winter, it’s important to use a gentle exfoliator that won’t strip the skin of oils. Exfoliating 1-2 times a week will help your skin absorb moisture more effectively and keep it looking fresh and smooth. Go for a product with gentle ingredients like lactic acid or fruit enzymes which help to exfoliate without causing irritation.

My absolute favorite: Crunchi I AM Polished® Facial Exfoliator is powered by a 10% blend of glycolic, lactic, and fruit acids for safe exfoliation. Moreover, it features Paracress extract, which helps reduce wrinkles and improve skin firmness due to its natural ability to boost collagen production. (ADVOCATE10 for 10% off on your 1^st purchase)

I Read Labels For You recommendations for dry skin care routine in winter.

Use A Hydrating Serum

Obviously, dry skin thrives on moisture, so it’s important to layer hydrating products to keep your skin plump and supple. Start with a hydrating toner or essence to replenish moisture right after cleansing, then follow up with a serum packed with hydrating ingredients. For example, hyaluronic acid serums are great for attracting and retaining moisture in the skin. Also, remember to apply your hydrating products to slightly damp skin for better absorption. This will help to plump up your skin and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

My absolute favorite: Crunchi Goldenlight® Multi-Peptide Facial Serum contains hyaluronic acid to boost hydration levels of the skin, helping to visibly plump and firm the skin. On top of that, it features niacinamide and peptides that help stabilize and restore the skin’s collagen and elastin network to firm skin for a lifted, contoured, and sculpted appearance. (ADVOCATE10 for 10% off on your 1^st purchase)

Moisturize With A Rich Cream

After applying your hydrating layers, locking in moisture with a rich, nourishing moisturizer is crucial. During colder months, opt for a thicker cream that creates a protective barrier on your skin, preventing moisture loss throughout the day. Look for moisturizers containing occlusive ingredients like shea butter, squalane, or jojoba oil. If your skin is extremely dry, consider using a facial oil on top of your moisturizer for an extra layer of protection.

My absolute favorite: Crunchi Daylight® Facial Cream features hyaluronic acid and a blend of sea kelp, sea moss, aloe vera, and organic oils to help restore essential hydration of the skin. And Crunchi Nightlight® Facial Cream boasts a blend of hibiscus flower extract, aloe vera, organic jojoba, sunflower, avocado, and sesame oils for deep hydration, soothing, and softening the skin. (ADVOCATE10 for 10% off on your 1^st purchase)

Incorporate Sunscreen

Just because it’s cold and cloudy doesn’t mean you can skip sunscreen! Indeed, UV rays can still penetrate the clouds and cause damage to your skin, so make sure to apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen every morning, even in the winter. Choose a mineral sunscreen with zinc oxide that also offers moisturizing benefits to keep your skin hydrated.

My absolute favorite: Crunchi Sunlight® Facial SPF 30 contains non-nano zinc oxide to protect against the sun’s damaging UVA and UVB rays. It also contains hyaluronic acid and squalane for hydration. (ADVOCATE10 for 10% off on your 1^st purchase)

I Read Labels For You opinion on steps to take to protect dry skin in winter.

Remember To Nourish Your Body’s Skin

Your face isn’t the only part of your skin that needs attention during the winter. The skin on your body can also become dry and flaky due to the harsh winter weather. Be sure to apply a rich body lotion after showering to keep your skin soft and hydrated. Look for a body lotion that contains shea butter, coconut oil, or other nourishing ingredients that help to retain moisture and repair the skin barrier.

My absolute favorite: Pure Haven Body Butter with Pre+Probiotics contains organic shea and cocoa seed butter as well as pre+probiotic ingredients to nourish and protect your skin from head to toe.

Also, check our my blog post 7 Best Body Lotions Without Harmful Chemicals for more options.

Avoid Hot Water And Hydrate

As tempting as it may be to take a long, hot shower on a cold winter day, hot water can strip the skin of its natural oils, leading to dryness and irritation. Instead, opt for lukewarm water when showering or washing your face. This will help to preserve your skin’s natural moisture and prevent it from feeling dry and tight.

Also, stay hydrated by drinking your usual norm of water even though you may not feel as thirsty as you do in warmer months. If you don’t have a water filter yet, you will benefit from my blog post Best Water Filter System For You.

Protect Your Skin From The Elements

Above all, when you step outside during the winter months, protect your skin from the cold and wind by wearing a scarf, hat, and gloves. This will help to shield your skin from the harsh elements and prevent it from becoming dry and chapped. Additionally, consider using a humidifier in your home to add moisture to the air and prevent your skin from drying out.

Conclusion: What Does Winter Skin Care For Dry Skin Include?

Winter Skincare Routine For Dry Skin Should Include Gentle Cleansing And Exfoliating As Well As Hydrating And Moisturizing To Help Your Skin Barrier Retain Moisture And Prevent It From Feeling Dry.

Although winter is a magical and festive season, for those of us with dry skin, it can also be a challenging time. The cold air, low humidity, and indoor heating can strip our skin of its natural moisture, leaving it dry, flaky, and even irritated. However, with the right skincare routine, you can keep your complexion healthy, hydrated, and glowing all season long. By adjusting your skincare routine and using products that help to retain moisture, you can keep your skin healthy and hydrated throughout the colder months.

Remember to choose gentle, hydrating products that support your skin barrier and avoid anything that could strip the skin or make it feel dry. With the right winter skincare routine in place, you can enjoy the beauty of the season without worrying about your skin.

My favorite high-quality skincare products for dry skin help maintain soft, smooth, and hydrated skin all winter long:

(The ADVOCATE10 discount code for 10% off on your 1^st purchase of $50+ works for all Crunchi products.)

For more options, head over to my blog post The Best Tips for Skin Care Routine for Dry Skin. You can also check out Annmarie Skincare and Primally Pure Skincare.

As always, feel free to explore the I Read Labels For You blog for more valuable insights on skincare and makeup. Don’t miss out on my non-toxic products shop and unique e-books designed to help you discover safer options. Additionally, you can book a consultation for personalized guidance tailored to your specific needs.

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Winter Skincare Routine For Dry Skin