Winter is all about cozy vibes—think oversized sweaters, hot cocoa, relaxing by the fireplace and movie nights wrapped in blankets. But let’s be real: winter isn’t exactly kind to your skin. Between freezing temps, dry indoor heating, and biting winds, your skin goes through a lot. Here’s how winter can mess with your skin and, more importantly, what you can do to fight back and keep your glow intact.
Dryness and Flakiness
Who doesn’t hate dry skin? Cold air outside and cranked-up heaters inside have low humidity levels which strip the moisture right out of your skin, leaving it dry, flaky, and maybe even cracked if you’re not careful.
Compromised Skin Barrier:
As much as we love the great outdoors, the exposure to harsh winds and constant temperature changes can break down your skin’s natural defense system and can weaken your skin’s protective barrier, making it more sensitive and prone to irritation and sensitivity.
Increased Redness and Irritation:
If you’ve got sensitive skin, winter can be a nightmare. For some, sensitive skin often becomes more reactive in winter. The cold, wind, and dry air often trigger redness, chapped skin, itchiness, and overall irritation.
Exacerbation of Skin Conditions:
For those that struggle with eczema, psoriasis, or rosacea, you’ve probably noticed they get worse in the winter. The dryness and irritation of the season are major culprits so make sure you take care of your skin during these months to help prevent flareups or worsening of symptoms.
Dull and Tired Appearance:
Raise your hand if winter makes you feel more tired or unmotivated! Reduced sunlight and circulation to the skin during cold weather can leave your complexion looking dull and fatigued. Pretty fitting, as that is how I sometimes feel during the winter and lack of sun. To help with that dull appearance, add Fedor Beauty's "Rise + Radiate" serum to your skincare routine. An exquisite blend of active Ingredients that provides antioxidants, vitamins, and nutrients for your skin. Our serum radiates & brightens the look of skin for a youthful glow.
How to Protect Your Skin in the Winter Months
Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate:
Swap your lightweight summer moisturizer for something richer and creamier to help lock in hydration. Look for products that support hydration and lock in moisture to combat winter dryness.
Switch to Gentle Cleansers:
Avoid harsh cleansers that strip your skin of its natural oils. Instead, opt for a gentle, hydrating formula to clean your skin without drying it out. Your skin tends to overcompensate for dryness in colder months by producing more oil which can sometimes lead to breakouts.
Fedor Beauty's oil cleanser "Empower + Balance can help balance your sebum, leaving your skin hydrated during the cold months. This plant based oil cleanser contains Jojoba, sweet almond oil and papaya seed oil which can help sooth dry skin and is a great addition to your skincare routine in the winter months. It contains Willow Bark extract as a natural exfoliation that is found in nature from the bark of willow trees. It provides a gentle exfoliation to help with cell turnover by removing dead skin cells for a more vibrant complexion. Gently wipe away impurities, dirt and grime and keep your skin feeling nourished, soft and clean.
Don’t Skip SPF:
Did you ever wonder why snow can be so blinding to look at? Even in winter, UV rays can damage your skin, particularly with the reflection off snow. Snow essentially acts like a mirror reflecting UV rays causing what we know as "snow blindness". This exposes your skin to those harmful rays which can cause skin damage. Who knew, it doesn’t need to be summer to get those harmful rays. Make sure to protect your skin from the sun’s harmful effects.
Use a Humidifier:
Combat the dry indoor air by using a humidifier in your home or office. This adds moisture to the air, helping to keep your skin hydrated.
Exfoliate Regularly (But Gently):
Regular exfoliation removes dead skin cells and allows moisturizers to penetrate more effectively. However, be gentle to avoid irritation.
Stay Hydrated:
Drink plenty of water and eat a diet rich in healthy fats to support your skin’s natural hydration levels.
Protect Your Skin Outdoors:
Windburn. No thanks. Cover your face with a scarf or wear protective clothing or sunscreen to shield your skin from cold winds and extreme temperatures. This can strip the moisture from your skin leading to dry, irritated skin disrupting your skins natural barrier. This can reduces the protective effects of the stratum corneum which is the outer layer of the skin. This can lead to premature aging over time.
Just remember, winter’s challenges don’t have to mean dull, dry, or irritated skin. With the right adjustments to your skincare routine, you can protect and nourish your skin through the colder months. Focus on hydration, protection, and gentle care to keep your skin healthy, glowing, and resilient all season long.