Posted February 06, 2015 in Blog
Between winter’s cold, windy days and your home’s dry indoor heater, your summer glow may be a distant memory. First, the bad news: yes, we still have several long months to go before you’ll be back to basking in the warm air, rocking your favorite sundress, or sipping sweet tea on the porch. But when it comes to recapturing your skin’s glow, all is not lost. Don’t settle for a winter of dry, flaky, and irritated skin—fight back with these three winter beauty tips that will help your skin look its best all year long.
1. MOISTURIZE EVERY DAY AND EXFOLIATE WEEKLY.
Every winter skincare regimen should include exfoliation and hydration to repair and protect your skin. Even if you have oily or combination skin, daily moisturizing is an absolute must, and exfoliation is critical for removing layers of dry, dead skin. Choose exfoliating products that contain lactic acid, which binds with water to ensure you’re only removing the dead cells and not drying out your skin any further.
Pro Tip: If it feels like your moisturizer is “sitting” on top of your skin (rather than being absorbed), you may need to increase your exfoliation to two or more times per week, or schedule a professional microdermabrasion facial.
2. USE NATURAL OILS FOR INCREASED MOISTURE.
If a thick moisturizer feels too heavy or is making your skin breakout, try using natural oils like squalane (derived from olives) and calendula oil (derived from the calendula flower). Squalane is perfect for treating dry skin because its molecular structure is similar to your skin’s structure, helping it to penetrate your skin more deeply than other substances and quickly heal cracked and chapped skin. Calendula oil is another great option that increases your skin’s elasticity, in addition to reducing under-the-eye irritation and dark circles.
Pro Tip: Mix three drops of calendula oil with one tablespoon of coconut oil and let sit overnight before applying to your skin the following morning. This mixture can be applied on a daily basis. For an at home treatment that we love, try Avene Soothing Moisture Mask ($26).
DON’T SKIMP ON SUNSCREEN.
Just because the days are shorter and colder doesn’t mean that your skin is safe from sunburns. A burn in the winter increases the risk for dry, flaky, and irritated skin. Sunscreen is a key part of skincare, no matter the time of year.
Pro Tip: Opt for a medical-grade daily moisturizer with an SPF of at least 30 and reapply if you plan on spending long periods of time outside.
