Wintertime can be filled with fun activities, holidays, and a general sense of coziness. But the cold temperatures we experience in many parts of the country can also wreak havoc on our skin.

Skincare in winter is important to maintain. Cold and dry air causes loss of moisture and skin irritation. But there are many ways to combat winter skin woes—hydrating at home, upping your skincare game, and treating yourself to facials. With just a bit of effort toward winter skin care on your part, your skin can stay soft, smooth, and supple all year long.

Why Does My Skin Get Dry and Irritated in Winter?

Itchy skin in winter is very common. Filaggrin is a protein that is vital to the skin's barrier function and natural moisture. During the winter, this protein decreases. It also decreases as we age and as our hormones fluctuate and change.

In addition to decreased filaggrin, winter weather can significantly impact our skin. Winter is associated with dry air, cold temperatures, low humidity, and indoor heating that can dehydrate our skin. This often leads to dryness and worsened skin conditions. But it can be resolved by implementing and maintaining a solid winter skincare routine.

What are the Best Winter Skin Care Tips?

While it is unnecessary to overhaul your winter skin care regimen, it is important to focus on hydrating products that can protect your skin and combat dryness. Limiting the products in your current routine that are more aggressive or focused on exfoliation is also important. Being mindful about your choices both at home and while outside can also help protect your skin against the elements.

Best Winter Skincare Tips for Dry Skin

• Moisture, Moisture, Moisture! You may be wondering how to keep skin hydrated in winter. It is important to incorporate thick moisturizing creams into your routine to combat dry skin in winter. Use them frequently! Products containing hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and petrolatum will help your skin lock in moisture.
• Make the swap to a hydrating cleanser. During the colder months, you should avoid harsh cleaners on your face and body. It is important for your skin to retain its natural moisture. By using gentler, hydrating cleansers daily, you can allow your skin to stay clean and moisturized.
• Steer clear of harsh scrubbing products. Rough, exfoliating products like scrubs, loofahs, and bath mitts, can irritate dry skin and even lead to eczema flares.
• Limit your use of irritating skincare ingredients. Products containing retinoids, exfoliating acids like AHA or BSH, and vitamin C may cause irritation during the winter. You should dial back the potency of these products to avoid drying out your skin while still getting their benefits.
• Wear protective gear as necessary. If you have dry skin, you should wear gloves when going out into winter weather. You should also wear cleaning gloves when doing the dishes or coming into contact with cleaning products.

Best Winter Skincare Tips for Acne-Prone Skin

• Show your skin a little extra love. In addition to your regular acne medication, be sure to use hydrating, oil-free, and fragrance-free cleansers and moisturizers during the winter. This will help combat excess drying and peeling.
• While jumping in a long, hot shower may be tempting, the hot water will only further dry out your skin. You should limit your showers to 15 minutes and use lukewarm water. Afterward, pat your skin dry with a soft towel and moisturize it while damp. These steps will help protect the natural oils in your skin and help keep it healthy. Keep the moisture you have.
• Exfoliation is important,, but do so lightly. Dry skin will only remain dry without light and gentle exfoliating. Avoid harsh scrubs and choose moisturizers with lactic acid.

Winter Skincare Tips for All Skin Types

• No matter the season, sunscreen is essential. Even though the sun’s UVB rays are less potent in the winter, the UVA rays are still present and can cause damage. When you are outside playing in the snow or shoveling snow, the sun’s rays can cause sunburn through the clouds and through the reflection of the snow itself. Wear at least SPF 30 every day and reapply if outside for winter activities.
• Stay hydrated. By limiting your alcohol intake over the holidays, you can prevent dehydration. You should also increase your water intake to stay healthy and hydrated all throughout the winter season.
• Don’t forget about your lips. Keeping lip balm on hand can keep your lips from getting dry, chapped, or sunburned. Each morning, a hydrating lip balm with SPF should be applied to lock in moisture.
• Consider taking a vitamin D supplement. Sun exposure increases natural vitamin D production during the summer. However, when sunlight exposure decreases in the winter, so does vitamin D intake. Supplements can help ensure your body is getting the needed amounts.
• When the weather outside is frightful, it is tempting to crank up the heat indoors. But high central heat can make the air inside your home drier. Consider a slightly lower temperature, around 68 to 72 degrees. You may also want to run a humidifier to add moisture to the air. Your skin will reap the benefits.
• Dress appropriately for the season. Especially if you are prone to dry skin, it is important to wear warm clothes and add protective gear like gloves as necessary.

Best Winter Skincare Products

Facial Cleanser

For the colder months, restoring and maintaining the skin’s moisture is important. Look for products that are both gentle and moisturizing. Avoid products containing alcohol, which can dry out the skin.

• Recommended Product : Agent Nateur: Lactic acid cleanser duo

  This two-step cleansing process lets you gently exfoliate your skin while tightening pores. The duo includes a cleanser and a wash to eliminate dirt, oil, and makeup. After the two steps, the skin is refreshed and refined without being dry.

Facial Moisturizer

Lightweight lotions are more suited for summertime. For winter, especially in colder, drier climates, you should look for creams, oils, or balms to protect your skin from the elements best. Hyaluronic acid, jojoba oil, and lactic acid are all moisturizing ingredients to consider.

• Product Recommendation: Fitglow: Cloud Comfort Cream

  Cloud Comfort Cream both nourishes and protects dry, stressed-out skin. Using rich nutrients like chia extracts, the moisturizer works to rebuild the skin’s strength and restore the moisture barrier. Some estheticians consider this the best moisturizer for dry skin in winter.

Body Cleanser

Although our faces are certainly the most exposed parts of our bodies during the winter, it is important to care for the rest of our skin, too. Body cleansers should be creamy and fragrance-free to help moisturize and avoid irritation. If you have eczema, products with petrolatum, shea butter, and silicones are good options.

• Product Recommendation: Agent Nateur: h o l i ( w a s h ) ageless resurfacing body cleanser

  This resurfacing, foaming oil body cleanser provides anti-aging benefits. It is both a body wash and an exfoliant, but its restorative ingredients will leave skin moisturized and not dried out. It is great for all skin types. It works to cleanse, nourish, and balance your skin.

Body Moisturizer

Combating dry skin in winter is especially important, especially in the colder months. After your shower or bath, lock in the benefits of your hydrating cleanser with a high-quality moisturizer. While your skin is still damp, you should apply moisturizer to lock in soft, smooth, silky skin. Look for thick creams with hyaluronic acid, glycerin, lanolin, mineral oil, petrolatum, or shea butter.

• Product Recommendation: Agent Nateur: b o d y ( b a l m ) ageless body treatment créme

  This body balm is a lifting, firming cream that works to hydrate and nourish your skin. The balm-like texture leaves a velvety, glistening finish that will last all day. This product is specifically formulated for dry skin. It is made from hydrating plant extracts and powerful nourishing oils. This body balm is among the best lotion for winter dry skin.

Anti-Aging Serum

During the wintertime, harsher skincare products should be avoided. Our go-to products like retinoids or resurfacing acids, should be shelved when our skin needs extra moisture. Instead, you should look for lower concentrations of these harsh ingredients or consider another type of anti-aging serum.

• Product Recommendation: Agent Nateur: h o l i ( o i l ) refining ageless face serum

  This serum, with its natural ingredients, will help revive your complexion. Packed with nutrients and hydrating oils, it will reduce the signs of aging, making your skin look hydrated and even.

Sunscreen

No matter the time of year, it is essential to wear sunscreen on the areas of your body not covered by clothing, like your face, neck, ears, and hands. For wintertime, look for moisturizing sunscreens like lotions or creams. You should also select an SPF of at least 30.

• Product Recommendation: Agent Nateur: Holi

  This tinted mineral sunscreen contains SPF 50, which will protect your skin from harmful rays. It offers a lightweight sunscreen and natural tint all in one. Leaving no white cast, this product helps protect your skin while providing a radiant glow.

Leveling Up Your Winter Skincare Routine

Maintaining your winter skincare routine at home is essential. But sometimes, you need to go the extra mile to achieve the hydrated, glowing skin you are looking for. Your local spa offers a variety of facial options to help you achieve that aesthetic goal.

• Service Recommendation: HydraFacial

  A HydraFacial is suitable for all skin types. If you have dry skin, this specialized facial is a great option because of the HydraPeel tip paired with nourishing serums. Following your appointment, the skin will be infused and hydrated. The facial leaves skin with improved elasticity, replenished moisture, and a healthy glow. It is also an excellent anti-aging option because of the hydradermabrasion.

• Service Recommendation: Diamond Glow Silk Peel Ultra-Hydrating Treatment Facial

  To kickstart your winter skin care regimen, this facial is specially formulated to treat dehydration, lack of volume, fine lines, and wrinkles. The hydrating elements help plump the skin, create a protective barrier for the skin, and promote natural collagen.

Learn More About Skincare at Aura Spa & Beauty Salon

Whether you want to discuss your winter skincare routine or are ready to treat yourself to a winter facial, Aura Spa and Beauty Salon can meet all your needs.

Located in Norman and Oklahoma City, Aura Spa boasts a meticulous approach to product selection. They ensure each product supports health and beauty. Their expert esthetician is also on-site to provide a relaxing, enjoyable, and educational experience to help you meet your skincare goals.

To learn more or book your appointment, call (405) 701-1221 or fill out the form below.