From Dull to Dewy: Your Winter Skin Ritual

Written By Kailee Unciano

Have you ever noticed how dry your skin feels and how dull it starts to look as we transition into the colder months?

With the seasons changing and the temperatures dropping, now is the time to start preparing to keep your skin barrier(outer most layer of the skin) strong and protected.

Why does skin become more dry and irritated during the winter months?

The skin is stripped of its natural moisture and sebum(oil) production is reduced due to the low humidity levels and the cold, dry air that comes along with winter. This leads to dull, dry and flaky skin that feels tight and uncomfortable. In some cases, this can lead to conditions like eczema and rosacea. Another factor is that colder weather comes with an increased use of indoor heating systems which removes even more moisture from the air, making you more susceptible to dry skin and a compromised skin barrier.

Lifestyle Tips for Hydrated Skin:

  • Be mindful of your water intake and hydrate from the inside out. If your skin feels dry and your lips are chapped, increasing water will go a long way

  • Opt for warm showers and avoid hot ones. Hot showers damage the outer layer of the skin preventing the skin cells from being able to hold onto moisture leading to dryness, flaking and itching

  • Use humidifiers in your home to add moisture back into the air

Winter Skin Tips:

  • Layer hydrating products from lightest consistency → thickest to help retain and seal in moisture

  • Switch from lighter moisturizers → richer creams or facial oils that protect your barrier from the cold, dry air

  • Add humectants(a substance that draws moisture from the air and deeper layers of the skin to hydrate the top layer of the skin) like hyaluronic acid or glycerin and use occlusives(an ingredient that forms a barrier on the skin to protect it and prevent moisture loss) like mineral oil to lock it in

  • Switch to gentle cleansers that are cream or oil based to avoid excessive stripping of the skin

  • Continue exfoliating but opt for less abrasive methods such as glymeds Beta Gel with 10% Glycolic Acid or the Resurfacing Night Cream with 15% Glycolic Acid

  • Continuing applying SPF- the sun still penetrates through the clouds

  • Consider coming in to the studio for a customized, hydrating facial for an extra boost of moisture and a specialized skincare routine. I also offer virtual appointments where I can curate a custom skincare routine for you as well.

  • Last but not least, keeping your lips moisturized with Glymeds hydrating lip balm provides the perfect boost of hydration. This product is my holy grail for lip hydration all year long containing jojoba, avocado and sunflower oil

You can find all of my Winter Skincare Rituals in the “my shop tab” and look for the “Winter Skincare Bundle.” If you have any questions or need further assistance or recommendations, I’d love to hear from you so I can help!

Kailee Unciano