Winter's chill brings numerous challenges, and one of the most significant concerns is its impact on our skin. The combination of cold temperatures, dry air, and harsh winds can leave our skin feeling perched, irritated, and dull. Low humidity and cold temperatures strip skin of its natural moisture increasing skin sensitivity, eventually becoming more reactive, leading to redness and irritation over time. Harsh winds strip skin of natural oils, cold temperatures reducing blood flow and oxygenation and indoor heating dries air circulation. This leads us to experience dry skin cells flake off, discomfort, reduced blood flow and oxygenation that dull skin's appearance in the winter time.
There's also an increase in acne and breakouts as clogged pores and increased sebum production, even chapped lips. Some of the causes of issues of skin happen due to low humidity, dry air naturally sucks moisture from skin. Natural moisturizers like coconut oil, shea butter, aloe vera, calendula and marshmallow root are beneficial, along with exfoliating, and gently remove dead skin cells. Protect yourself by using rose petals, turmeric and ginger paste to add an extra layer to your skin, stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water. You can enjoy other natural remedies as well as coconut oil and shea butter which works really well for hydration. Honey and oatmeal is more so for soothing while green tea and chamomile for is for calming but both also are great at adding moisture.
Winter's effects on skin can be challenging, but understanding the causes and implementing effective solutions can help mitigate these issues. By incorporating moisturizing, exfoliating, protecting, and hydrating practices, we can maintain healthy, radiant skin despite the harsh winter conditions.
Below are a couple of moisturizing routine for the winter season:
Morning Routine
1. Cleanse: Use a gentle cleanser after rinse like aloe. Rose, Sage, Lavender and Calendula are also beneficial to use as a cleanser if aloe isn't available.
2. Toner: Rosewater or witch hazel are amazing toners. Rose water carries vitamin C and retinol to effectively decongest clogged pores and help draw out dead skin cells, dirt and other impurities. To get a deep cleanse effect, witch hazel tones the skin by removing surface oils, bacteria and contains something called tannins—which naturally offer astringent and anti-inflammatory properties.
3. Moisturize: Aloe vera, hyaluronic acid, and rosehip oil natural serums that hydrate your skin, helping to restore its moisture barrier.
4. Protect: Broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30+)
Nighttime Routine
1. Cleanse: Gentle cleanser as usual.
2. Exfoliate: 1. Sugar cane (natural glycolic acid), Salt (stimulating, exfoliating), Coffee grounds (stimulating, antioxidant),
Cinnamon (stimulating, warming).
3. Toner: Rosewater or witch hazel
4. Moisturize: Natural serum (e.g., vitamin E, argan oil) + rich moisturizer
5. Treat: Face mask (1-2 times/week)
Additional Tips
1. Use humidifier to combat dry air.
2. Stay hydrated (drink plenty of water).
3. Avoid harsh products and hot water.
4. Exfoliate lips and hands regularly.
5. Apply moisturizer immediately after bathing.
Winter-Friendly Ingredients
1. Hyaluronic acid
2. Ceramides
3. Niacinamide
4. Coconut oil
5. Shea butter
6. Argan oil
7. Olive oil
8. Jojoba oil
Stay moisturized and glowing this winter!
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