By Nicole Sloane
Winter can be beautiful, with cozy sweaters, festive gatherings, and holiday cheer. But colder temperatures, lower humidity, and harsh winds can leave skin and hair dry, dull, and lacking their usual vibrance. You can maintain a radiant look all winter with a few essential adjustments to your beauty routine. Here are some top beauty tips to help you thrive through the colder months.
Moisturize, Moisturize, Moisturize
Winter air is notoriously dry, depleting your skin’s natural moisture. A rich, hydrating moisturizer should be at the heart of your winter skincare routine. Opt for creams and balms rather than lighter lotions, as they provide a more intense barrier against the elements. Don’t forget that often-overlooked areas, like your neck and hands, are also prone to dryness.
Switch to a Gentle Cleanser
Your summer cleanser may be too drying for winter use, mainly if it contains salicylic acid or other active ingredients that can strip your skin of its natural oils. In winter, opt for a gentle, hydrating cleanser that cleanses without causing tightness or irritation. Creamy or oil-based cleansers are incredibly beneficial, as they help maintain your skin’s moisture barrier and leave your face feeling soft and comfortable.
Exfoliate with Care
During winter, go gentle on your skin with a mild exfoliating routine to keep it from drying out. Opt for chemical exfoliants like lactic or glycolic acid instead of abrasive scrubs, as these dissolve dead skin cells without irritation. Exfoliate just once or twice a week—this keeps your skin smooth while allowing it to absorb moisture more effectively without compromising its natural barrier.
Add a Humidifier for Skin and Hair Health
Indoor heating can leave the air in your home bone-dry, which your skin and hair will feel immediately. Combat the effects by adding a humidifier to your most-used spaces, like the bedroom or living room, to restore moisture in the air. This keeps skin hydrated and hair less prone to frizz and can even improve respiratory health. Aim for a humidity level between 40% and 50% for the best results.
Shield Your Skin from Winter’s Elements
Just because it’s cold doesn’t mean UV rays aren’t affecting your skin. The combination of brisk wind and sun exposure can lead to dryness, irritation, and even winter sunburn. Protect your skin with an SPF 30 or higher on exposed areas, and consider a scarf or face mask to add a physical shield against the wind on particularly brisk days.
Keep a Nourishing Lip Balm Handy
Winter air can easily chap and crack lips. A hydrating lip balm with beeswax or lanolin can lock in moisture and protect against cold weather elements. Exfoliating your lips weekly with a gentle scrub or a toothbrush can also help remove dead skin, leaving them soft and smooth.
Revitalize Your Hair Routine
Cold air, static, and even hats can stress your hair during winter. Use a moisturizing formula to help your strands stay hydrated, and limit washing to two or three times a week to avoid stripping natural oils. Adding a leave-in conditioner or lightweight hair oil to your ends can help prevent split ends and frizz while keeping hair manageable and shiny.
Pamper Your Hands and Feet
Hands and feet are exposed to harsh conditions, especially in winter, and need extra attention. Keep a thick hand cream on hand for frequent applications and apply a nourishing cream on your feet at night, followed by socks to lock in moisture. This routine will keep your skin soft and help prevent painful cracks.
Switch to Cream-Based Makeup for a Dewy Look
Powder-based makeup can emphasize dry patches and look cakey in winter. Cream-based foundation, blush, and eyeshadow products give a natural, hydrated glow and blend seamlessly into the skin. They also provide a dewy, fresh finish that helps combat winter dullness.
Rehydrate with Weekly Masks and Treatments
Boost your skin’s moisture levels with hydrating face masks once or twice a week, especially those containing ingredients like hyaluronic acid, honey, or aloe vera for an intensive hydration surge. Use a deep conditioning mask weekly to lock in moisture for your hair, which will keep your strands soft, smooth, and resilient.
Stay Hydrated Inside and Out
Cold weather can trick us into drinking less water, but hydration is crucial for glowing skin and healthy hair. Keep a water bottle handy, and add warm teas or lemon water to your daily intake if plain water feels too chilly. Hydrating from the inside out supports your skin’s elasticity and helps maintain its natural glow.
Schedule and Prioritize Quality Rest
Winter can affect energy levels, making quality rest essential for overall wellness. Sleep is when your body restores itself, benefiting skin, hair, and immune systems. Aim for 7-8 hours per night and create a relaxing pre-bed routine to help you wind down, which can also help counteract winter sluggishness.