As the temperatures drop and the windchill reaches a whole new level of unbearable, it’s time to get real about winter skincare tips. Because oh yes, dry skin during the chilly months of winter is an all too common occurrence for most of us (especially us Canadians!).
If you’re ready to say buh-bye to dry, flaking skin this winter, I gathered up all the best winter skincare tips to keep your skin looking its absolute best.
Plus hey, I found these tips from professional dermatologists, and included my own experiences as well to really help you out.
Here are the 11 winter skincare tips that you’re absolutely going to want to implement for hydrated, glowing skin all winter long:
Note: this post contains affiliate links, but I only included links for the products that I personally use and love.
1. Invest In A Thermal Spring Water
One of the best secrets to supple, hydrated skin is the use of a thermal spring water.
While it might seem like you’re simply spraying your face with some basic water, thermal spring water is not standard water. Thermal waters are packed with minerals and help protect against UV damage.
Plus, you can easily throw this little baby in your purse, and give yourself a spritz when your skin is feeling a little parched.
Personally, I use the the Avene Thermal Spring Water.
Pro Tip:
Keep your thermal spring water in the fridge for a refreshing blast of hydration (perfect for post-workout).
– LA-based dermatologist Jessica Wu, MD
2. Select a Hydrating Cleanser
It’s easy enough to stick with your usual cleanser, but I suggest being extra careful about what you’re using in the winter.
Some cleansers can be extremely drying, and will actually irritate your skin rather than nourish it.
Look for cleansers that are specifically formulated for sensitive skin. Even if you don’t have sensitive skin typically, using these products in the winter is generally beneficial for everyone, regardless of skin type.
Personally, my favourite drugstore cleanser is The Neutrogena Ultra-Gentle Hydrating Cleanser.
For higher end, I currently use the Avene Cleansing Foam, and am absolutely in love with the Bioderma Micellar Water (this is the best product I have ever used for makeup removal).
All of these products work amazingly for my sensitive skin, and are highly recommend for a winter skincare routine.
3. Apply Your Moisturizer Right After Your Cleanser
Speaking of your cleanser, be sure to apply your moisturizer right after your cleanser.
If you leave your skin naked for more than 30 minutes, your skin will get dehydrated, which you definitely want to avoid in the winter.
Personally, my favourite moisturizer of all time is the First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream.
Note: I researched this product extensively before purchasing. It has amazing reviews on Sephora, and I can say from experience that it works wonders on dry skin. Plus, it’s not expensive at all compared to most moisturizers, and you can use it all over your body! Of all the products in this post, this is the one I most highly recommend.
Having said that, if you’re still overwhelmed by what products to choose and establishing a skincare routine, give this post a read on the best skincare products, where I’ll tell you exactly what products to use and how for glowing skin.
4. Sun Protection In The Winter Matters
Just because the temperatures have dropped, doesn’t mean that Mr. Sun has gone away.
All dermatologists agree that protecting your skin with proper sun protection in the winter is an absolute must!
Trust me, in the long run, as you age, you’re going to appreciate all those times you added sunscreen into your winter skincare routine.
This is my personal favorite sunscreen for the face. It’s non-greasy, goes on well under makeup, and doesn’t have a strong sunscreen smell.
5. Avoid Steaming Hot Showers
It can be super tempting to turn up the heat on your shower, especially during the chilly winter months, but if you want to save your skin, avoid steaming hot showers. The hot water will only irritate your skin and dry it out. No thanks!
Instead, aim to wash your face with tepid water.
-Elizabeth Tanzi, clinical professor of dermatology at the George Washington Medical Center
6. Try Out A Cleansing Brush
Chances are, you’ve seen your favourite beauty vloggers and influeners, using a cleansing brush in their skincare routine.
Well, they’re onto something!
By having a cleansing brush, like the Clarisonic, in your skincare routine, you cleanse more deeply, allowing your skin to really lock in your moisturizer, which is ideal for the winter months.
Note: If you have active acne on your face, I would avoid using a cleansing brush. In my experience, this just irritates the acne and leads to further breakouts. And again, if you’re struggling with acne, these skincare tips for acne prone skin are for you.
7. Try Your Best To Not Over-Wash Your Face
When we’re trying to achieve glowing skin, the tendency is to layer on all the products and scrub, scrub, scrub.
But, when you do this, what you’re actually doing is drying out your skin from overwashing, which not only makes your skin look lacklustre, it will also highlight wrinkles. No thanks.
Be gentle with your skin by washing twice a day, and letting your fingers gently glide over the surface of your skin, rather than scrubbing.
Trust me, your skin will reward you for being so gentle.
– Rachel Nazarian of Schweiger Dermatology Group
RELATED: If you’re over-washing your face because you’re dealing with acne, I highly recommend checking out this post on how I cleared my severe acne. These tips were game changers in my life
8. Use a Humidifier In The Winter
Here’s an easy one that can make a serious impact on your skin.
Simply install a humidifier in your home. (I love this one in particular because it’s so quiet)
While putting on the heat in the winter is great for keeping toasty, it can wreak havoc on your skin. A humidifier will add some moisture back into your home to prevent your skin from drying out. Easy peasy.
Also, if you’re finding the dry, winter air is making your lips particularly chapped, make sure you check out this article that chats all about the best product to cure chapped lips. (Seriously, this product has been a game changer in my beauty routine)
9. Consider What You’re Eating
You’ve heard it before, but what you eat can definitely impact your skin.
You’ll find many dermatologists saying different things about the impact of diary, chocolate, and fatty foods on your skin.
But one thing that I think we can all agree on is that fruits and veggies are never a bad idea in your diet.
In particular, eat plenty of water-based foods, like watermelon, cucumber, berries, plums, peaches, and celery for glowing and hydrated skin.
P.S. drink plenty of water!
10. Don’t Skip Exfoliating
It might seem counterintuitive to exfoliate when your skin is feeling dehydrated, but when you skip exfoliating, you leave your skin prone to breakouts.
Exfoliating helps remove the buildup of dead skin cells, which can be particularly common in the winter. Exfoliate all that dead skin away, and not only will your skin look brighter, you’ll also be helping to prevent future breakouts.
Currently, my personal favourite exfoliate is the Origins Modern Friction Nature’s Gentle Dermabrassion.
11. Don’t Forget To Hydrate Around The Eyes
The skin around your eyes is the thinnest, which makes it extremely prone to drying out. Don’t let this happen, and ensure you’ve invested in a hydrating eye cream.
I’m always switching up my eye cream, but simply apply your choice, and you should be good to go.
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All of these tips are amazing! I had no idea about thermal water!