Winterize Your Skin With These 6 Tips and Tricks Today

Improve Your Winter Skincare Routine

Now that we’re in the winter months, we need to shift our skincare along with the shifting weather. In Vancouver, we typically don’t see too much snow or icy cold temperatures, but this has been changing in the recent years and the simple change from cold and wet to dry and hot can wreak havoc on our skin. Our temperatures have been dropping, and more snow has been falling – so what does this mean for our skincare routine?

Cold Weather

As you have probably recognized, with colder temperatures our skin can easily become drier. Colder temperatures with low humidity creates dry air that draws moisture away from our skin, and pair that with winds and dry indoor heat and you may see your skin cracking! These conditions can worsen many skin conditions, like eczema and psoriasis.

6 Rules To Live To Improve Your Winter Skincare Routine:

Prevention is key.

Keep your hands warm by wearing gloves when you’re outside to protect your skin from the weather. Wear a mask or scarf to block the wind from your face.

If you find that your hands still get dry in the winter from the cold weather, washing your hands and increased use of hand sanitizer, try putting on lotion or coconut oil with gloves over top to sleep in. This will lock in the moisture!

Avoid long, hot showers and baths.

Although a nice hot shower or bath on a wet, cold, rainy day in Vancouver might sound nice, it can dry out your skin and shouldn’t be a part of your skincare routine! Hot baths and showers strip your skin of its natural oils, leading to drying. Whenever possible, use warm or lukewarm water instead, and dab dry instead of rubbing. This includes when you wash your face and hands!

Also, apply lotion after you get out of the shower and bath to re-hydrate your skin, or add oils to your bath to hydrate while you relax and de-stress.

Choose the best moisturizing option for your skin.

During the winter months, you will need a different type of moisturizer than you use during the summer months for your skincare routine. But remember, thicker isn’t always better. If you’re prone to acne breakouts, you’ll want to avoid petroleum or oil-based formulas. Look for formulations that contain lipids instead. If your skin is very dry, you may need an emollient underneath your moisturizer. Also, remember that it’s best to moisturize in the morning and at night (make sleep time, healing time).

And don’t forget your lips! A natural or coconut-oil based lip balm will hydrate your lips and keep them kissable through the cold season.

Don’t forget your sunscreen!

Even though the sun has lost its heat (or you can’t see the sun through the clouds), you still need sunscreen every day in your winter skincare routine. Apply sunscreen to your face and hands 30 minutes before going out.

Aim for a mineral-based sunscreen like Moondust sunscreen. Mineral-based sunscreens sit on top of your skin so you don’t absorb nasty chemicals (but this one doesn’t leave a white residue on top). Moondust has also proven to show increased zinc absorption, which is a great immune support!

Don’t forget – you absolutely need sunscreen for your winter sports! The sun reflects off the snow increasing the glare. Apply sunscreen before setting out on your winter hikes, snow shoeing excursions, skiing and snowboarding!

Choose the right fabrics for your skin.

The right clothing choices will enhance your skincare routine.

Keep your skin healthy by avoiding tight clothing that will cause you to sweat in them. Choosing breathable fabrics that will allow for ventilation if you get too warm can be a big help. Avoid scratchy fabrics directly on your skin as well, such as wool.

Stick to quick-dry or dry-wick fabrics directly on your skin, especially if you’re out doing winter sports (skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, etc.). These fabrics are breathable and keep the moisture off your skin while keeping you warm!

Stay hydrated.

Drinking enough water throughout the day also hydrates your skin. Aim for half your body weight in ounces of water per day to stay hydrated. For example, if you weigh 150lbs, drink 75oz or 2 litres of water per day. If you have any kidney conditions, please check with your physician first.

You may be thinking, “I hate drinking cold drinks in the winter.” That’s ok! Herbal teas can be consumed all day long without causing you stimulation or keeping you up at night, while keeping you hydrated and warm. You may notice that some teas, like dandelion root tea, cause you to urinate more, this is because they are diuretic (pull water out). If none of that appeals to you, stick with hot water and lemon to boost your vitamin C intake at the same time.