Your winter skincare routine

Winter can be harsh on your skin. Your skin goes through a lot during colder month, from bitterly wind outdoors to extra hot showers and dry heated air indoors. It’s not surprising that after a while skin begins to feel dehydrated, tight, and generally uncomfortable. You might even find that underlying skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis flare up during winter, too. But there are steps you can take to give your skin the extra care it needs to stay feeling and looking fabulous all winter long. Read on to discover the best winter skincare routine to keep the skin on your face and body feeling moisturized and looking glowing.

What is the perfect winter skincare routine?

Winter skincare needs to focus on hydration at every step of your skincare routine – whether it’s a super involved Korean-inspired regimen or a stripped-back cleanse, moisturize, SPF combo. Knowing which ingredients to look out for in your skincare products is the perfect starting point for building the ideal hydrating skincare routine:

• Hyaluronic Acid - a compound your body produces naturally, which means most people tolerate it well. It works by attracting moisture and can carry up to 1000 times its weight in water!
• Ceramides - help repair the skin’s natural moisture barrier, which can be particularly helpful for people who suffer from chronic dry skin or eczema.
• CBD - combines the ability to hydrate skin and reduce inflammation to soothe winter skin.
• Glycerine - this classic ingredient pulls moisture into deeper layers of the skin making it the perfect addition to your winter skincare routine.

What are the five basics of winter skincare?

If you’re sure where to start with your winter skincare the amount of information can feel a bit overwhelming. To keep things clear, here are our top five basic steps to keep your skin healthy this winter:

1. Gently cleanse your skin.

Whether it’s your face or your body, use an oil-based cleanser to avoid stripping the skin of its natural oils.

2. Apply a toner

Again, this step is essential for both your face care and your body care. Applying a toner will provide added hydration while promoting skin flexibility and comfort. 

3. Moisturize

If your skin is feeling extra dry, apply a heavy moisturizer to help lock in hydration. If you struggle with oily skin, you can opt for a lighter cream for this step. Skincare for combination skin can be tricky, so in this case, you can either stick to a light moisturizer all over or combine the use of a heavier cream on dry areas and a lighter one on others.

4. Apply SPF

SPF is crucial even in winter, even if you’re not leaving the house! Make sure you add sun protection to your skincare routine after moisturizing.

5. Avoid hot water

Use warm water throughout your skincare routine and when you shower or take a bath. Hot water can inflame the skin and cause moisture loss. Stick to lukewarm water (around 98F) where you can.

Which cleanser is best?

Good skincare products come in lots of different forms, so when it comes to selecting a cleanser, you need to look at which you enjoy using best. Oil-based cleansers like Make Beauty’s Pre-Cleanse Fluid or solid-to-liquid options such as Clinique’s Take The Day Off Balm are both excellent options for your face.

In turn, for your body, you can look at The Bawdy Wash from Bawdy, whose waterless formula is hydrating and soothing, all while being kind to the planet. If you’re looking for a liquid cleanser, Naturium’s Glow Getter oil-based cleanser is a good option for maintaining hydration levels.

Which toner is best?

Finding a toner rich in moisturizing ingredients is a great way to boost your skin’s hydration. For your face, look for a product that contains oils and Hyaluronic Acid. We love the Rose & Hyaluronic Acid Deep Hydration Toner from Fresh. The toner has become a cult product for many over the last few years, and it’s one of those you’ll buy again and again after trying it.

For your body, look for a product that will both hydrate and firm up your skin to keep looking healthy year-round. Bawdy’s Super Tight Serum acts as the perfect toner to balance hydration levels and increase the firmness of your skin with ice wine and glycerin. Ice wine works to leave skin looking and feeling more youthful, while glycerin locks in hydration.

Which moisturizer is best?

Using a moisturizer rich in ceramides during winter is always a good option. We love Dr. Jart+ Ceramidin Moisturizing Cream and the Skinfix Barrier+, which are ideal for sensitive skin. 

An oil is an excellent way to give your skin a much-needed treat for your body. Bawdy’s Extra Firm Bawdy Oil uses CBD oil, marula oil, and patchouli oil to hydrate skin. The formula not only hydrates but also gives skin a firm feel that’s ideal for brightening dull winter days.

Don’t forget your lips! Dry, cracked lips are super typical in winter, so be sure to use a moisturizing lip balm as part of your skincare routine, and reapply it throughout the day if you need to. We love Laneige’s Glowy Balm, which has a hint of color too!