Blogs

Winterizing Your Skin

by on ‎11-09-2012 02:00 PM

Brrr…I don’t even want to think about the upcoming cold months, but they seem to be approaching…and quickly! I’m a hot-weather, live-at-the-beach, love-summer kind of girl and, quite honestly, I’d skip right over winter if I had my choice. Well, scratch that. I’ll take a little snow for the holidays, but after that, right back to 80-degree weather and sun for me! Unfortunately, we don’t have any control over the weather, but thankfully, we do have control over how we help protect our skin during the winter.


Just like we change our wardrobes for the seasons, we also need to “dress” our skin for winter. I’ve put together a list of tips to help keep your skin healthy and protected during the harsh winter months.


1. Non-Stripping Cleanser


Non-stripping cleansers will help hydrate the skin while cleansing. It’s important to start your skin-care regimen with a cleanser that won’t overdry the skin.



2. Exfoliate


After you cleanse, it’s important to exfoliate the skin to remove dead skin cells, which helps your skin breathe and absorb treatment products. Some peels/exfoliants are meant to be used daily while others are designed to be used every few days. Be sure to read the directions.



3. SPF Protection


Even though it’s not summer, it’s just as important to wear SPF EVERY DAY. While the sun’s rays aren’t as strong in the winter, they’re still damaging to the skin.



4. Antioxidants (Glutathione)


Antioxidants help protect the skin from free radical attack. Free radicals accelerate the visible aging process. They're all around us and can be even more prevalent depending on different lifestyle factors (i.e., diet, pollution, smoke, chemicals, etc.). Using products that help replenish antioxidants help reduce the visible signs of aging and provide much-needed protection against free radical attack.



5. Stay Hydrated


Plain and simple, drink water…and lots of it! Our skin is the largest organ in the body, so it’s important to stay hydrated. Dry skin = aging skin.


6. Serums


Serums are not only a great way to deliver moisturization to the skin, but they're also an essential antiaging solution. As a general rule of thumb, serums are always applied before moisturizers. If you’re using multiple serums, always apply from thinnest to thickest.



7. Moisturizers


Depending on your skin type, you may need to use a moisturizer twice a day while other people may only need to moisturize once a day. Personally, a serum is usually enough for me outside of the winter months, but I’m already finding myself adding a moisturizer into my evening routine to help ensure my skin stays healthy and nourished. The cold temperatures and winds can really take a beating on the skin, so it’s important to supplement with extra moisture during the winter.



8. Lips


Don’t forget to give a little love to your lips. They’re just as susceptible to the cold as the rest of your body! Here are a few of my favorites:



9. Moisturize from Head to Toe


Taking care of our faces always seems to be our #1 priority…and rightfully so! But that doesn’t mean we can neglect the rest of our skin. Just like with your face, it’s equally important to both exfoliate and moisturize your skin from head to toe.



The winter months can be rough on the skin, but at least these tips and products will help us give the harsh cold weather a run for its money! Yes, I’m a summer girl at heart, but there’s also something so cozy about putting on a warm pair of plush socks and curling up with a cup of hot chocolate! What are your favorite things about winter?


—Kristin Hafner