How to protect your skin from the cold: 10 essential tips for winter care

1. Moisturize, Moisturize, Moisturize
One of the most important steps to protect your skin during winter is to keep it well-moisturized. Cold weather strips the skin of its natural moisture, leading to dryness and flakiness. Choose a rich, hydrating moisturizer that’s suitable for your skin type. Look for ingredients like:

• Hyaluronic acid: A humectant that draws moisture into the skin.
• Glycerin: Helps retain water in the skin.
• Ceramides: Strengthen the skin’s natural barrier.
• Shea butter or oils: Provide deep nourishment and lock in moisture.

Apply your moisturizer immediately after you shower or wash your face to lock in moisture while your skin is still damp.

2. Use a Gentle Cleanser
During the colder months, it’s important to choose a gentle cleanser that won’t strip your skin of its natural oils. Harsh soaps can leave your skin feeling tight and irritated. Opt for a creamy or hydrating cleanser that will cleanse without disrupting your skin’s moisture balance. Avoid hot water for washing your face and body, as it can further dry out your skin—lukewarm water is the way to go.

3. Hydrate from the Inside Out
Winter air is often dry, and so is the air inside our homes due to indoor heating. To help maintain hydration, it’s essential to drink plenty of water throughout the day. Herbal teas or warm broths can also help boost your fluid intake and keep you cozy. Proper hydration is key to keeping your skin soft, plump, and radiant, so make sure you’re nourishing your skin from the inside as well as the outside.

4. Protect Your Skin with Sunscreen
Even in winter, UV rays can damage your skin. Snow can reflect up to 80% of UV light, increasing your exposure to harmful rays, especially if you’re spending time outdoors. Don’t skip your sunscreen during the colder months. Look for a broad-spectrum SPF of at least 30 or higher, and make sure to apply it to all exposed areas of your skin—especially your face, neck, and hands.

5. Exfoliate Gently
Exfoliation can help remove dead skin cells and prevent flakes from building up. However, it’s important to be gentle with your skin during the winter months, as over-exfoliating can lead to irritation and further dryness. Choose a mild exfoliant, like a gentle scrub or a chemical exfoliant containing AHAs (alpha-hydroxy acids) or BHAs (beta-hydroxy acids), to help slough off dead skin without causing damage. Exfoliate once or twice a week, depending on your skin’s needs.

6. Keep Your Environment Humidified
Indoor heating can make the air incredibly dry, which can lead to moisture loss from your skin. To combat this, consider using a humidifier in your home or office. Humidifiers help maintain a healthy moisture level in the air, which can prevent your skin from becoming too dry. You can also place a bowl of water near a heat source to help add moisture to the air.

7. Wear Protective Clothing
If you’re heading outside, make sure to protect your skin from the cold with warm, protective clothing. Opt for gloves, scarves, and hats to shield your face and hands from the wind. Wool and fleece are great for keeping the warmth in, but be cautious of fabrics that may irritate your skin. If you have sensitive skin, choose soft, breathable fabrics like cotton under your layers.

8. Avoid Long, Hot Showers
It’s tempting to take a long, hot shower during the winter to warm up, but excessive heat can strip your skin of its natural oils, leaving it more vulnerable to dryness. Stick to shorter showers with lukewarm water, and follow up with a nourishing moisturizer to replenish your skin’s hydration.

9. Pay Special Attention to Your Hands, Feet, and Lips
These areas are especially vulnerable to the cold, and they tend to dry out more quickly. For your hands, keep a rich hand cream with you at all times—apply it after washing your hands or when you feel dryness setting in. Consider using a heavier balm or ointment for your feet to keep the skin soft and prevent cracked heels. Lip balm with SPF is a must for protecting your lips from chapping, so keep one in your bag, car, and bedside table.

10. Consider Adding an Overnight Treatment
Wintertime is a great opportunity to give your skin some extra TLC while you sleep. Overnight masks or treatments can provide your skin with deep hydration and healing while you rest. Look for products that are rich in nourishing ingredients like peptides, retinoids (if your skin can tolerate them), or nourishing oils like argan or rosehip oil.