Learn the changes you should make to your skincare regimen as we move from moderate fall to bitter winter. If you follow this advice, you’ll have skin that glows as brilliantly as Rudolph’s nose!
Skin goes through different “moods” depending on all kinds of variables. For example, your monthly cycle and the ensuing hormonal shifts greatly affect your skin, as do certain foods, stressors, and medications. Another really big factor that can change the way your skin looks and feels is weather, especially as we transition from one major season to another.
Primary Skin Issues Experienced During Winter
You can probably guess the biggest skin bummer associated with colder months. That’s right, dryness!
“The sea, sun, wind and sea salt are very drying for your skin, but in summer, because of the increased humidity, you don’t feel their impacts that much, as your skin is naturally producing more sebum or oil,” says Dr. Lamees Hamdan, a dermatologist based in Dubai. “As the weather transitions—and with central heating coming into play—you will find your skin dry and without that ‘glow.’”
You’ll start to experience this dryness in the fall, but the deeper we trudge into winter, the drier skin becomes. For that reason, Dr. Lamees says your primary skincare goals during winter should be to increase moisture, increase glow, and to also reverse any residual damage that was done during summer. Let’s discuss how to do all three.
Increasing Moisture
Because of the extra moisture in the air, summer months call for lighter products (think: foam cleansers and water gel moisturizers). During the cold months, though, skin is typically much thirstier. For this reason, you should opt for heavier creams and more frequent masking sessions to give your skin consistent boosts of hydration. Dr. Lamees recommends using a face mask twice a week.
“I would alternate between an algae or marine extract rich mask plus, a very hydrating clay mask,” she says. “Do try and buy masks that carry natural products in the formula, as the purpose with masks is to ‘feed’ your skin, and give it the extra nutrients and trace elements it needs from the outside.”
For a marine-rich mask, try Skinfood’s Marine Food Gel Mask in Pearl or Whamisa Organic Sea Kelp Facial Mask. For a super hydrating clay mask, we recommend RE:P Bio Fresh Mask With Real Vitality Herb, which contains kaolin clay that not only draws out impurities but provides a dose of moisture. The real rose and jasmine flowers also help make the skin look more vibrant.
Regarding heavier moisturizers, try Missha Time Revolution Immortal Youth Cream paired with Missha Misa Geum Sul Vitalizing Eye Cream, a thick and heavy eye moisturizer that will give you an instant boost.
Increasing Glow and Reversing Damage
Obviously, the more hydrated your skin is, the healthier and more glowy it appears. However, you can take it all one step further by exfoliating regularly and using cosmetics that add a subtle sheen to your skin.
“I recommend beginning with AHA/BHA exfoliation at home for a month or two and use it no more than three times a week,” says Dr. Lamees. She likes Dr. Dennis Gross’ Alpha Beta Peel . Another great (and more affordable) option is CosRx AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner.
This hydration-meets-exfoliation regimen will help even out pigmentation and reverse any other damage done to your skin during the summer.
Makeup That Makes You Radiant
Another key to making your skin look like it’s glowing is to not overdo it with your concealer and foundation. You can also add a little bit of highlighter to your cheekbones, nose bridge, and forehead.
“I am not a huge fan of foundations, as they mask your skin’s own healthy glow,” says Dr. Lamees, who recommends wearing sheer, minimal coverage and some blush for that perfect glow. “During winter, you don’t want to layer products that are powder-based as they are too mattifying, so skip your usual blusher for a blush stick,” she adds.
For a light, thin base, a really good option is Banila Co.’s VV Bouncing Cushion, which also contains SPF 50, PA+++, and collagen. On top, apply Peripera Ah Much Real My Blusher in your choice color, and Dinoplatz Pearl Bay Invasion Highlighter to any part of your face that hit the light. All of the above are liquid-based, so they’ll further add to that “glow” effect you want to go for throughout winter.
So to recap: Moisturize like it’s your full-time job, exfoliate like you really mean it, and use liquid makeup with a light hand to make your already radiant face that much more radiant!
+ We would love to know what are your winter skin care and makeup tips and tricks! Share them in the comments below!
