How to Transition Your Skincare Routine from Summer to Winter: Essential Tips

As the seasons change and temperatures drop, it's crucial to adjust your daily routine to meet your skins specific needs during the winter months. While the summer calls for lighter products and sun protection, winter demands more hydration and protection against harsh environmental conditions.

During the winter, several environmental factors can significantly impact the health and appearance of our skin. These factors can lead to dryness, irritation, and other skin issues. Some of the key environmental factors that can affect your skin during the winter months include:

Cold Temperatures and Dry Air: Exposure to cold temperatures can lead to dry and irritated skin. Low humidity levels during winter can also contribute to moisture loss from the skin, causing it to become dehydrated and prone to flakiness.

Indoor Heating: Artificial heating systems used indoors during winter can further reduce the humidity levels, resulting in dry air that can strip the skin of its natural moisture. Prolonged exposure to indoor heating can exacerbate skin dryness and lead to a compromised skin barrier.

Wind: Harsh winter winds can cause skin to become chapped and irritated, especially on exposed areas such as the face and hands. Wind can strip the skin of its natural oils, leading to increased dryness and sensitivity.

UV Rays: Although the intensity of the sun might feel lower during winter, UV rays can still be harmful, especially when reflected off snow. Snow can reflect up to 80%!!! of UV radiation, leading to increased sun exposure and potential skin damage, including sunburn and long-term effects like premature aging and skin cancer.

Hot Showers: I’m sure we’re all guilty of enjoying a prolonged hot shower during the cold winter months!  However, this small luxury will strip the skin of its natural oils, leading to dryness and irritation. Prolonged exposure to hot water can compromise the skin barrier, making it more susceptible to moisture loss. So either keep your shower short or try and finish it off by turning the temperature down a few notches.

Let’s look at what we can do to combat all the perils our skin faces in the winter:

Reevaluate Your Cleanser: Swap out your gel or foaming cleanser for a more hydrating, creamy cleanser that will help to prevent your skin from drying out during the colder months. Look for cleansers that contain nourishing ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, glycerin, or ceramides to maintain your skin's moisture barrier.

Amp Up the Moisture: Invest in a richer moisturizer to combat the dryness that often accompanies winter. Look for products that contain ingredients like squalane, or oils such as jojoba or argan, which provide deep hydration and lock in moisture. Consider using a facial oil as an extra layer of protection against the elements, or better yet if you struggle with very dry skin, employ “Slugging” to your evening routine, which involves applying a thick layer of an occlusive agent such as Vaseline or Aquaphor to your face to prevent water loss and dehydration of the skin. 

Don't Forget Sunscreen: Can’t stress this enough. You should always be wearing sunscreen! Even though the sun might not feel as strong during winter, it's crucial to continue using a broad-spectrum sunscreen to protect your skin from harmful UV rays. Opt for a sunscreen with moisturizing properties to provide an extra layer of hydration while shielding your skin from UV damage.

Exfoliate Gently: Adjust your exfoliation routine to accommodate the changes in your skin's needs. Swap out harsh physical exfoliants for gentler chemical exfoliants like alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) or beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs) to help slough off dead skin cells and promote cell turnover without stripping your skin of essential oils.

Add a Hydrating Mask: Incorporate a hydrating mask into your skincare routine once or twice a week to provide an extra boost of
moisture. Look for masks containing ingredients such as aloe vera, honey, or oatmeal to soothe and hydrate your skin, leaving it soft and supple.

Transitioning your skincare routine from summer to winter doesn't have to be a daunting task. By making a few simple adjustments and focusing on hydration and protection, you can ensure that your skin remains healthy and glowing throughout the colder months. Remember to listen to your skin's specific needs and adjust your routine accordingly to keep it nourished and protected all winter long.