How to get Glowing Skin in Winter

Daylight saving time just passed us, and this can only mean one thing: winter is coming and it is here to stay for the next 4-5 months. Long gone are the days of sticky, humid air and that natural layer of oil that was giving your skin a constant dew. Although we love summer, it can't stay forever. Trust me, I checked. Even in Miami, where No B.S. is based, we can't escape the dry air.

"As temperatures fall and the air gets dryer, your skin is the first to pay the price." Dermatologist Joshua Zeichner, MD says. In frigid conditions, the skin is less able to protect itself, which "leads to cracks in the outer layer of skin, loss of hydration, and ultimately, inflammation."

The weather change, coupled with dry indoor temperatures from heaters, seriously harms our skin's moisture. When your skin loses its moisture barrier, it weakens its ability to protect itself. 

Just as you swap your tanks and jean shorts for puffy jackets and warm boots, you have to swap your skin care routine to match the weather. You need a major skin care upgrade to keep up with the drastic changes in the weather. So read carefully, and take some notes so that your skin glows all winter long.  

Swap to a gentler cleanser 

Even though we looove the feeling of washing our faces with our favorite Gentle Foaming Cleanser, it is not the best product for the wintertime for all skin types (but it can work for oily skin year-round!) Most foaming cleanses, such as ours, are usually soap-based and tend to strip away the natural oils that your body produces, and while that is more than OK in the summertime, it just doesn't cut it in the cold winter months, especially for naturally dry skin. A milk or jelly cleanser will add extra moisture back into your skin instead of stripping it away. 

Start using a toner 

If you are not already using a toner, first of all - what are you waiting for? And second of all, wintertime is the perfect time to get on that bandwagon! Facial toners are an easy way to balance the skin, strengthen its barrier, and provide hydration. A toner has many benefits for your skin year-round because it helps remove every last trace of dirt, makeup, oil or dead skin cells that your cleanser didn't reach. It is particularly helpful during the cold winter months, as it returns your skin's pH back to normal and helps absorb any other hydrating products that follow it. 

Get an intensely hydrating serum

Incorporating a serum into your skin care routine will make you angry at the fact that you haven't always been using one. Especially if your skin is dry year-round. Serums are thinner in consistency but contain a potent concentration of active ingredients that target specific skin concerns, such as dry skin. Although you can get away with not using one during summer, you absolutely need one during the winter.

Serums containing Hyaluronic Acid (a powerful humectant,) like our Pure Hyaluronic Serum, grab moisture from the air and hold it to your skin's surface to deliver deep, lasting hydration. Spread 2-3 drops on your face before applying your moisturizer. A hydrating serum moisturizes and gives your face anti-aging benefits to protect it against the harsh winter air.

Use a heavier moisturizer 

Lightweight moisturizers are perfect for the humid summer air because your skin is getting sufficient moisture from its environment. During winter, your skin requires a thicker and heavier moisturizer that will keep it hydrated throughout the day. Especially because with winter comes the constant dry indoor temperatures from heaters, which seriously break down your skin's moisture. Supplementing this with a thicker moisturizer than the one you use during summer will surely help balance your skin's moisture. 

Invest in a good body moisturizer 

Now that we've talked about keeping our faces moisturized during the dry winter months, we can't forget to moisturize the rest of our bodies! During these months, your body is constantly under layers of clothes and fleece - which not only makes you feel like Joey from Friends but also makes you forget that there is skin under all of those clothes. Only to remember when you finally peel away all of those layers to reveal fish scales where your skin is supposed to be (you all know what I'm talking about.)

You shouldn't even allow your skin to reach that point! Be proactive and get our Hydrating Body Moisturizer to keep your skin fresh and hydrated all year long. Slather it on your body after you've towel-dried your body from the shower. It will leave you feeling fresh and your skin feeling hydrated. 

Get a good lip balm

Chapped lips are basically a fact of life during winter, but it doesn't have to be that way. By regularly applying a hydrating lip balm, you will combat crusty lip syndrome and have luscious lips that are extremely kissable.

"Lips become chapped because when people go out in the cold and don't protect their lips, they tend to get wind burned," Dr. Debra Jaliman MD says. She also suggests people avoid wearing long-lasting or matte lipsticks because their ingredients tend to cause more dryness. 

Never ever forget SPF

The final rule (and the most important rule year-round) is to always use a daily SPF. It does not matter if you live in Seattle and it is rainy year-round. Wearing a daily SPF will protect your skin from developing early signs of aging, such as wrinkles and fine lines. Sunscreen also protects essential skin proteins, such as collagen, keratin, and elastin, which are vital in keeping your skin looking youthful and smooth. 

Our Ultra-hydrating Moisturizer w/ SPF 20 is perfect for people who don't want to add too many steps in their skin care routine as it moisturizes while it protects from UVA/UVB rays. 

Here are some general Do’s and Don’ts to follow:

DO: Drink at least 8 cups of water a day. Hydration begins from the inside out - so if your body is hydrated, your skin will reflect it.

DONT: Use exfoliating products too frequently. Although exfoliating is important to heal dry skin, over-exfoliating can cause excess dryness and redness in the long run. 2-3 times a week should be enough, depending on your skin type.

DO: Focus on other parts of your body, like your feet and your hands! Although you cover most of it during winter, you can't forget to take care of it! 

DONT: Apply makeup on top of your dry skin. Give it some love with moisturizer and SPF before hitting it with foundation or concealer. Remember - your makeup is only as good as the skin you apply it to. 

DO: Listen to your skin. If it is dry and flaky - add more moisturizer. If it is not - you're on the right track, so keep doing what you're doing!

DONT: Use super hot water to wash your face because it dehydrates your skin. Washing with lukewarm temperature is perfect for all skin types and all climates.

DO: Exercise regularly. Exercise is not only beneficial for your overall wellbeing and health, but it has proven to have many benefits for your skin, as well. Exercise increases your blood flow, which helps nourish your skin cells and keep them vital.

DONT: Take such long showers. We know it is much harder to get out of the shower when it's cold outside but long showers aren't good for your skin or the environment - so always be mindful!