As the temperature drops, you might notice your skin feeling drier and looking a little dull. That’s because cold air, hot showers, and low humidity all work together to strip moisture from your skin. Even that space heater by your desk isn’t doing you any favors.
The good news? You don’t have to wait until spring to get your glow back. A few simple changes to your routine can help restore and protect your skin from winter’s harsh effects. Here’s a four-step skincare plan you can start using today.
### Step 1: Exfoliate Regularly
If you’re not exfoliating already, now’s the perfect time to start. Removing dead skin cells helps prevent buildup that can make your complexion look dull. A gentle scrub, like La Roche-Posay Ultra-Fine Scrub, is a great option if your skin is a little sensitive to the cold. Its tiny exfoliating particles work without causing redness or irritation.
Exfoliation isn’t just for your face—it benefits the rest of your body too. A mild body scrub, such as OGX Smoothing Coconut + Coffee Scrub & Wash, can help smooth your skin while leaving it lightly scented.
### Step 2: Switch to a Hydrating Cleanser
Winter is the time to swap your usual cleanser for something gentler and more moisturizing. Avoid products with sulfates and harsh detergents, as they strip away your skin’s natural oils. Instead, look for cleansers with nourishing ingredients like oils and glycerin to give your skin the extra care it needs.
DHC Deep Cleansing Oil, for example, is packed with olive and rosemary leaf oils to hydrate and protect while effectively removing makeup and impurities.
### Step 3: Lock in Moisture
Cold weather can leave your skin feeling extra thirsty, so it’s important to lock in hydration while your skin is still damp. Right after stepping out of the shower, apply your moisturizer to help seal in moisture.
If you have oily skin, you don’t necessarily need a heavy cream. A lightweight option like Garnier SkinActive Water Rose 24H Moisture Gel provides hydration without feeling greasy.
For drier skin, a richer formula can help maintain moisture levels. Versed Skin Soak Rich Moisture Cream is an affordable choice that deeply nourishes and replenishes.
### Step 4: Moisturize from Head to Toe
Keeping your entire body moisturized is key to avoiding itchiness and flakiness during chilly days and nights. The right formula will provide long-lasting hydration, ensuring your skin stays soft and protected for hours.
While it’s tempting to choose a lotion based on scent alone, make sure it actually delivers deep moisture. A budget-friendly yet effective option is Vaseline Clinical Care Extremely Dry Skin Rescue, which is designed to soothe and hydrate even the driest skin.
By making these small adjustments to your skincare routine, you can keep your skin healthy, hydrated, and glowing all winter long.