Many of us notice that our skin becomes more itchy, flaky, and uncomfortable during the cold season. Cold weather, little sunlight, and dry indoor air all have a negative impact on skin health. Keeping your skin happy and healthy this winter goes beyond just using lotion!
For many of us, winter is a time of cold weather. And if you live in a far northern region, such as the Arctic Circle, you will experience cold temperatures more often. Cold winter air and indoor heating can dry out your skin. Vitamin D levels also decrease in winter due to lack of sunlight. This causes damage to the skin barrier and moisture loss.
Reasons for winter skin care
It is important to use moisturizing skincare products that help rehydrate the top layer of your skin. Also, use heavier creams and lotions that create more of a barrier from external elements. Winter is also a time of low sunlight and generally low sun exposure. This is what our skin needs to synthesize vitamin D.
The lower your vitamin D level, the higher your risk of overall inflammation in your immune system. Low vitamin D levels also play a role in skin health, including an increased risk of eczema and psoriasis.
Dry air and cold temperatures can cause your skin barrier to function poorly and make you more susceptible to damage. Keratinocytes make up 90% of the epidermis, the outer layer of the skin. They release inflammatory cytokines and cortisol, which make the skin more responsive to irritants. That’s why your regular skin care routine doesn’t stop when cold weather arrives.
Moisturizing and protecting the skin barrier are essential this time of year!
heat something
Another amazing way to increase your skin’s resilience to external factors is to expose your skin to more external factors. Exposure to saunas increases skin circulation, promotes skin hydration, and helps maintain skin pH, resulting in firmer skin. It helps your skin lose less moisture, especially when exposed to dry winter air. Studies have shown that saunas also help skin recover faster from moisture loss and a breakdown in skin pH.
There is also evidence that contrast therapy using alternating very hot and very cold temperatures may also be helpful. Many traditional northern cultures and even athletes alternate between sauna sessions and cold exposure. This helps our skin become more elastic and handle temperature changes better.
environmental adjustments
Increasing the humidity in your home using a humidifier can also help restore moisture to your skin. If you have indoor heating, which is common in most areas, this attracts moisture from the air. Dry air pulls moisture away from the skin, further increasing dehydration.
Your home may feel as dry as a desert, but it may actually be much drier. Indoor humidity drops to 10-20% when you turn on the heater, but the humidity in the Sahara Desert is around 25%. Next is hard, dry skin, which is more easily damaged. You may also notice more fine lines and wrinkles appearing. No, thank you!
Hydration at the cellular level
Another thing I’ve been using recently that has made a huge difference to my hydration levels is structured water. There is interesting research on the molecular structure of natural water found in springs and melting glaciers. Evidence shows that structured water hydrates us much more efficiently at the cellular level.
Since switching to structured water, I have personally noticed better hydration. If you don’t have clean, natural spring water in your backyard, you can also run purified water through my Mayu Swirl. You can learn more about Mayu here and get a discount with code Wellnessmama.
Of course, retaining minerals helps with cellular hydration, keeping your skin healthy from the inside out. I will use various minerals and salt water in rotation depending on how I feel that day.
Buy winter skin care products
Hydration starts from within, but at the same time, using products topically on the skin can still be of great help. I love making my own products, but there are some really great natural skincare products available in stores and online now. Here are some of my favorite brands when it comes to purchasing healthy skincare products, including lotions, serums, and balms for winter skincare.
- Alitura – Check out our moisturizers and night creams
- Annmarie Gianni – Herbal facial oils are our most popular.
- One Skin – Natural skincare based on science using patented peptides.
- Toups & Co – Their resin face balm is a must-have
DIY winter skincare
If you like DIY, we’ve got a variety of skincare recipes to help your skin feel its best. I’ve come up with tons of my favorite recipes over the years, but here are a few that work best in colder, drier weather.
lotions and balms
Use it on your face and body for more moisturized skin. Oil-based products provide a protective barrier to the skin, helping it retain moisture and prevent damage from external factors.
face and body scrub
Moisturizing is important, but you may also notice your skin peeling during this time. The scrub gently removes dead skin cells to help you start with a clean slate. The key is to use a scrub that is not overly irritating, but still provides some protection to the skin with nourishing oils.
love your lips
Your lips can feel really beaten down, feel dry, and start to peel. Drinking plenty of mineral water can help, but sometimes you just need your trusty lip balm. I also like to use a good lip scrub first to get rid of my skin feeling flaky, dry, and sticky.
face moisturizing
What works well on the rest of your skin doesn’t always work best on sensitive facial skin. Here are some of my favorite products to help minimize the appearance of fine lines and rough spots and nourish your facial skin.
Soothing Soak
There’s nothing better than relaxing in a bathtub. Use warm water, but not hot water. Moisture loss from the skin may worsen. Is there a bathtub? Try a foot bath!
You don’t have to do everything at once, but pick a few skincare items that you like and try them out. Between taking the kids to practice, changing diapers, preparing meals, and all the other things we moms do, it’s nice to have some pampering time!
What’s the best way to care for your skin in winter? Let us know by leaving a comment!
