Winter is here, and while the cooler temperatures may offer a cozy respite, they can also take a toll on your skin. As the weather gets chillier, it’s common for your skin to become dry, dull, and irritated. The lack of humidity, indoor heating, and exposure to the elements can all leave your skin looking lackluster and feeling tight. But don’t worry—keeping your skin glowing during the winter months is entirely possible with the right skincare routine and a few simple changes to your habits.
At Eyre Esthetics, we’re here to help you achieve radiant, hydrated skin all season long. In this blog post, we’ll share our top tips and favorite treatments to keep your skin glowing, healthy, and nourished during the colder months.
1. Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate
Hydration is the key to maintaining a healthy, glowing complexion in the winter. When the air is dry and the temperatures drop, your skin loses moisture more quickly, leaving it feeling parched and dehydrated. To combat this, you’ll need to be extra diligent about keeping your skin moisturized both inside and out.
- Moisturize Regularly: Choose a rich, hydrating moisturizer to lock in moisture. Look for products that contain hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and glycerin, which help draw moisture into the skin and retain it. Consider switching to a more emollient cream or oil-based moisturizer during the winter to create a protective barrier against the harsh elements.
- Hydrate from Within: Drink plenty of water throughout the day to help keep your skin hydrated from the inside out. Herbal teas and water-rich foods like cucumbers, watermelon, and citrus fruits can also aid in hydration.
2. Exfoliate to Remove Dead Skin Cells
One of the reasons your skin may look dull in the winter is the buildup of dead skin cells on the surface. The dry air can cause skin cells to shed more slowly, leading to a buildup of dead skin that makes your complexion appear lackluster. Regular exfoliation helps remove this buildup, revealing fresh, radiant skin underneath.
However, it’s important to be gentle when exfoliating during the winter months. Over-exfoliating can irritate and dry out the skin, so aim to exfoliate 1-2 times a week.
- Try a Gentle Exfoliant: Look for chemical exfoliants like AHAs (alpha-hydroxy acids) or BHAs (beta-hydroxy acids), which are great for dissolving dead skin cells without scrubbing. Lactic acid is especially effective for dry skin, as it also provides additional moisture.
- Physical Exfoliants: If you prefer a more traditional approach, use a gentle scrub with fine particles (avoid anything too abrasive). Be sure not to rub too harshly, as this can cause microtears in the skin.
3. Don’t Forget Sunscreen
You might think sunscreen is only necessary during the summer, but winter sun can also damage your skin. UV rays can penetrate through clouds and reflect off snow, causing sun damage and accelerating the signs of aging. Keeping your skin protected year-round is essential for maintaining a healthy, glowing complexion.
- SPF is a Must: Apply SPF 30 or higher daily, even when it’s cloudy or cold outside. Look for a broad-spectrum sunscreen that protects against both UVA and UVB rays.
- Hydrating Sunscreens: Opt for sunscreens that also provide hydration, like those containing hyaluronic acid or niacinamide. This will protect your skin from UV damage while keeping it moisturized.
4. Invest in Winter-Specific Skincare Products
Your summer skincare routine might not be sufficient to protect and nourish your skin during the winter months. Consider switching to richer, more hydrating products to prevent dryness and irritation. Look for products specifically formulated to target winter skin concerns, such as dryness, redness, and sensitivity.
- Rich Moisturizers: Look for thicker creams and oils that are designed to combat dry, flaky skin. Ingredients like shea butter, ceramides, and squalane are especially nourishing.
- Gentle Cleansers: Switch to a creamy or hydrating cleanser that won’t strip the skin of its natural oils. Avoid cleansers with harsh ingredients like sulfates, which can leave the skin feeling tight and dry.
- Hydrating Serums: Incorporate a hyaluronic acid serum into your routine to help draw moisture into the skin and plump it up. This can be used before your moisturizer for an added boost of hydration.
5. Treat Dry Skin with Professional Chemical Peels & Facials
Winter weather can leave your skin feeling dry and stressed, but professional treatments are a great way to restore hydration, refresh your complexion, and address any skin concerns. At Eyre Esthetics, we offer a range of advanced facial treatments that can help rejuvenate your skin during the winter months.
- Chemical Peels: Winter is the ideal time to undergo a chemical peel. Our VI Peels are designed to exfoliate the skin, remove dead skin cells, and promote cell turnover. The result? A smoother, more even complexion that looks refreshed and radiant.
- Fire & Ice Facial: For a dynamic combination of exfoliation and hydration, the Fire & Ice Facial is a perfect winter treatment. This facial uses a blend of intensive resurfacing and hydrating masks to give your skin an immediate glow and improve texture.
- Biologique Recherche Facial: Known for its luxurious and targeted results, the Biologique Recherche Facial uses high-performance products to rejuvenate and restore your skin’s radiance. This facial is perfect for addressing dryness and dullness while boosting hydration and revitalization.
6. Keep Your Skin Moisturized at Night
Your skin naturally loses moisture while you sleep, so it’s important to lock in hydration overnight. Consider using a heavier night cream or oil to help repair and nourish your skin while you rest.
- Night Creams: Night creams are typically richer in texture and can help your skin regenerate while you sleep. Look for formulas with retinol (for anti-aging) or peptides (for skin repair).
- Overnight Masks: You can also use a hydrating overnight mask for a deep moisture boost. These masks are formulated to work with your skin’s natural repair processes, leaving your skin softer and more radiant by morning.
7. Nourish from the Inside Out
Your skin is a reflection of your overall health, so it's important to maintain a balanced diet and stay hydrated. Eating a diet rich in healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals can help nourish your skin from the inside out.
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Foods like salmon, avocado, and nuts are rich in omega-3s, which help strengthen your skin's lipid barrier and prevent moisture loss.
- Vitamin C and Antioxidants: Incorporate foods like citrus fruits, berries, and leafy greens to help boost collagen production and fight free radical damage.
- Drink Water: Even in winter, it’s easy to forget to drink enough water. Keep your skin hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day, and add herbal teas for a cozy hydration boost.
8. Consider Winter Skin Treatments
If you want to give your skin an extra boost during the winter months, there are a few treatments that can help replenish your skin’s glow:
- Chemical Peels & Facials: Winter is the perfect time for chemical peels, which exfoliate the skin and promote cell turnover. A gentle peel can help remove dead skin cells and reveal smoother, more radiant skin.
- Microneedling: Microneedling stimulates collagen production, which can help rejuvenate the skin, improve texture, and even out skin tone.
- Laser Treatments: For deeper concerns like hyperpigmentation or scarring, laser treatments can help brighten and restore your skin. Read more about the benefits of laser skin treatments in winter here.
Keep Your Skin Glowing All Winter Long with Eyre Esthetics in Pasadena, CA.
Winter skin doesn’t have to mean dull, dry, or lifeless skin. By adjusting your skincare routine to address the challenges of the colder months, you can keep your skin glowing, healthy, and hydrated all season long. At Eyre Esthetics, we offer a range of products and treatments designed to keep your skin looking its best, no matter the weather.
Ready to take on winter with glowing, radiant skin? Contact us today and let us help you achieve your healthiest skin yet!
