Dewy Winter Skin
That time is here. We’re in the heart of winter and with that comes the inevitable, dry skin. Having skin care that provides and locks in moisture is paramount to combat the cold and dry winter air.
It all comes down to water! The secret to healthy skin especially in the winter is whether it is hydrated with water and has a strong barrier with moisture.
Here’s a daily skin regimen that can help you achieve that winter glow:
Cleansing
This is one of the most important steps as it sets the stage for your moisture levels. The goal is to cleanse but to still maintain natural levels of oil within your skin without stripping away all of your moisture. This is when reading the ingredients is key. A simple step in the right direction, is to look for sulfates (anything that ends with sulfate/sulphate) and avoid them. Sulfates are used in a lot of soaps and cleansers because its a common detergent used in the beauty world but it is HARSH. Sulfates, unfortunately, have created a culture where people equate the feeling of “squeaky” almost dry skin after washing as a symbol of being clean- which is a big stretch of the truth. Your face is “clean” but to the expense of removing your natural oils that actually protect your skin from the outside world and harmful bacteria. It also dehydrates the skin and takes out the much needed water for your face.There are gentle cleansers out there, here are some good ones:
Hydrate and moisturize
This is where water comes in. Hydrated skin means it contains water- which is critical for that glow. Looking for moisturizers that have water, aloe vera or hyaluronic acid in its first 5 ingredients is the secret to dewy skin. These ingredients attract water and are called humectants as they give skin a plump and subtle feel and look. Tip: Apply your moisturizer when your skin is damp to increase it’s absorption. Also, applying a serum that also has these humectant ingredients before your moisturizer can up your ante for dewy skin. Some of my favourites include:
Finish with an oil or balm
Lock in moisture with an oil or balm. This is like a “top coat” on your skin. It creates a barrier so that: 1. Your skin is protected from the dry elements and harsh winter air 2. It keeps the water from your moisturizing step in place. Using an oil like jojoba or grapeseed oil are great because they are light but still create that barrier without feeling “greasy”. A balm like Province Apothecary’s Protecting Face balm is another good one to try.
Drink water!
Hydrate your skin from the inside out. This is a simple but crucial step. Change things up and drink herbal teas(that are caffeine free) throughout the day as a way to up your water intake.
Conclusion
Hydrated skin is possible in the winter if you: use a gentle cleanser, moisturize with a water based lotion or serum and finish off with an oil or balm to protect your skin.
Have any questions? Ask away in the comments below.
In health,
