Winter in the Midwest can be tough, particularly on your skin. My skin is dry year round, but during winter it can ramp up to downright painful if I’m not vigilant about skin care.
Over the years, I’ve learned some great strategies from my dermatologist, estheticians, and just plain trial and error. It also helps that I’m a bit (some would say more than a bit) of a skin care junkie and love to try new products.
Don’t waste that post-shower moisture surge.
My dermatologist told me that the most moisturized your skin will ever be is right when you get out of the shower. There are a couple of ways you can take advantage of this moisture.
Option number one is more traditional. You get out of the shower, pat (don’t rub) your skin dry (preferably damp) and immediately apply a moisture product. I have used CeraVe Moiturizing Cream for years. Make sure and use the cream, not the lotion, for really dry skin.
Tip: Look for the one with a pump and refill it. It’s much less messy.
Option number two is a little more unusual. You apply moisture while your skin is still wet. I recently tried Curel’s Hydra Therapy Wet Skin Moisturizer for Dry and Extra-Dry Skin, and I really like it. While you’re still soaking wet and in the shower, you apply the lotion. Then after you get out of the shower you pat your skin dry. I’m not the only one who loves this product! With nearly ten-thousand reviews on Amazon it has a 4.7 out of 5 stars rating.
Moisturize every night before bed.
Moisturizing during the day is great, but at night before bed is even better because the products have several hours to sink into your skin without distraction. Face, hands, cuticles, lips…do it all every night, and you’ll feel a difference in the morning.
For hand lotion, I like something without fragrance that isn’t greasy and absorbs quickly. My favorite is Lubriderm Daily Moisture for Normal to Dry Skin (fragrance free version).
I like to use something even more heavy duty on my cuticles. Aquaphor Healing Ointment and CeraVe Healing Ointment are both favorites, and I find that if I use them consistently before bed my cuticles don’t crack and bleed during the cold weather months.
Change your facial cleansing and moisturizing routine for the season.
You already change your wardrobe during the colder months. Why don’t you try changing your skin care as well?
I make a few changes from summer to winter when it comes to skin care. During the summer months I cleanse my face morning and night, but in the winter I only cleanse in the morning. I also change up the cleanser I use in winter to an oil cleanser. I know, I know. Oil as a cleanser? It’s true, and it’s amazing. Not only does an oil dissolve makeup (including waterproof), it leaves your skin feeling moisturized, not stripped, and not greasy at all.
There are so many great cleansing oils available now. One of my all-time favorites is DHC Deep Cleansing Oil which is much more widely available now in stores like Target and Ulta. I also love Clinique Take the Day Off Cleansing Balm. It’s a solid balm that liquifies in your hands and rinses clean with water.
I also add a hydrating sheet mask about once a week or once every other week in the winter, and it makes such a difference. My favorite is the Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Hydrogel Mask. It’s really affordable in the world of sheet masks, and it works. You can find them at most discount and drug stores sold individually so you can give it a try.
TIP: If you really like them, buy the 12-pack to save yourself some $$.
I spoke with Jessica Kocurek to get her take on winter skin care. Here’s what she had to say.
What are some winter skin care “do’s”?
“Drink plenty of water! Keeping your body hydrated from the inside out is the key to fighting dry & aging skin.”
“Layer it up! Serums penetrate deeper into the epidermis giving a more radiant appearance & ultimately, more hydration. Add a serum after cleansing and before moisturizing.”
What is a winter skin care “don’t”?
“Don’t over cleanse! Your skin has natural oils that are created to protect itself. Using harsh cleansers & astringents will strip away the natural hydration your body creates, leaving you fighting a losing battle all winter long. We recommend using an oil or cream cleanser which will keep the skin supple.”
As a supplement to our everyday skin care routine, what is a complimenting service a professional can provide to boost moisture?
“Regular monthly facials are the best way to ensure your skincare routine stays on track. We are able to focus on treating the skin with multiple masques in one session, boosting the skin’s moisture content as well as targeting other specific skincare concerns.”
