How to Curate a Winter Beauty Routine for Optimum Skin and Hair Health
While many may think it's beautiful watching little white flakes collect on their lawn or windowsill during winter months, the same can’t be said for their face or scalp. Wintry weather brings frosty conditions and cool, dry air that can be damaging to your skin barrier and cause undesirable effects like flaking, flushing, and itching. To prevent this you should make changes to your skincare and haircare routine that factor in the change of season. For winter that means loading up on hydrating ingredients. Here are a few ways you can level up your beauty routine and stay fluid this season:
Winter Skin and Hair Care
Switch to a Hydrating, Cream cleanser
No matter your skin type, everyone’s face gets dry in the winter. Cleansing your skin is important because it rids your face of dirt and grime. However, some cleansers can strip your skin of its natural oils which causes tightness and flaking. Cerave’s Hydrating Facial Cleanser is a must for your nighttime routine. It’s creamy enough to lather on your skin without it feeling stripped afterwards.
Opt for a thick cream rather than a lotion
The biggest difference between a cream and lotion is the viscosity, cream being the thicker of the two. When shopping for a nighttime cream, keep an eye out for hydrating ingredients such as glycerin and soothing ingredients such as colloidal oatmeal. First Aid Beauty’s Ultra Repair Cream has both and is thick enough to cover your entire face without feeling too heavy.
Invest in an eye cream
A good eye cream has the power to plump, hydrate, and lighten the bags beneath your eyes. Sunday Riley’s eye cream contains barrier-restoring ceramides to brighten and restore skin overnight leaving you looking and feeling refreshed in the morning. Your older self will thank you.
Reduce your use of active ingredients/exfoliants
Active ingredients like retinol and salicylic acid are great in moderation. It’s best to take it easy when the weather is cooler because your skin is more sensitive and prone to damage. A chemical exfoliant is good a few times a week but try not to push it.
Use a humidifier
Sleeping with a humidifier in your room is a great way to moisten the air and stop your skin from drying out. It can also help with sinus problems, bloody noses, and cracked lips. This facial humidifier from Hey Dewy won Allure’s “Best of Beauty” award in 2021. With an 8-hour battery and water capacity, your skin will feel as good as new.
Wear Sunscreen
A common misconception about sunscreen is that it’s only for summer. Well, no matter the month or season, UV rays are always active and can damage your skin. Be on the lookout for products that include SPF and make sure to lather your face with them every day! Supergoop’s Glow Screen is a cult-favorite for good reason. It’s tinted, formulated with niacinamide and hyaluronic acid, and has an SPF of 40.
Hair Care
Leave-in Conditioner
A leave-in conditioner is a great way to untangle your locks after a shower. It adds a boost of moisture and leaves hair feeling sleek. My favorite is Moroccan Oil’s because it leaves your hair smelling heavenly long after it dries.
Hair Oil
An oil is another great way to add moisture to your hair. Olaplex No. 7 is a bonding oil and heat-protectant in one, which is a great way to ensure your blow dryer dries your hair without drying it out.
Hair Mask
You should set aside some time to do a hair treatment at least once a week. It can completely transform your hair after just one use. I use Amika’s Soulfood Mask whenever I feel my hair needs some serious TLC.
Stay soft this season! Check out our blog on "Cold Girl" makeup once you’ve mastered your "Cold Girl" beauty routine!
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