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Seasonal Skin Care: Winter

Stephanie Ann Ferguson
Jan 9, 2017
4 min read

I moved to the South in hopes of escaping the wintery weather I grew up with in Maine: snow up to my knees, freezing temperatures, turtlenecks and months of wearing bulky, unflattering clothing just to spare my bones from the chill. It would appear that Jack Frost has located me on radar and decided it was time I rediscovered my roots.

Most people deal with dry skin in the winter season. The lack of humidity in the air, draws moisture out of our skin when we expose ourselves to it. We also lose moisture with climate control in our homes (ie. AC, heat, etc). So here’s me with my hand in the air—guilty on all accounts! What can be done about tight, dry skin you ask?

I’m glad you did! Here’s a few tips to fend off dry, wintery skin:

1. Gently Cleanse Your Skin Daily.

Whether using the oil cleansing method, or a traditional foaming or creme cleanser, it is important to wash your face daily--especially after removing makeup. Be sure you are using WARM not hot water when cleansing and use a more mild cleanser in the winter months. Try one of my favorites: Clarifying Facial Oil by SÄF organics, Organics Lavender Honey Facial Cleansing Foam by 100% Pure or Almond Milk Cleanser by The Body Deli.

2. Use a Mild Exfoliant Only Once a Week.

Even if you are used to exfoliating more often otherwise, cut back to once a week in the winter. Dry skin is fragile skin that has cracked and you don’t want to further irritate it. Exfoliation is important by speeding up the skin’s natural cell renewal process, you just don’t want to create a larger problem by using a product too harsh for you, or exfoliating too often. Try Lavender Mandarin Cleansing Grains by SÄF organics, Green Apple Peel Sensitive by Juice Beauty or Organic Matcha Anti-Aging Antioxidant Smoothing Scrub by 100% Pure.

3. Tone with Caution.

Many lines push the idea of a toner. The majority of them contain alcohol or other synthetic ingredients that further dry out the skin, causing you to need more moisturizing products. There are however a lot of naturally based “toners” that can do the trick without compounding your problem. Try Skin Tonic by SÄF Organics or Hibiscus Exfoliating Mud by Apoterra Skincare

4. Befriend a Balm.

There is a lot of buzz in the green beauty world about balms--especially in the cooler months of the year. They have many benefits packed into their jars of of smooth skin food. Your skin will feel hydrated, plump, and will be able to better withstand colder outdoor temps, as well as the temperature changes from entering and exiting your house, car, job, etc.

Try one of my favorites: The Super Blend by Mayachia Beauty, Rare Indigo Beauty Balm by Mahalo.care or Bless Beauty Balm by Leahlani Skincare

5. Serenade a Serum.

There are SO many serums on the market currently, it is a chore just to choose one! There are a few that I have tried, that truly live up to their claims—and do the job they are meant to do. Serums are supposed to lay down a layer of nutrients and moisture to prepare your skin to better receive your moisturizer, and to accomplish deeper hydration. Try one of my favorites: Immortal Facial Serum by SÄF organics, Organic High Potency Reversal Restore Cream by 100% Pure, or Organic Treatment Oil by Juice Beauty.

6. Be Sure to Properly Moisturize.

This is not the time to be skimpy or try to make a moisturizer last! Be sure your moisturizer is correct for your skin type to begin with, and that it also speaks to the needs you have in the winter months. Your moisturizer will be best utilized when applied to damp skin. It is also in your best interest to have a SEPARATE moisturizer for the Daytime and the Nighttime, to optimize your moisturizer benefits. For daytime try Nourishing + Revitalizing Moisturizer by Province Apothecary. For evening try Night Cellular Renewal by Bella Aura or Moon Fruit Superfood Night Treatment by Herbivore Botanicals.

Also, don't forget to give your eyes some TLC with a nourishing cream like Smoothing Eye + Lip Balm by True Botanicals or Starry Eyes Brightening Eye Cream by The Good Medicine Beauty Lab

7. Wear a Mask

Using a mask once a week will greatly improve the texture, tone and moisture retention of your skin by ridding the skin of excess toxins, and replenishing necessary antioxidants and nutrients. Some masks will require a bit of mixing, some come ready to go, and others come in a sheet that makes you look a bit like a serial killer. Regardless, they all have many benefits, and its best to know your skin needs in order to choose the best one. Some of my favorites are: Cacao Antioxidant Mask by Josh Rosebrook, Reborn by Root Science, or Propolis Regenerative Face Mask by H is for Love.

8. Love Your Lips

One thing that is easy to neglect is our lips. We should exfoliate and moisturize them just as we do during our facial routines. The skin on our lips is thin and can be sensitive to the elements, so it is important to take proper care of them.

Most lip balms contain mineral oil (petroleum) which both strips your skin of its natural moisture, and prevents moisture from penetrating the layers of skin. You can see how that might present a problem, right? Make sure whatever you put on your lips, is also good enough to eat. Stick to lip balms with ingredients you recognize and pronounce--keeping things completely natural. Try any of the lip balms by SÄF organics, Repair + Conditioning Lip Balm by Province Apothecary, or Hurraw Organic Lip Balm. Enjoy!!