Get Nourished and Glowing Skin
By Philip Rebentisch
January is the month when it feels like winter has truly set in. The holiday excitement is over, a daily, chilly blast of cold air is the norm, and it gets dark seemingly at 3 pm until April. Our skin often becomes a battleground against dryness, leaving us longing for a radiant and dewy complexion. The truth is that many people will need hydration hacks for winter to get nourished and glowing skin.
The colder months, characterized by blowing furnaces and space heaters, low humidity, and biting winds, can strip our skin of its natural moisture, leaving it dull, flaky, and irritated. Fear not, for this quick guide unveils hydration hacks to keep your skin supple, nourished, and glowing. Please keep reading to learn how you can avoid brittle skin throughout the winter season.
Switch to Hydrating Cleansers
A healthy skincare routine begins with a good cleanser, and in winter, opting for hydrating formulas can make a significant difference. Soaps and traditional cleansers may be too harsh, stripping the skin of its natural oils. Look for cleansers that contain superior moisturizing ingredients like c-PRDN®, Aloe vera, Glycerin, and Chamomile, to name a few. These ingredients also support and protect the skin barrier, sealing in hydration to keep your skin soft and refreshed.
Layering Hydration with Serums
Serums are potent formulations designed to deliver concentrated doses of active ingredients. In winter, incorporating a hydrating serum can work wonders for your skin. Serums that contain c-PRDN® and Hyaluronic Acid are effective anti-aging ingredients that attract and retain moisture, ensuring your skin stays hydrated throughout the day. Dermatologists generally recommend applying a serum before your moisturizer to create a moisture-locking barrier, providing long-lasting hydration.
Lock in Moisture with Rich Moisturizers
Winter calls for a shift from lightweight to richer moisturizers. Opt for creams that contain emollients and occlusives such as shea butter, jojoba oil, or ceramides. Firming moisturizer These ingredients create a protective layer on the skin, preventing moisture loss and sealing in hydration. Make sure to apply your moisturizer as the last step in your routine to lock in the maximum amount of moisture.
Exfoliate Gently to Remove Dry Skin
Exfoliation is key to maintaining healthy skin, but it's crucial to do it gently, especially during the winter. Choose a mild exfoliant that removes dead skin cells without causing irritation. This process helps your hydrating products penetrate more effectively, leaving your skin smoother and more receptive to moisture.
Hydrating Masks Create an Overnight Sensation
Treat your skin to an evening splendor session with a hydrating mask. Ideally, masks should contain ingredients such as Adenosine, Aloe Vera, c-PRDN®, Chamomile, Glycerin, Shea Butter, and other ingredients for moisture-retaining results. Applying a mask once or twice a week when you have self-care time in the evening provides an extra boost of hydration, leaving your skin plump and radiant. Masks are especially helpful following an exfoliating session or after a clinic or spa treatment.
Protect Your Skin with SPF
Sunscreen is not just for the summertime. Winter sun, combined with reflective surfaces like snow, can be equally damaging to your skin. Opt for a broad-spectrum SPF to shield your skin from harmful UV rays. Choose a moisturizer with built-in sun protection for a two-in-one solution that hydrates and protects.
Use a Nutritive Cream
A rejuvenating nutritive cream is essential for dry, damaged skin that needs additional support. When you need an extra effort over the winter months, look for needed nutrients such as Adenosine, Aloe vera, Argon Oil, Boraga, and c-PRDN®. These ingredients deeply moisturize your skin, helping to ensure a refreshed, revitalized complexion. Consider using a a nutritive cream at night to lock in moisture for a healthy, morning glow!
Challenge Environmental Conditions
As we mentioned, cold temperatures combined with hot, dry air from furnace vents and space heaters can wreak havoc on your skin’s moisture levels. If you ski, snowboard, or simply spend time out in the cold, this further stresses your skin. However, there are ways to challenge winter’s environmental conditions.
Humidifiers for Indoor Hydration
Consider incorporating one or more humidifiers into your living space. They add moisture to the air, preventing it from becoming too dry and sucking the moisture from your skin. Placing a humidifier in your bedroom can be particularly beneficial, aiding not only your skin but also in preventing dryness in your nasal passages and throat. Humidifiers can also add soothing white noise which helps many people enjoy deeper, more restful sleep. Just like your mind and body, your skin needs time to recuperate overnight. Better sleep can help achieve better skin.
Stay Hydrated from Within
Hydrating your skin is not only about topical products but also about what you put into your body. We recently wrote about the best foods for good skin, and you can read about it, here.
In winter, we often forget to drink an adequate amount of water. Ensure you consume enough water to keep your body and skin, well-hydrated. Herbal and green teas are also excellent choices, providing hydration along with antioxidants that benefit your skin. Also consider that beverages such as coffee, soda, and alcohol dehydrate your body and skin, and may even help cause redness or inflammation.
Final Thoughts
With these hydration hacks to get nourished and glowing skin, empower yourself to combat the winter blues with radiant, dewy skin. Remember, many experts suggest that the key to healthy skin during the winter relies on a consistent and well-rounded skincare routine. Embrace these tips, customize them to suit your skin's unique needs, and revel in the joy of having beautiful, hydrated skin all winter long.
