Seven Ways to Better Care for Winter Skin
So, this is actually a repost of an article I wrote last year for GOOD. We’ve never done a repost before, but because several people have sent us emails about their winter skin woes I thought it could be helpful to those who had missed this one—and a reminder to the rest of us. Even to moi, the advice doller who woke up this morning with dryer-than-usual skin and serious lip crackage. Also? Awesome excuse to post a picture from Dr. Zhivago.
How do change you beauty routine, diet, and routine in the winter?
Cosmetics companies just love to sell you on the idea that each new season calls for an arsenal of new products. And why wouldn’t they? It means you’ll ditch your half-finished current bottle of snake oil in favor of one that comes with the same crap on the inside and different claims on the out. Cha-ching.
Of course, it’s true that cold weather and even clock changes can have serious side effects for skin. But if you’re the sensitive type, switching out your entire regimen—i.e. risking reactions to new products—right when the temperature is dropping, is likely to do more harm than good. In fact if your skin is at all finicky, we strongly advocate sticking to routine in this area.
So how to beat your winter skin woes? Click “Next” above to read the tips that will matter most for winter skin.
1. Moisturize. Yes, it’s the most boring advice in the world, but there’s a reason people say it so often. Moisturizing does exactly what it implies: It helps keep moisture in by replicating the skin’s natural barrier function. It’s simple science, and you don’t need to use a different one for every season. Find a good clean moisturizer that you love, or get with the oil program, and just do it consistently. If you’re out and about in the winter keep a to-go version in your bag for some extra application.
2.Wash less. We’ve covered this in the past, and the merits of this advice are doubly relevant for winter. Over-washing strips skin of its natural protective oils, robs it of healthy bacteria, increases exposure to harmful and/or irritating chemicals, and generally aggravates skin conditions like rosacea and eczema—the very same ones that are exacerbated by seasonal changes. So as the air gets cold and dry, and you’re less likely to be a sweaty mess, do yourself a favor and get with the dirty program.
3. Avoid the acids. You don’t have to agree with our no-acid rule, but even proponents of stripping and peeling should dial back over the winter. Whether you use AHAs or BHAs, go for chemical peels, get microderm abrasion, or just subscribe to a heavy scrubbing routine, we reallyreallyreally think you should slow down. While you may be less at risk to sun exposure over the winter, burning off that top layer of skin will make you all the more vulnerable to the chafing, drying and cracking effects of cold air and gusty winds. While you may think this is reducing fine lines, we think over the long haul it’s speeding up the aging process.
4. Get your fat on. Ever notice how you crave more fat in the winter? While the diet set will offer tips on how to counter that impulse, we think that the body has an innate intelligence when it comes to such things. Healthy fats, especially omegas 3s, are key to maintaining hydrated, glowy, happy skin. Winter’s a good time to up your intake on these and as an added bonus it will help satisfy that appetite for grease the healthy way. Foods like salmon, sardines, olive oil and walnuts are chock full of omegas, but we’re not opposed to taking a supplement on top of that. Just make sure it’s a good one.
5. Improve your digestion. Your tummy is talking to you, and what it’s saying can often be read on your skin. While we don’t think you need different products every season, we do think you need different food. In past posts about Ayurveda we’ve explained how important it is to eat with the season. Winter calls for warm, calming foods and the previously mentioned healthy fats. Sorry salad girls, but your skin needs something a little bit more substantial and heat-producing to face the winter months. Instead of eating your veggies raw, make a soup or stir fry with them instead.
6. Dose up on D. Vitamin D has emerged as something of a miracle worker in the last few years. While research is ongoing, there is promising evidence that it could help prevent cancer, raise immunity, and lower the risks associated with all kinds of diseases. It’s also a powerful antioxidant, and you know that that means. Because the sun is a primary source for vitamin D, and because most of us are deficient, we’re going to suggest that you look to increase your intake of this wonder vitamin during the winter. It is available in certain foods, like fish and fortified milk, but it’s hard to get enough through those sources. As with fish oil, we think it’s a good idea to take supplements too.
7. Get a humidifier. One easy way to counter dry air is—ding, ding, ding—to add moisture to it. Some advice from the experts at the Mayo Clinic:Be sure to keep your humidifier clean, because a dirty one is an amazing place for bacteria to thrive. Also, try to have your humidifier where you spend the most time, since you’d need several to change the air quality of a house or large apartment. We suggest you put it by your bed when you’re asleep: That way you’ll wake up with happy, hydrated skin.
I follow most of these (except wash less and the humidifier). I definitely believe in sticking to routine, and I am a very sensitive type. Now that I’ve developed a clean routine, I use pretty much the same products all year round, just vary the details like how often I exfoliate or how much oil I use. I especially make sure to carry a good body butter for my hands, which I apply several times a day. I even carry around a travel size Dr. Bronner’s liquid soap that I use in public restrooms to avoid the harsh and gross antibacterial stuff – important for me year round but especially in colder weather. My hands used to crack and bleed every winter but a combo of healthy diet and protecting my skin with products really works! I cannot see washing my hands less often in cold/flu season (though I imagine you were mainly talking about less face washing here).
ugh my skin’s already dry as a desert. thanks for the tips!!
http://www.solifestyle.com
Great advice! Love that you addressed eating with the seasons; it’s definitely something I’m trying to do more of. Can I add one?
After cleansing your face, pat your skin dry with a clean towel, and then apply moisturizer when skin is still damp. This supposedly locks in moisture.
As with washing less, if you are still washing as much watch the temperature of the water. I know I have a tendency to want to gather warmth in the shower, without even realizing it, by turning up the heat and staying in longer. Watch your fluid intake as well. Although we may not be as thirsty in the winter, we still need to remain hydrated. I always notice that first in my lips. I’ve been drinking lots of hot caffiene-free teas lately, (along with my normal caffienated coffee, sorry just love it).
Great article! Very timely and informative.
Absolutely the best time for this post! I love the idea of addressing both the internal and external skin. I also would suggest addressing the gallbladder because it controls fat metabolism…. so it turns those healthy fats that you eat into healthy skin cells. Without a proper functioning gallbladder you will inevitably continue to have dry skin, especially on the backs of the upper arms. I wrote in detail about this on my blog The Holy Kale: http://www.theholykale.com/2011/12/luscious-winter-skin/
Thanks for another great post!
Great Tips! and Also Thanks Rebecca for the idea about using Dr. Bronner’s for hand soap. The soap at my work is very drying and is really affecting my hands the colder it gets out.
As always, great advice on a timely post. And as usual, there is always a great tip to be found on the comments that follow (thanks Rebecca)
Timely post made even better with Lara and Yuri introducing it :-)
In addition to all the excellent advice already offered, do be mindful of the non-cosmetic things you’re putting on your body. I find that when I wear wool, cashmere, silk (all bought on sale or gently used!), my body stays “fresher” longer so I don’t need to shower as frequently.
Wearing such lovely fabrics also reminds to take better care of my skin (soft cashmere on well-moisturized skin? yes, please!) so I am more likely to plan my showers strategically (e.g., I’ll work out first thing in the morning so I only have to shower once), slather on lotion even if I am feeling lazy, and take my fish oil.
Oh! Such an interesting tip about the fabric. And yes, great one from Rebecca too!
@philosophotarian, I’m so with you on the fabrics! For sensitive skin types, I think synthetic fabrics hold more chemical nastiness picked up from the environment next to your skin. In the past year I’ve switched much of my work out wear to merino wool (washable, ethically sourced). It’s remarkably comfy and soft, truly the perfect fabric for every day and working out. I don’t stink and neither do the clothes so it saves laundry too – especially awesome for travel. And, of course, cashmere cannot be beat!
Wow, I had never considered the effect of my clothing fabric on my skin – thanks for the tips! I did switch to a silk pillowcase a while back and I think there is some improvement. I bought a humidifier recently which I think is helping, too. Sadly, some mornings I still wake up feeling like my skin has been sucked dry of all moisture but I’ll work some of the advice in the post and the comments – thanks to you all!
Great tips, I especially increasing water intake and healthy fats!