Are you familiar with this scenario? Your complexion is dewy and radiant all summer and autumn long. Then, as soon as winter hits, your skin is dry, flaky, and dull. You’re not imagining it: winter is tough on the skin and can leave even the oiliest skin types with a parched, papery complexion. Luckily, there are some simple tweaks you can make to your skincare line-up to replenish your skin with much-needed hydration.
I spoke with dermatologist Dr. Hadley King on how to update your skincare for winter. Keep reading to learn how to design your winter skincare routine!
So, why is winter so tough on the skin? It all has to do with moisture. Low temperatures outside mean that the air has very little moisture. This causes moisture in the skin to escape, leading to parched skin. Dry indoor air from heaters compounds this effect.
Dry skin is also prone to flaking. And since dehydrated skin lacks moisture that gives moisturized complexions a supple glow, it can also appear dull with extra fine lines and wrinkles.
According to Dr. King, depending on your skin type, it may be wise to decrease the frequency of exfoliation and opt for a more moisturizing exfoliator. “Look for exfoliators that support the skin barrier while they exfoliate,” Dr. King told us. I love Micro-Mineral Resurfacing Scrub, which is formulated with licorice to condition the skin as well as soothing rosehip oil.
If you’re not already using a toner, winter is a great time to start. A hydrating toner like Micro-Mineral Soothing Toner replenishes skin with hydration and nutrients after cleansing and exfoliating.
It probably goes without saying, but adding in more moisture will be key for your winter skincare routine. According to Dr. King, the ideal winter moisturizer contains three components: humectants, emollients, and occlusives.
But don’t worry! I’ve already put together Extreme Recovery Cream with all of these components in mind. “The Extreme Recovery Cream is great for dry winter skin because it is formulated with the perfect combination of humectants (e.g. glycerin and hyaluronic acid), emollients (e.g. triglycerides and stearic acid), and occlusives (e.g. avocado oil and shea butter) to hydrate, support the skin barrier and lock in moisture,“ says Dr. King.
Boost the hydrating effects of Extreme Recovery Cream by pairing it with a rich face oil like Face Oil N°9. Face Oil N°9 is formulated with a blend of botanical oils that have emollient and lightly occlusive properties. For maximum hydration, apply Face Oil N°9 to damp skin and follow with Extreme Recovery Cream.
Our last skincare for winter recommendation is to add a hydrating mask to your routine. My pick? Intense Hydrating Mask, which delivers a concentrated burst of hydration to tight, dry, rough, or dehydrated skin. This high-tech hydrator is formulated with BMX Complex™ which deeply hydrates the skin as well as Matrixyl® synthe'6® which reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Hadley King, MD is a board-certified dermatologist who specializes in medical and cosmetic dermatology. Dr. King is a highly sought after dermatologist in New York City and has won numerous awards including Castle Connolly Regional Top Doctor, Top Doctors New York Metro Area, New Beauty Top Beauty Doctor, and RealSelf Top Doctor.
She has also been featured on Good Morning America and in numerous publications including Harper's Bazaar, Glamour, Women's Health, Refinery 29, Men's Health, Elle, Good Housekeeping, Self and many more.
xo
Colleen
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