As January is upon us and winter sports take center stage you'll find your skin in transition for winter again. I want to keep that glow going for you as all skin ages look better with it! In the winter-time I see so many people with dry dehydrated skin and I just want to shout out, "I know how to help you!" But, that would be weird cruising the aisles at the grocery store.
As the seasons change, so must our skincare routines. Just like we trade our summer dresses for cozy sweaters in winter, our skin deserves the same thoughtful attention. From the dry winds of autumn to the harsh chill of winter and the sticky heat of summer, each season brings unique challenges that can lead to dullness, dryness, or breakouts. The good news? With the right adjustments, you can keep your skin looking radiant and feeling great all year round! For the New Year this blog is all about 2025 winter skincare and our other seasons since my last blog was about makeup:
Understanding Your Skin Type and Its Seasonal Needs Best skincare for winter
Before making seasonal changes, it’s essential to know your skin type. Is it oily, dry, combination, or sensitive? Is there another underlying issue? Understanding your skin allows you to tailor your skincare routine effectively. The need for the moisture levels of your
skin to be tested is crucial and can be done for you at a consultation or during any treatment.
For instance, if you have dry skin, increasing your moisture during winter is vital. On the other hand, if you have oily skin, you might find lighter products essential to avoid unwanted shine in the summer. Studies show that around 40% of people have combination skin, meaning seasonal adjustments should focus on balancing different areas. Going through winter now and with spring coming up this blog is a good resource for the changes of the seasons. So what is your best skincare for winter? Let's focus on some key ingredients and why.
Fun Fact: Did you know your lips have no pores? I call this transitional skin, skin that is on the outside are dead cells which leads to the inside (mouth) to live cells.
Key Ingredients to Look For In Winter
Each season calls for specific ingredients that can help meet your skin’s winter needs effectively. The best skincare for winter.
Winter: Opt for emollient-packed products that include shea butter or ceramides, which help create a protective barrier. This keeps skin hydrated and less prone to
cracking in cold weather, reducing dryness significantly. This weather will also create havoc on your lips. There are few products on the market that actually help lips because lips have no pores so therefore accepts product penetration differently. Look for products that give relief while soaking into lips skin. Ingredients like; a botanical based product, sunflower seed oil is a potent emollient that helps to retain moisture and a healthy softness. sodium hyaluronate is a water-binding, plumping agent. vitamins C & E lock in moisture and provide antioxidant protection.
Spring: As the world blooms, your skin should too! Try light moisturizers containing jojoba and vitamin C. Jojoba is closest to skin natural oils (acid mantle) and a study found that vitamin C can improve skin brightness by 30% over several weeks, refreshing your complexion after winter. Another option is to use your favorite moisturizer but just a smaller amount. You can thin down your moisturizer by using a smaller amount rubbed between your fingertips. The warmth of your hands naturally liquefies the product and then press the product onto your face where needed.
Summer: Protect your skin with sunscreens enriched with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. These minerals block up to 98% of UV rays. Lightweight serums with hyaluronic acid offer hydration without feeling heavy, which is perfect for warm days. Wearing sunscreen year round ensures you are combating the aging effects of the sun.
Autumn: Transition to richer moisturizers featuring jojoba oil with avocado oil. These oils are known to retain moisture effectively, combating the drying effects of wind and indoor heating, which can zap skin hydration by up to 40%. Now you know why you feel so dry when autumn and winter are here.
Formulating Your Seasonal Skincare Routine In Winter
Now that you're familiar with key ingredients, let’s build a skincare routine tailored for each season...especially the best skincare for winter as it's upon us.
Morning Routine
Cleanser: Begin your day with a mild cleanser that effectively eliminates impurities without depleting moisture. Research indicates that harsh cleansers can lead to dryness in up to 60% of users. Many people are unaware that they contribute to their own dryness, thereby weakening their skin barrier. Avoid cleansers containing beads or granules, as daily exfoliation is not recommended. Selecting the right cleanser is essential.
Hyaluronic Acid then Toner: When skin is freshly cleansed it is at it's most vulnerable and accepting of the next product. This should be a hyaluronic acid product to penetrate skin without another product interfering with it. Choose one with vitamin C for brightening of skin. Now, apply an alcohol-free toner to soothe and hydrate your skin, especially important after summer heat and winter chill.
Serum: Switch between brightening serums in spring and hydrating creamy options in winter. For example, a vitamin C serum can boost glow levels by around 20% within two weeks. You can also mix these together, adjusting the serum year-round according to the weather.
Moisturizer: Use a light moisturizer in the summer and transition to a thicker formula in winter to combat drying conditions. If your loving your current moisturizer then again, as mentioned above use less and thin it down between your fingertips before applying.
Sunscreen: Never skip this step! Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen daily. UV rays can cause 90% of skin aging, making this a critical step throughout the year.
Evening Routine
Cleanser: A second gentle cleansing can help remove makeup and impurities effectively. I recommend a makeup remover first if you wear makeup.
Hyaluronic Acid: Yes, again!
Treatment: Consider targeted treatments like hexapeptides. Hexapeptides are made from natural proteins that work on the finer more superficial facial contractions like Botox does for your deeper contractions. These signal to relax the area rather than crease the area. Toptox has a silky structure and is designed to enhance skin smoothness and tackle issues such as fine lines. Regular use is preventative.
Retinol Moisturizer: At night, use a heavier retinol cream designed to keep skin hydrated while you sleep with active cell turnover abilities. Toner can be used after retinol to seal in moisture.
Toner: Apply balancing toner for additional skin nourishment before bed. Use after retinol to seal it all in!
Eye Cream: Don’t neglect your eyes! A specialty eye cream/gel reduces puffiness and dark circles, which can be exacerbated by seasonal allergies and lack of sunlight. Use one with glycolic acid for anti-aging, vitamin C for tightening and kojic acid for lightening.
Additional Tips for Seasonal Skincare Transitions
Stay Hydrated: Drink enough water year-round. Hydration boosts skin health from within and can improve moisture levels by about 10%.
Adjust Your Exfoliation: Your exfoliation routine will need changes with the seasons. Gentle exfoliation in summer tackles excess oil, while light exfoliation in winter prevents flaky patches. See a skincare professional for heavier exfoliation.
Sun Protection: UV rays do not take a vacation. Even in winter, 80% of UV rays can still reach you. Consistent sunscreen use is crucial!
Listen to Your Skin: Pay attention to your skin’s responses as weather changes. If something feels off, evaluate your products and make changes as necessary.
For Your Body Take a Warm Bath with 2 cups of baking soda to give your body some relief from that dry prickly feeling. The soda changes the composition of the water that can help soothe itchy, irritated skin associated with dry skin, eczema or psoriasis by reducing inflammation and balancing pH levels. I use both Epsom salts and 1-2 cups baking soda. For severe cases a patch test is recommended.
Embrace the Change
Seasonal transitions can be a challenge, but with the right knowledge, adapting your skincare routine can be smooth and effective. By understanding your skin type, knowing the right ingredients, and paying attention to your skin’s needs, you can truly unleash your glow throughout the year. Want to know more about Face It Skin products and how they will work for you? Sometimes this can be done with a consultation over the phone, virtually or in-person!
Thank you for reading my blog. I hope the tips & tricks I provide help you with your winter skin needs. Remember, skincare is a journey. Embrace every season and glow with confidence. Shop products you know you can trust rather than trying them randomly, and remember, even booking just a basic facial will reset your skin for the transitional season.
Happy New Year & Cheers to Glowing Happy Skin. ~ Genelle
Genelle Holub
Pro Makeup Artist
Certified Nutritional Esthetician
Founder of Face It Skin
Thank you Genelle! I read every post and appreciate the education and instruction. This one is particularly helpful and a very timely reminder. 💕