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Having a thorough winter skincare routine is key if you want to stay protected from the dry, harsh weather. Cold temperatures, strong winds, and even indoor heat can all strip away moisture, leaving your skin dry and irritated. But with the right products, you can ensure that you stay hydrated and healthy, even in the chilly weather.
When it comes to perfecting your skincare regime, there are several steps you’ll need to follow. We’ll share everything you need (for morning and night!) to make sure you’re prepared for the season ahead!
Steps to Build the Perfect Winter Skincare Routine
Step 1: Wash with a Gentle Cleanser
The first thing you should do when you wake up is to clean your face with a cleanser. Cream or oil-based cleansers are ideal because they are less likely to strip your skin of its natural oils. Cleaning also preps your face for the rest of your winter skincare routine.
Step 2: Add a Hydrating Toner
A toner is necessary for keeping your skin’s pH levels in balance. This is especially important in the winter when dry weather can make your face more irritated. Look for a toner with hydrating ingredients that also have a soothing effect (things like chamomile and ceramides are perfect for this).
Step 3: Layer on a Vitamin C Serum
Using vitamin C can help add brightness to your skin even when the weather outside is dull. It also protects it against environmental damage, like cold dry air and harsh temperatures. In addition to vitamin C, you may choose a serum that also has hyaluronic acid or ceramides for extra moisture.
Step 4: Apply a Thick Moisturizer
Now that your skin is prepped, you’ll want to add a moisturizing barrier to protect it throughout the day. Thick moisturizers with ingredients like squalane, coconut oil, and avocado oil are great for winter.
Step 5: Finish Off with Sunscreen
Even if the sun isn’t visible, it’s important to wear sunscreen if you’re spending any time outside. UV rays are still present even through clouds and fog. In fact, they can even be stronger if they are reflected off things like frost and snow! Therefore, make sure you finish your winter skincare routine with a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or more.
Step 6: Apply a Moisturizing Chapstick
Lip care is also crucial, especially in the winter. Don’t leave home without a chapstick, lip balm, or hydrating mask in your bag. And if it has SPF that’s even better! While any balm will help with dry, chapped lips, ones with beeswax and cocoa butter tend to be more moisturizing for the harsh weather.
Night Routine
Step 1: Remove Makeup
When prepping your skin for bed, you’ll need to start by removing the day’s make-up and dirt. Micellar water is gentle and very effective at doing this. And since it doesn’t leave a greasy residue, it’s a great base for the rest of your winter skincare routine.
Step 2: Wash with a Cleanser
After the micellar water, go in with a gentle cleanser to remove any excess oil and dirt. Again, an oil or cream-based one is best to cleanse without stripping moisture from your skin. While hyaluronic acids and ceramides are key ingredients, things like avocado oils and colloidal oatmeal are also very nourishing.
Step 3: Exfoliate to Remove Dead Skin Cells
Some people avoid exfoliating during the winter, as the scrub can lead to increased irritation and dryness. However, it does help to remove dead skin cells which will help your face better absorb other skincare products. We recommend exfoliating twice a week (or less if prone to irritation) with gentle AHA scrub for instant radiant skin.
Step 4: Add a Treatment Serum
Night is the best time to apply targeted treatment serums specific to your skin type. This could be retinol, peptides, or even niacinamide. If you’re looking for a general serum, opt for one that is hydrating and repairing to restore your skin’s winter barrier.
Step 5: Apply a Face Oil
For an added layer of moisture, face oil provides extra nourishment to your skin. You only need a few drops to see the hydrating and restorative benefits. When choosing a face oil, look for ingredients that are organic and cold-pressed. In particular, we think rosehip oil is great for targeting visible signs of aging.
Step 6: Use a Hydrating Mask
We recommend using a hydrating face mask several times a week during the winter. Creams work well, but we find that sheet masks are much more convenient! After leaving the mask on for 10 to 15 minutes, you’ll see that your skin is instantly healthier and full of that youthful glow.
You can also make your own Korean face mask using a few simple ingredients you already have in your pantry.
Step 7: Add an Eye Cream
Say goodbye to dark bags and wrinkles with a collagen-firming eye cream. Because this skin is so sensitive and thin, it’s important to give it extra moisture in the cold weather. While the under-eye area is a must, you can also apply your eye cream to the upper area of your eyes as well.
Step 8: Finish with a Night Eye Cream
As the final step of your winter skincare routine, slather on a thick, hydrating night cream. Ceramides, peptides, and hyaluronic acid will deeply moisturize your skin so you wake up feeling healthy and refreshed.
Enjoy Refreshed Skin!
Perfecting a winter skincare routine does take more effort than other seasons. But trust us, having vibrant, healthy skin is something you simply can’t put a price on! It’s one of those things we need to be proactive about, especially as we age. Therefore, it’s worth investing in these skin-saving products, as they’re specifically designed to nourish and protect. That way, you can enjoy the beauty of the winter season without worry!
