Surviving Winter Skin and Conquering Dryness

My skin is not a fan of the winter, and I’m guessing yours isn’t either. Between the cold air, dry indoor heat, and harsh winds, our skin quickly becomes tight, flaky, and generally unhappy. The lack of moisture during these chilly months makes our skin more prone to irritation, sensitivity, and even premature aging, making hydration all the more crucial.

And it's not just our faces that suffer – our whole body, especially our hands, feet, and even our scalps, can feel the effects of winter dryness. So, the challenge is - how do we get ahead of the struggle and keep our skin plump, dewy, and healthy all year long, no matter how low the temp may go.

Cue the hydration strategies. 

Unlocking Hydration: The Foundations

While using the right products is essential (and we’ll get to those), there are also a few lifestyle tweaks you can make to set a solid foundation and environment, to boost your skin’s hydration from within. 

Aiming for at least 64oz of water a day is a great place to start hydrating from the inside out. If you find plain water a bit boring, try:

• Adding slices of fruit like lemon, cucumber, or berries

• Herbal teas - they provide additional benefits depending on the type of tea you choose

• Electrolytes! They play a key role in hydration by helping your body absorb and retain fluids. Powders to add to your water, or natural sources like coconut water are easy ways to get more electrolytes. A couple of my favorite electrolyte powder brands are Engineered Nutrition and Ballast

Making sure you're getting enough fluids is super important to keep your complexion looking its best.

Another easy way to get extra fluids in your diet is through what you eat! Many fruits and vegetables have high water content and can contribute to your overall hydration, plus additional added benefits.

Colorful fruits and vegetables like berries, leafy greens, and citrus fruits, are high in antioxidants meaning they’ll protect against damage from free radicals. Focusing on foods rich in healthy fats, like avocados, nuts, and fatty fish, is also great for supporting your skin's natural barrier function. These fats help to keep your skin plump. And don't forget about omega-3 fatty acids! These essential fats are crucial for maintaining healthy skin cell membranes and reducing inflammation. You can find them in fatty fish like salmon and tuna, as well as in supplements like fish oil or flax seed.

In addition to what you eat and drink, the air around you can also affect your skin's hydration levels. Dry air can really suck the moisture out of your skin, especially when you're spending more time indoors with the heat blasting. Adding a humidifier to your space, especially your bedroom, can make a big difference in your skin's hydration levels. This can help prevent your skin from drying out overnight and can also be beneficial for those who suffer from dry sinuses or nosebleeds.

• It's important to note - humidifiers aren't for everyone. If you have mold allergies or sensitivities, a humidifier might not be the best option, being that it can potentially create an environment where mold can thrive. For reference, ideal indoor humidity levels should be between 30% and 50%. Mold can begin to grow in indoor environments with humidity levels above 60%.

And finally, as tempting as it is to indulge in a long, hot shower on a cold winter day, it can actually do more harm than good for your skin. Hot water can strip away your skin's natural oils, leading to dryness, irritation, and even eczema flare-ups. Instead, opt for shorter showers with lukewarm water. This will help to preserve your skin's natural moisture barrier and keep it feeling soft and supple. And if you can handle it, a quick blast of cold water at the end of your shower can actually be beneficial for circulation and skin tone!

Combining these lifestyle changes with the right topical products can create a truly unstoppable force against winter dryness.

Winter-Proof Your Face

Let's explore some powerful products that can transform your skin from parched to perfectly hydrated.

One of my absolute favorite ways to intensely hydrate and repair the skin is with Beta Gel by DMK^* . The key ingredient is beta-glucan, which is a powerful humectant that's 20 times more hydrating than hyaluronic acid! It also has incredible healing properties and helps boost the skin's immunity, making it perfect for combating the harsh winter elements. If you're dealing with post-facial redness or sensitivity, Beta Gel is a fantastic option to soothe and restore your skin.

^{*Available to existing clients only} 

Another great option for those with easily irritated or sensitive skin is HydraRemedy by Face Reality. It contains four types of hyaluronic acid to deeply hydrate and plump the skin, along with a tri-recovery complex to strengthen and rejuvenate. Plus, it has a soothing phyto-ceutical blend to calm and balance the complexion. It's perfect for layering under makeup or other skincare products.

And if you have oily or combination skin but still want to amp up the hydration without feeling greasy, HydraBalance by Face Reality will be your best friend. This water-based gel features lilac stem cells to brighten the complexion and provides antioxidant protection. It's lightweight yet effective. Plus, it has antioxidant properties to protect your skin from environmental damage!

If you're especially prone to eczema or psoriasis, or just find your skin gets easily irritated by the cold and dry air, Comfort Cream by GlyMed Plus is a must-have. It calms inflammation, heals damage, and provides intense hydration thanks to ingredients like amino acids, beta-glucan, and aloe vera. And for those extra-dry areas, Cell Protection Balm by GlyMed Plus will be the hero. This is probably the one product that completely changed my winter skincare game. It's also excellent for post-peel or laser procedures. It contains humectants, occlusives, and emollients to draw moisture into the skin, prevent water loss, and soothe dryness. Plus, it's enriched with shea butter and anti-inflammatory live yeast cell derivatives to promote cell renewal. I love to use this as the last step in my nighttime routine for a little slugging action, and then during the day I always keep a tube in my bag for my hands, feet, elbows – anywhere that needs a little extra attention!

With these essential products in your winter skincare regimen, you'll be fully prepared to keep your skin hydrated all season long.

Hydrated and Happy

While winter can bring its challenges, I’m hoping your skin won't be one of them. By incorporating these tips and products into your routine, you can keep your complexion healthy, hydrated, and glowing all season long, from your face to your toes!

Best,

Maria