Good day folks!

Here in NY it is FRIGID! On the day that I am writing this, we are having record low temps! Tonight’s forecast expects it to be -1F with a windchill factor of -20F. Now that is some serious cold. We all know that layering up and covering all exposed skin is a must, but we also have to adjust our skincare routine for this kind of weather. Personally, my dry skin needs extra special TLC in this kind of climate, especially with the artificial heat from the home.

Below I will share my top 11 tips to protect your skin in the winter. These can be applied to most skin types and will keep you looking fresh!

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OH AND YOU CAN SHOP THIS LOOK AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS POST!

 

How to protect your skin from Winter

 

Limit your exfoliating

We have all been told time and time again to exfoliate to remove dead skin as often as your skin can handle it. Well I am here to tell you to limit this during the winter. I know I am not a dermatologist or skin care expert but I have had my fair share of skin issues and frequent my dermatologist since I was a kid. So it is safe to say I have picked up a number of tips here and there. Exfoliating is important, but it also strips your skin of its natural oils, which you will need in the winter. So still exfoliate, but do it sparingly. You’ll need all the natural oils you can get these for these cold months, especially my friends out there who have dry and normal skin types. Naturally oily people can get away with it a little more.

Below are some of my favorite gentle exfoliating products:

 

Find a hydrating cleanser

Read the labels of your favorite cleaners and make sure it is replacing the moisture that soaps take out. Some of my favorite brands for cleansers are Kiehl’s, CeraVe, and La Roche-Posay.

Ingredients that can dry out your skin

• Sulfates
• Alcohols (ethanol, ethyl, methanol, benzyl, isopropyl, sodium choloride)
• Parabens (methyl, butyl, propyl and ethyl)
• Retinol
• Mineral oil
• Artificial fragrances
• Triclosan
• Glycolic acid
• Many more

Ingredients in hydrating cleansers

• Hyaluronic acid
• Oils (jojoba, coconut, avocado)
• Shea butter
• Glycerol
• Beeswax
• Many more

These are just a few of the ingredients that can be in your cleansers, but there are a ton more on each list. Since most of us have smart phones, it doesn’t hurt to quickly google the ingredients before you purchase your next cleanser. Those few minutes will save your skin. Let’s face it, well hydrated skin makes you look younger and healthier so its worth it.

Below are some of my top hydrating cleansers:

 

Be generous with your nighttime skincare

It is totally okay to get nice and greasy before bed. Be generous when applying your night moisturizers, eye creams, oils and salves before bed. You will have all night to soak up all that moisturizing goodness and prep your skin for the following day. In the day your skin is on defense against pollution, climate, the sun, makeup, airborne diseases, and so on. Help your skin repair and prepare from the night before. Night routines can also slow down the development of wrinkles and keep you looking younger longer.

Below are some nighttime skincare products that I recommend:

Use sunscreen, always

Even in the winter months, our skin is exposed to UV rays from the sun. Most of our bodies are covered up but our face is still at risk. Use a moisturizer and lip balm with SPF all year round. Do not let the shorter sunlight hours and cold temperatures fool you, the sun is still attacking you. SPF also is rumored to slow down the signs of wrinkles and aging so there is an added bonus for you.

Remember, your scalp is skin

Our scalp is more likely to be dry in the winter than the rest of the year. Make sure to read the ingredients in your shampoos and stay away from those drying ingredients. One thing I like to do before washing in the winter (and most of the year) is doing hot oil treatments and DIY hair masks that pack in the moisture. I have naturally kinky hair and extremely dry skin so my scalp is often times very dry in the winter. I notice it is much better when I use oils, like unprocessed Jamaican black castor oil that I get from my granny in Jamaica, before I shampoo. Because the one I use is natural and very potent, it is not ideal to use on your hair as a regular oil. It is very strong in smell and is itchy if I keep it on too long. So it is great for hot oil treatments before shampooing. Some of the other Jamaican black castor oils that are found in beauty supply stores are gentle enough to use without washing out. Give those a try and notice less dryness. Also moisturize your scalp with oils if you have hair that needs oil added to it like my natural kinky hair.

Try a medicated shampoo for stubbornly dry scalp, especially if you have dandruff. Use natural shampoos that removes oil buildup but also provides some moisture back into you scalp.

 

Layer your moisturizers

I find layering my skincare products work best for me. I cannot just simply apply lotion to skin and expect to be fully moisturized all day. Actually, if I put on lotion, my skin is still ashy immediately after rubbing it in. I do better with creams and ointments during the winter. I start out with lotion, then apply a heavier cream, then seal it all in with an ointment. I THEN am still dry a few hours later so I reapply if I can. It helps to moisturized right after your shower while your skin is still damp. Trap that moisture in!

Below are some of my favorite moisturizers right now:

 

Keep hand lotion near by

The skin on the tops of our hands are thinner than other parts of the body and they have less oil glands. So naturally, our hands dry out very easily. Our hands are also being washed often and exposed to the environment so their skin really takes a beating. Keep a hand cream in your bag, desk or pocket during the winter. Hydrate them and use gloves lined with fabrics that won’t suck out all the moisture.

 

Use a humidifier

The cold winter air is dry, and the artificial heat indoors are even drier! Radiating dry heat just sucks all the moisture out of the air and our skin. Use a humidifier in all your rooms to add moisture back into the air.

 

Hydrate from the inside

Although glasses of water will not compete with adding topical moisture, it does help. If you are dehydrated or not getting enough water, your skin will start to dry out faster. Keep your body healthy, as you skin is an organ and will benefit from overall wellness.

 

Grease those feet

Our poor feet get neglected and over-looked at times. Especially in the winter when they are not out on show nearly as much, we tend to leave them cold and dry. Moisturize your feet well and be generous about it! One thing I like to do is grease my feet up with my favorite creams and oils, throw on a pair of old socks (that are not too thick), and let them absorb all that warm goodness as I sleep. Your feet will thank you in the summer when it looks and feels much better from being taken care of all year long.

 

Take warm baths

I am guilty of taking long, hot showers, and I get told off often by my dermatologist about it! Truth is, all that hot water is drying your skin out and stripping those natural oils that is so desperately needs in the winter. Use lukewarm water instead and cut it short. Wash mainly the important parts and get out of there quickly. Your skin will thank you later.

 

Those are my top tips for keeping my skin moisturized, supple and glowing during the harsh NY winter months! Help your skin fight the elements and it will reward you with a youthful look. What are some of your favorite tips from this post? What tips would you like to add? Sharing is caring! Let’s chat in the comments below.

My coat is from Asos (Vera Moda brand) but is likely sold out and my blanket scarf is from Aldo from years ago. Below are similar coats and other items to get this look!

Until next time lovelies.

With love,

CoCo

 

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