Winter has officially arrived and this winter wonderland also brings harsh temperatures and cold winds that wreak havoc on our skin. Indoor heating and lack of moisture in the air result is dry, itchy, chapped, irritated skin. Our rule of thumb is that when you turn on your furnace, it’s time to adjust your skin care routine to hydrate, heal and protect your winter skin.
Here are 10 simple tips to protect your skin this winter:
1. Avoid foaming facial cleansers which strip the skins natural oils. Skin should never feel squeaky clean after cleansing. Instead, opt for a oil, cream or gel-based cleanser to help support your skin. Rinse with warm water as hot water further dehydrates the skin.
Our favourites: Laurel Facial Cleanser, Eminence Organic Stone Crop Cleansing Oil Eminence Wildflower Cleansing Balm, Living Libations Best Skin Ever Seabuckthorn
2. Incorporate a toner or hydrosol. This is a crucial part of skin care that is often avoided. Read the ingredient label for hydrosols which are aromatic waters from the steam-distillation of plants. They deliver nourishment to the skin to hydrate and balance, improve the skin's function as a barrier and enhance product absorption. Spray a hydrosol directly onto the face following cleansing and then follow with a few drops of serum to seal moisture into the skin.
Our favourites: Wild Hill Nootka Rose Toner, Laurel Elixir for Normal to Dry Skin, Province Apothecary Toner, Kahina Toner
Our favourites: Wild Hill Nootka Rose Toner, Laurel Elixir for Normal to Dry Skin, Province Apothecary Toner, Kahina Toner
3. Add a facial oil serum: The ultimate winter skin-saver for every skin type is an antioxidant-rich facial oil serum. Massage three to four drops directly onto your skin (post hydrosol) or add the serum into your moisturizer and then massage into your skin. The nutrients will be sealed into the skin.
Our favourites: Laurel Anti-inflammatory Serum, Kahina Serum, Wild Hill Blackberry Serum, Eminence Rosehip C + E Firming Oil Serum
Our favourites: Laurel Anti-inflammatory Serum, Kahina Serum, Wild Hill Blackberry Serum, Eminence Rosehip C + E Firming Oil Serum
4. Switch to a richer moisturizer or balm. Cold temperatures and wind are dehydrating on skin. Whether you are a skater, skier, walker or a non-winter enthusiast, you experience the harsh indoor-outdoor temperature fluctuations. Adding a nutrient-dense moisturizer or balm will offer a protective shield to your skin to hydrate, heal, calm and soothe your winter skin.
Our favourites: Laurel Transform Daily Balm, Eminence Linden Calendula Treatment Cream
5. Protect your winter skin from the sun. The strength of UV rays doesn’t diminish during the winter months. Snow acts as a reflector and can bounce UV rays back to increase the chance of sunburn. Apply a broad spectrum SPF to the face, ears, hands and lips when outdoors and reapply every two hours.
Our favourites: Eminence Sun Defense Mineral SPF, Coola Cucumber Matte Finish SPF30 Cream
6. Exfoliate your skin. Remove dull skin and enhance product penetration with a gentle weekly exfoliation. Keep it gentle as over exfoliation can cause further inflammation and increase dryness Do not limit your exfoliation to the face, dry brush your body daily with a natural-fibre brush to exfoliate, detoxify, stimulate circulation and reduces the need to over-apply body lotion.
5. Protect your winter skin from the sun. The strength of UV rays doesn’t diminish during the winter months. Snow acts as a reflector and can bounce UV rays back to increase the chance of sunburn. Apply a broad spectrum SPF to the face, ears, hands and lips when outdoors and reapply every two hours.
Our favourites: Eminence Sun Defense Mineral SPF, Coola Cucumber Matte Finish SPF30 Cream
6. Exfoliate your skin. Remove dull skin and enhance product penetration with a gentle weekly exfoliation. Keep it gentle as over exfoliation can cause further inflammation and increase dryness Do not limit your exfoliation to the face, dry brush your body daily with a natural-fibre brush to exfoliate, detoxify, stimulate circulation and reduces the need to over-apply body lotion.
Our favourites: Eminence Stone Crop Detoxifying Fizzofoliant, Laurel Almond Grain Exfoliant, Laurel Honey Enzyme Masque, Merben Body Brush
Our favourites: Eminence Organic Citrus Lip Balm, Eminence Lip Balm + Exfoliator, ILIA Balmy Days, Laurel Lip Treatment.
8. Add a facial masque. Apply a hydrating cream masque at bath time or as your night cream. Wear it to bed and remove it in the morning to reveal a glowing, hydrated complexion.
Our favourites: Wild Hill Honey Myrrh Masque, Eminence Organic Strawberry Rhubarb Masque, Eminence Organic Citrus + Kale Potent C + E Masque, Kahina Antioxidant Masque
9. Prepare healthy anti-oxidant rich meals. In addition to drinking 8 glasses of water daily, protect and strengthen your skin, nails, and hair in the winter months with meals rich in omega-3 fatty acids,Vitamin A, C, D, & E as well as zinc and selenium. Incorporate fish, avocado, sweet potatoes, kale, nuts, citrus fruits, green tea, spirulina and bone broth into your diet to keep dryness at bay and help your skin glow.
10. Invest in a humidifier
While indoor heating or wood burning fireplaces keep us toasty warm, they also draw humidity from the air leaving our skin dry and dehydrated. A humidifier on your home furnace or in your bedroom or office will dramatically improve the levels of humidity and improve the hydration in your skin.