Drink lots of water
During winter we often forget to drink enough water. I am a self-confessed coffee addict but in winter a good way to increase my intake of water is room temperature with a slice of lemon, or any other fruit of your choice. The fruit infuses much better in room temperature water. I try to have a herbal tea once or twice a day as well.
Choose a cleanser carefully
I love a good cream cleanser – something that nourishes and softens the skin. Steer clear of foaming gel cleansers as they tend to dry out our skin. Try to avoid anything that contains alcohol and fragrances as well. The Arbonne DermResults Advanced Cleansing Balm with Avocado Oil is beautiful – it will leave your skin SO soft! Sometimes, after a late night out you may not want to wash your face, so good facial wipes are a great hack. Look for wipes that are not going to dry out your skin. My pick is the Dissolve the Day Facial Cleansing Cloths and make sure you follow up with a hydrating serum and night cream.
Exfoliate for glowing skin
One of the best things you can do for your face in winter is to exfoliate, once or twice a week. Avoid exfoliators with apricot kernel pieces as it will scratch and damage your skin. A glycolic mask is a great exfoliator as no scrubbing is required!
I love Alpha Hydroxy products. The list of benefits include:
- Improves product absorption.
- Exfoliates dead skin cells.
- Reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
- Fades hyperpigmentation.
- Brightens and smooths complexion.
- Fights acne.
- Hydrates dry skin.
- Help promote collagen production.
My go-to is Skintitut’s L-Lactic Cleanser. It’s mild and does not dry me out.
Ceramides – How they can protect your skin in winter
Ceramides strengthen the skin barrier, lock in moisture, and protect against environmental irritants, making them essential for healthy, resilient skin.
Role in the Skin Barrier:
Ceramides are lipid molecules that make up a significant portion of the skin’s outer layer, the stratum corneum, acting like “cement” that holds skin cells together. This structure forms a strong barrier that prevents water loss and shields the skin from irritants, allergens, pollutants, and bacteria. When ceramide levels decline due to aging, harsh skincare products, or environmental stressors, the skin becomes dry, sensitive, and more prone to conditions like eczema, redness and premature aging.
Key Benefits:
- Restores and strengthens the skin barrier: Ceramides repair the outer layer, preventing moisture loss and protecting against external aggressors.
- Deep hydration: They help skin retain water, keeping it soft, plump, and supple.
- Soothes sensitivity and irritation: Ceramides calm redness, burning, or stinging sensations, making them ideal for sensitive skin, and are great after a microdermabrasion.
- Supports skin conditions: Regular use can improve symptoms of eczema, psoriasis and dryness.
- Anti-aging effects: By maintaining hydration and barrier integrity, ceramides reduce fine lines, improve elasticity and delay signs of aging.
- Enhances resilience: They help skin recover from damage more quickly and tolerate exfoliants, retinoids, or acne treatments without excessive irritation.
- Protects against environmental stressors: Ceramides strengthen defenses against pollution, UV damage, and seasonal dryness.
Practical Use in Skincare:
Ceramides are found in moisturizers, serums, creams, and toners. My fav Ceramide moisturizer is Skinstitut’s Vitamin C Ceramide Moisturizer.
Products often contain natural or synthetic ceramides (pseudoceramides) that mimic the skin’s own lipids. Using ceramide-rich products consistently can replenish depleted ceramides, improve hydration, and restore barrier function, benefiting all skin types, especially dry or sensitive skin.
Night-time ceramide moisturizers can complement the skin’s natural repair processes, while daytime use helps protect against environmental stressors.
In essence, ceramides are vital for maintaining a healthy, hydrated, and resilient skin barrier. They not only lock in moisture but also protect against irritants, support healing, and reduce visible signs of aging, making them a cornerstone of effective skincare routines.
Keep those showers short and sweet
You may think that your skin becomes drier in summer, but not so. Those cold winter winds do nothing for our face! We rug up so well and keep our bodies nice and warm but it’s our face that takes the brunt of the harsh cold winds.
A good skin care routine, morning and night, is paramount for hydration. I often add another layer to my normal routine at night. After cleansing, toning and moisturizing I’ll often add another layer of moisturizer. If you’ve applied your actives, then I’d use a more natural moisturizer like the HydrateMe 48H Dewy Gel Cream with 0.7% Edulis Cellular Water.
Taking care of the rest of your body.
Although there’s nothing more enticing than a long hot shower. If you have dry skin really hot water will only make matters worse by stripping away your body’s natural oils. Try to keep a nice warm water flow, but don’t make it stingingly hot.
I recommend Arbonne’s BodyCare Moisturizer Rejuvenating Cream.
Regular exfoliation is great for the body too. It gets rid of the dead skin cells and prepares the skin for your moisturizer. The BodyCare Resurfacing Exfoliator, again one that is natural with no nasties – ie. parabens, phthalates, mineral oil etc. A great exfoliator to use before applying tanning products.
And when you are out in the elements, remember to wrap up – a scarf and gloves are essential to protecting your hands and the delicate skin on your neck.
Sunscreen is not just for summer
Sunscreen is still a necessity in winter. The sun’s rays still permeate cloud cover so it’s important to have use a moisturizer with an SPF. I recommend Arbonne Agewell Moisture Restoring Cream with SPF 15. Alternatively, you can use a non-SPF moisturizer but place DermResults Soft Focus Beauty Veil SPF 30 after moisturizing and before your foundation.
