Winter air can be harsh on your skin, bringing changes in humidity, exposure to indoor heaters, and blustery winds, all of which can contribute to dry, dull skin. But there are steps you can take to keep it hydrated and healthy all season long. In this post, we share tips and products to help your skin look and feel its best throughout winter.
The Effects of Winter on Your Skin
Filaggrin, a protein essential for skin barrier function and hydration, decreases during winter, with age, and due to hormonal changes. This, along with other winter stressors, can cause dryness and worsen skin conditions. Fortunately, there are a variety of products and foods that restore moisture.
Winter Skincare Product Heroes
Glow Recipe Avocado Ceramide Moisture Barrier Cleanser ($28, shop here)
Ceramides and colloidal oatmeal, two nourishing ingredients in this cleanser, soothe redness caused by dehydration and are suitable for all skin types. Avocado oil also helps break down makeup and nourish the skin.
Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream ($13.49, shop here)
This rich, nourishing moisturizer with almond oil and vitamin E comforts and hydrates dry, sensitive skin. The new blend of ingredients soothes and smooths skin, helping it retain moisture for up to 48 hours.
Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Advanced Repair Barrier Cream ($48, shop here)
Kiehl’s barrier cream relieves and repairs dry, sensitive skin. Colloidal oatmeal and beta-glucan soothe and hydrate, while the brand’s unique Advanced Barrier Technology supports the moisture barrier and reduces redness.
Aveeno Repairing CICA Hand Mask with Prebiotic Oat & Shea Butter ($3.69, shop here)
These gloves are infused with shea butter and moisturizing prebiotic oats, known for their soothing and nourishing properties, to restore moisture to dry skin, leaving your hands soft, smooth, and healthy.
Foods That Help Fight Dryness
In addition to using products that help keep your skin happy, some foods may help nourish it from the inside out.
Avocado
Avocado’s healthy fats and protein soothe dry skin, reduce inflammation, and promote collagen and elastin production for firmer, younger-looking skin.
Cucumber
Cucumbers are jam-packed with water and silica, a trace element essential for collagen production and skin hydration. Silica also has anti-inflammatory properties, making cucumbers a great way to soothe and protect the skin. Further, cucumbers contain vitamins A and C, which fight dryness.
Citrus Fruits
Vitamin C protects the skin from free-radical damage caused by pollution and UV rays. Vitamin A, found in lemons and limes, strengthens the skin barrier, which is paramount for retaining moisture.