8 Tips To Prep Skin For Winter

I know I have to stay on top of my regime and not skip a beat especially during the winter months. My skin becomes dry, I breakout because it is dry and I want to maintain a healthy glow. By keeping a maintenance plan (men have no idea what we go through!) I can achieve that.

Here are my tips to prep skin for winter through to spring and help you avoid unnecessary breakouts with a winter glow. Try a couple or all of them, but remember happiness is also part of a good skin regiment!

8 Tips To Prep Your Skin For Winter

Use a gentler cleanser

No matter what your skin type, it’s best to avoid harsh cleansers in the winter months. Harsh meaning anything that deep cleans, strips your skin or has exfoliating beads in it. For the most part, our facial skin gets more sensitive this time of year. You don’t want to strip away all of its natural oils.
Cetaphil is a cult favourite or The Body’s Shop Tea Tree Foaming Cleanser.

Swap your moisturizer for something heavier

During the winter, your skin is need of some intense moisture, so swap your regular face lotion for something heavier. I use Clinique Moisture Surge as mentioned in this post. I use it at night, when I’m sleeping and your skin can absorb heavier products better.

Add in a hydrating serum

If your skin is on the typically drier side all year round, I recommend adding a hydrating serum to your routine. Currently I’m using Vichy Aqualia Thermal Serum as mentioned in this post.

Try a facial oil

Facial oils, especially all natural ones, are great for healing dry skin. Just add a few drops to your hands and gently pat the product into your skin after your moisturizer, day and night. I use Fable Naturals Nourishing Olive and Rosehip Facial Oil. It also adds a nice subtle glow to your skin.

Add in a hydrating face mask 1-2 times a week

I always have a few face masks in my rotation, but when winter comes around, I reach for ones that will give me the extra hydration my skin needs. My new obsession are sheet masks, one step and that’s it. You don’t need to wash them off when done because your skin absorbs the product. I’m currently using the sheet masks from The Face Shop like the Chia Seed Moisturizing Mask.

Don’t skip the SPF

You may not relate SPF to the winter months, but it’s crucial to not forget it. Wearing it all year round keeps your skin protected from the harsh elements and yes skin cancer. The sun is the sun is the sun, it shines no matter how cold the temperatures drop (thank goodness!). Try a moisturizer with a SPF or add a layer on top of your daily moisturizer.

Drink water (lots of it)

Moisture comes from the inside out, which means that if you aren’t hydrated, your skin will suffer. First thing in the morning, pour yourself a glass of room temperature water. This helps flush out toxins and keeps you hydrated. I keep a bottle at my desk and drink a lot of tea all day which also counts.

Exfoliate

Another absolute must do for your skin is exfoliation. The delicate skin around your face needs it, and don’t forget the rest of your body. Choose natural or organic products, don’t exfoliate daily, and definitely don’t choose brands with microbeads. I exfoliate in the shower, that way I remember to do so. Try Say Yes to Grapefruit Daily Facial Scrub, they use fruit extracts instead of microbeads.

Another quick tip is to drink hot water with lemon, three times a day. I can’t tell you the difference this has made for my skin, immune system and energy.