Winter is officially here with its chilly winds and dry air, and our skin often takes a toll. And yes, our skin dries out here in Los Angeles too. We get these awful winds that leave our skin parched and lacking its usual radiance. But, with a thoughtful and consistent winter skincare routine, you can combat the harsh effects of the season and maintain a healthy, glowing complexion. In this blog post, I will be sharing seven simple yet highly effective tips to ensure your skin stays radiant throughout the winter months.

Avoid Hot Showers

I know a lot of you enjoy taking super hot showers, but they’re stripping your skin of natural oils. Frequent hot showers lead to dry itchy skin. Instead try taking lukewarm showers to keep your skin hydrated and radiant.

Hydration is Key

Winter air can be super dry, leading to dehydrated skin. To counter this, prioritize hydration. You’ll want to make sure that you drink a lot of water. Your skincare should start from the inside out! Then when you shower, use moisturizing soaps or body wash. I personally love using Shea Moisture’s Face & Body Soap Bars or Olay’s Body Wash with Shea Butter & B3 Complex .

Body Skin Care

Moisturize your entire body, not just your face! You body skincare routine should be just as important. Finding body lotion that feels good and is good for your skin can be an adventure, but when you finally find what works, your skin will thank you for your perseverance. I use Olay Nourishing & Hydrating Lotion with Hyaluronic Acid & I love it. I’ve been using it for a a few years now and recommend it to anyone who compliments my skin.

For Your Face

For your face you’re going to want to use a serum first. Always apply the serum before your moisturizer to ensure your face soaks it up. I use this hyaluronic acid by Good Molecules and seal it in with their Daily Moisturizer and my skin has never looked better. (Not sponsored, though I wish it was!)

Exfoliate Regularly

Exfoliation is crucial to remove dead skin cells that can accumulate and make the skin appear dull. However, be mindful not to over-exfoliate, as this can exacerbate dryness. Choose a mild exfoliator with ingredients like glycolic acid or enzymes, and limit exfoliation to 1-2 times per week. I use Dr. Teals Shea Sugar Body Scrub twice a month and I love it, it smells so good and leaves my skin looking radiant and feeling velvety soft. I also use it on my face once a month.

Moisturize at Nighttime Too

Nighttime is when your skin undergoes repair and regeneration. Opt for rich, nourishing creams & lotions that provide deep hydration and helps restore the skin’s natural barrier. I suggest doing this a couple nights a week at least if you’re not able to do it daily.

✨Bonus tip! Night time is the perfect time to moisturize your feet! Lather up and put some socks on and let your feet be pampered overnight! I used to do this every night & am committed to starting again this year.

Don’t Forget Sunscreen:

Even during the winter months, UV rays can still cause damage to your skin. Make sunscreen a non-negotiable part of your skincare routine. Choose a broad-spectrum SPF of at least 30 and apply it daily, even on cloudy days. I like using CeraVe’s Sheer Tint Sunscreen, it works great and it doesn’t feel suffocating.

Treat Your Lips and Hands:

The skin on your lips and hands is thin and sensitive, making them susceptible to dryness and cracking. Apply a nourishing lip balm and hand cream regularly to keep these areas soft and moisturized. For my hands I use Soap & Glory’s Hand Food – I also use it for my feet – it works so well! And it smells amazing so I highly recommend trying it out. For my lips I use regular Chapstick before bed & for day use when I wan’t a little pop of color I use Milani Fruit Fetish Lip Balms, they’re fantastic. They smell nice and they do actually hydrate your lips.

Pamper Your Skin with Masks:

Treat yourself to hydrating masks to give your skin an extra boost of moisture. Look for masks containing ingredients like aloe vera, honey, or hyaluronic acid. Use them once a week to revive and rejuvenate your skin.

Conclusion

Incorporating these simple yet effective steps into your winter skincare routine can make a significant difference in achieving and maintaining glowing skin. Remember, consistency is key, so make these practices a part of your daily and weekly rituals to ensure your skin stays healthy and radiant throughout the winter season. For tips on ways to stay on top of your skincare routine check out this post. Stay beautiful and glowing!