It is important to pay special attention to your skin during the winter. This goes for not only sensitive skin but normal and combination skin types as well.

The cold, dry winter weather can leave sensitive areas of the skin such as on your hands, cheeks, and lips rough, irritated, and cracked. You might even find that other parts of your body become affected as well and lose its usual luminous texture. 

While during the summer, exposure to UV rays harm our skin the most. Therefore daily SPF protection is the number one skincare product to use. However, during the winter months our skin is most affected by the freezing wintry weather outside compounded by the drying effects of indoor heat. These environmental factors can irritate or even worsen pre-existing skin conditions. Just like how our wardrobe changes each season, so do we need different skincare products to best protect and nourish our skin during the harsh winter months.  

Why Frosty Winter Weather and Dry Indoor Heat Hurts Your Skin 

Hyaluronic Face Cream - Makes skin luxuriously softer and smoothHyaluronic Face Cream - Makes skin luxuriously softer and smooth
What happens when our skin gets exposed to the freezing wintry weather? Our bodies work to regulate and maintain our internal temperature to safeguard our major organs. In cold temperatures, blood is drawn away from the surface capillaries, such as from skin. When our body restricts blood circulation to protects its major organs, our skin surfers as it loses unobstructed access to oxygen and nourishment. We may notice our skin turning pale or a bluish-grey tint. The same happens to the sebum(fat) producing glands. During cold weather, our glands produce less sebum which means the skin protection barrier is not receiving the essential fat to keep moisture inside. Without healthy fat, our skin becomes dry and cracked and may even bleed as it loses essential moisture. To make things worse, dry indoor heat further depletes healthy nutrients.  

While we can easily protect our arms, legs, and torso from severe freezing weather with layers of warm protective clothing, the skin on our face is often left exposed and totally unprotected. This is why our face and hands require extra special attention with deep moisturizing skincare protection during wintertime.  

Non-Negotiable Ways to Relieve Dry Skin 

The cold weather and dry air in our homes are primarily causing our skin to dry out as they reduce the level of moisture in our skin. But there is hope. There are two key ways we can prevent dry skin.  

  1. Hydrate from the Inside Out 

Drinking enough water will ensure the body and skin are well-hydrated and able to retain moisture, just like a flower being watered.  

  1. Apply hydrating and protecting skincare products  

A good skin care routine will help to replenish all layers of your skin, retain moisture, and protect your skin from environmental aggressors. 

Skincare Tips to Keep Your Skin Beautiful During the Harsh Winter 

  • Even though nothing feels better than a long hot shower during the chilly weather, your skin prefers a quick, lukewarm shower. 
  • Use a pH-natural shower gel which does not affect skin pH levels. Disrupting our skins pH-level can damage your skin’s protective barrier.  
  • Balance out the dry and warm indoor air by increasing the humidity-level inside. Regular room-airing also helps to increase the humidity, as the fresh outdoor air is often richer in humidity than inside air.  
  • Use hydrating and protective skincare products. Apply natural, rich, and moisturizing products morning and evening to the entire body. Use products especially after a shower or bath. Pay close attention to dry areas by applying concentrated plant-sourced oils. And don’t forget about your face, make sure it gets the proper attention it needs. 
Pascoe’s New Skincare products Pascoe’s New Skincare products
  • Here is an extra tip for dry and cracked lips during winter. A perfect alternative to store bought lip balms or Chapstick's are ingredients you probably have in your pantry. Try honey, olive-oil or coconut oil or any other premium plant sourced oil to soothe your lips.
  • Your skin is what you eat, and nutrition plays a key role in skin protection. Not only during the winter, but throughout the entire year. A healthy and balanced diet that focuses on fruits, vegetables and whole foods provides the skin with essential vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids to fight off free radicals. Reduce your intake on alcohol, excess sugar, and processed foods. Your skin will glow when it has less toxins to get rid of.