My winter routine for dry sensitive skin
One of the most common complaints I have with my skin during the winter months is about how irritated, flaky, and dry my skin can become. It’s a struggle that many people face, but with proper skin care techniques, it doesn’t have to feel like such a battle. If you have dry or sensitive skin like me, here are some tips I use for keeping my skin happy and healthy during the cold winter months.
Gentle cleanser for less skin irritation
One of the most important steps in my winter skin routine is using a gentle cleanser. I switch to a cream or oil-based cleanser to avoid stripping away any essential moisture from my skin.
I also make sure to exfoliate once a week or less with a gentle scrub to remove any dead skin cells and promote healthy cells. Also, I prefer to use chemical exfoliators when it's cold outside since they are less harsh on my skin and don’t expose it to any unnecessary cold temperatures.
What I use:
DHC Deep Cleansing Facial Oil
Cerave SA gentle cleanser
The Ordinary glycolic acid
Hydrating serum or oil to your skincare routine
A key part of my winter skincare routine is adding an extra layer of hydration to keep my skin moisturized and happy. I incorporate either a hydrating serum (in the morning) or oil (at night) into my daily routine, depending on the state of my skin. If I feel like my skin needs some extra TLC (treatment, love, and care), I will sometimes apply a mask that uses hyaluronic acid as one of the main ingredients. But even if I’m not using a mask, hyaluronic acid is something that I like to have in most if not all of my skincare products. Not only does it help keep my skin moisturized, but it also helps promote healthy cell turnover for brighter and more radiant-looking skin.
What I use:
Vitamin C serum - Mae Love Glow Maker
Clarins Santal Face Treatment Oil
Heavier moisturizer to combat dry skin
Another key step in keeping my dry skin happy is using a rich moisturizer that will act as an extra layer of protection against the winter elements. I like to choose heavy creams or lotions with natural oils and nutrients, as well as hyaluronic acid and other water-binding ingredients that help seal in moisture. Depending on how dry my skin feels, I may use a facial oil under my moisturizer for added hydration.
What I use:
Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream or lotion
Sunscreen is also key
While many people might forget to include sunscreen during the winter months, it’s still crucial for optimal skin health. The sun can damage your skin and cause premature aging, even when it’s not shining as bright or as hot outside. That’s why I like to incorporate at least a light SPF moisturizer into my daily routine year-round, especially since my skin is extra sensitive and prone to redness and irritation.
What I use:
Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protector Lotion SPF 50+ Sunscreen
Aveeno Protect & Hydrate Sunscreen Body Lotion
Consider using a humidifier in your home to add moisture to the air
Another tip that I find helpful for keeping my skin happy and healthy during the winter months is using a humidifier in my home. This helps keep my air moist, which can help prevent moisture loss from my skin. Additionally, it can also help reduce irritation by adding some extra healing hydration to the air around me. Overall, using a humidifier during the winter months has been one of the best things I’ve done for my dry and sensitive skin, and I highly recommend trying it out if you’re struggling with flaky or irritated skin this season!
What I use:
Apply lip balm every day
Using a lip balm with hydrating ingredients is essential for healthy lips in the winter. Whether you prefer a balm, gloss, or stick, make sure to apply it every day to keep your lips moisturized and protected against cold temperatures. Some of my favorite lip balms include ChapStick Classic Original Lip Balm and LANEIGE Lip Sleeping Mask. By using these products every day, I am able to protect my lips from dryness and cracking while also keeping them looking soft and smooth.
If you want healthy and happy skin this winter, there are a few key steps that you should follow. These include adding an extra layer of hydration to your routine with hydrating serums or oils, using rich moisturizers or creams to combat dry skin, and always making sure to apply sunscreen for optimal protection against the sun's damaging rays. Additionally, you may find it helpful to use a humidifier in your home or regularly apply lip balm to keep your lips soft and smooth throughout the cold weather. With these tips in mind, you can enjoy healthy and radiant-looking skin all winter long!
