With fall underway and temperatures beginning to steadily decline across North America, the last thing most of us want to think about is the approaching winter. Knowing how to protect your skin against harsher cold weather is essential to preventing discomfort and damage, especially for those living in regions where temperatures dip well below freezing for prolonged periods of time.
Cold weather, dry air, and constant exposure to indoor heating can damage skin health, stripping the outer layers of important natural oils that help lock in moisture. Without the proper prevention and care techniques, you may develop dryness, irritation, and thinning skin.
Boost Hydration
As we mentioned above, winter conditions can be particularly rough on hydration, which eventually irritates and damages the skin without proper care. Staying hydrated, both internally and externally, is key to preventing discomfort and keeping your skin as healthy as possible. As temperatures drop and the air becomes dryer, invest in a hydrating cleanser that gently cleans skin without stripping natural oils (hint: heavily scented products or those with a long list of chemicals are more likely to aggravate dryness, even if they’re marketed as moisturizing).
You’ll also want to increase the frequency of how often you moisturize and use thicker products that penetrate beneath the outer layer of the dermis and form a stronger protective barrier (more on that below).
Protect Your Skin Barrier
Your skin barrier is crucial in protecting against environmental stressors and retaining moisture. In winter, retaining moisture is essential to keeping your skin healthy and avoiding progressive damage. In addition to moisturizing more frequently, as mentioned above, be mindful of exposure to drying factors like hot air and even overexposure to hot showers, which strip essential oils away from the skin and compromise the skin barrier over time.
Increase Humidity
Winter can be unforgiving when it comes to dryness, which takes a toll on our system as a whole. In addition to making us more prone to dry, brittle hair and nosebleeds, the lack of moisture in the air can lead to parched skin that’s desperate for assistance. Using a humidifier at home or the office can help to offset this discomfort by adding a little moisture back into the atmosphere. Consider investing in a unit that fits the needs of your space and place humidifiers in key areas like bedrooms, living rooms, or other rooms you frequent to up your exposure to moist air.
(Gently) Exfoliate Your Skin
Regular exfoliation is key for skin health all year round but becomes even more essential during the winter when harsh conditions lead to an increase in dry or damaged skin cells that can otherwise become trapped on the surface of our skin and lead to blemishes. Use a gentle exfoliate once or twice a week (overdoing it can worsen dryness and cause other issues), and always moisturize afterwards to reseal your skin’s protective barrier.
Don’t Forget Sun Protection!
It can be easy to forget about sun protection in cold weather, but the danger of UV rays persists regardless of the season. As the single most influential external source of skin damage, sun exposure can rapidly accelerate signs of aging and contribute to long-term discomfort. Always apply broad-spectrum sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 30 when leaving the house, and reapply as necessary if outdoors for prolonged periods and when participating in winter activities like skiing, skating, etc.
Did you know? Sun rays reflecting off snow can increase your chance of sunburns and their severity. Always protect your skin when engaging in outdoor activities!
UV rays can damage skin even in winter, so protecting it from the sun is a year-round necessity.
Nourish from the Inside
As we mentioned above, internal hydration is just as important as maintaining external skin health. Drink plenty of water and hydrating beverages to stay hydrated from the inside out, and eat a nutrient-rich diet, including foods with vitamins, antioxidants, and other minerals, to boost your body’s overall health and protect your skin.
Fight Against Dry, Thinning Skin with Aqua Miraculorum
As we age, our skin naturally thins, becoming more susceptible to dryness, irritation, and damage, which can be further aggravated by winter weather. Incorporating products like Aqua Miraculorum into your skincare routine can help boost tone, texture and more, increasing your comfort and confidence all year round. Utilizing the power of methylene blue, Aqua Miraculorum is designed to be conveniently added to your bath for optimal relaxation and offers the following benefits:
Aqua Miraculorum, a premium product from Bloo Pharmaceutica, is designed to address the specific needs of aging and thinning skin, providing several key benefits:
- Enhanced skin resilience
- Improved hydration
- Soothing and calming
- Improved tone and texture
- Paraben, Phthalate, and Fragrance-Free (ideal for sensitive skin!)
Protect Your Skin This Winter
Winter skincare requires extra care and attention to protect your skin from harsh environmental conditions. Boosting hydration and protecting your skin barrier from the weather and UV rays is crucial for optimal skin wellness. Incorporating Aqua Miraculorum into your skincare routine is an easy way to aid against thinning skin and increase your comfort all season long. Learn more about the benefits here, and order your skincare product today!