The winter months can affect our skin in many ways. Cold, wind, direct heat from fireplaces and furnaces, and dry air can leave your skin itchy, red, and irritated. Individuals affected by a pre-existing skin condition, such as rosacea, can experience a heightened level of flare-ups at this time of year due to unfavourable weather conditions.

During winter, the skin may appear dull, lifeless, dry and flaky with increased redness. Fine lines become more visible and skin tone may appear uneven. It is imperative to adjust your skincare products to adapt to changing weather conditions and maintain healthy skin. There are some easy ways to combat these effects, to winter-proof your skin and help retain the skin's natural moisture and comfort.

1. Continue to exfoliate regularly

The number 1 rule of basic skin care is to exfoliate. Since our skin is drier and more dehydrated during winter, we tend to skip this important step. The body naturally forces dead skin cells to the surface of the skin, which can build up with time. If it is not eliminated, this buildup of dead cells can impair the absorption of treating products and the skin can appear dull and dry. Exfoliation removes dead skin cells and impurities that accumulate on the skin’s surface, revealing smoother and more radiant skin. Moisturizers and oils are absorbed more efficiently when applied immediately after exfoliation.

2. Mask and relax

Just like serum or moisturizer, a face mask is a skincare vehicle. It delivers highly concentrated ingredients, vitamins and nutrients to the skin to improve its overall health in a mere 20 minutes. However, some masks can be used overnight to deliver a more intense treatment. Masks are available in many formulations and textures to treat specific skin types and conditions.

3. Treat and moisturize your skin accordingly

In colder weather, the skin produces fewer lipids, which compromises the barrier, the skin’s outermost layer of the epidermis comprised of both water and lipids. This disruption increases transepidermal water loss (TEWL) leading to dehydrated skin, it also increases skin dryness and allows penetration of airborne pollutants. The balance of lipids and moisture in the skin also helps to reduce the likeliness of being affected by other skin problems.

Treating serums are essential as they provide a powerhouse of ingredients to treat the skin’s specific requirements. Humectants will trap and hold moisture in the skin to offset the TEWL that occurs in the colder months and the lipids will lock in that moisture while also providing essential lipids and fatty acids to the skin. The barrier function will be restored and the skin will be healthy. Serums and face and eye creams containing both lipids and humectants are available to perfectly care for winter skin.

4. Pamper your hands and lips more than ever

Hard-working hands require protection year-round, especially during the cold winter months. The skin on the hands, especially the top of the hands, is quite thin and, without proper protection, it will become dry and fine lines and wrinkles could appear prematurely. A nourishing hand cream should be applied as often as needed, especially before bedtime.

Chapped lips are a common skincare concern during the winter months. Lips do not have oil glands. They, therefore, become dry easily. Cold weather, winter winds and outdoor activities can accelerate this problem. A lip treatment product will maintain moisture reducing lip chapping, discomfort, damage, and line and wrinkle formation around the lips.

5. Don’t skip the SPF, even if it’s winter

According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, on bright winter days, the snow reflects up to 80% of the sun’s rays to uncovered skin, which can increase the risks related to exposure to UVA and UVB rays. This means that, whether you’re out on the slopes, playing in the snow, or just walking through a parking lot on an errand, it’s just as important to apply sunscreen in the harsh winter weather as it is in the summer.