Winter is almost here and I’m sure I’m in the minority when I say that I’m excited about it. I’m not a “November 1st is the beginning of Christmas Season” person, however this year feels different. With how this year has gone, I feel that a little extra magic in my life is just what I need. My trick for dealing with the winter blues is to romanticize every little thing that I can. From the dark, cozy nights to the warmth of the fireplace, watching the milk spread through my hot tea and everything in between, I’m present and mindful in each moment. My dear friend told me this is called the Art of Noticing, and this winter, I’m noticing it all. Including how my skin is changing in these colder months! It’s important to understand that your skin’s need change from season to season. The skincare routine that works for you in the summer may not be the best option in the winter when the air is dry and cold.

Why is Seasonal Skincare important?

As the weather changes, so does our skin. In the summer, we have extra humidity in the air to keep our skin soft, plump, and hydrated. When winter approaches in Nebraska, there’s a definite change in the weather. The weather gets colder, windier, and drier. Our skin’s natural barrier suffers under these circumstances and we often begin experiencing signs of a compromised barrier. Trans Epidermal Water Loss, or TEWL, is the biggest culprit of skin disruption in the colder months. This occurs when precious water evaporates out of the skin. Our skin needs that water to function at it’s best, and while upping your water intake can help, it won’t stop the problem. This is where changing up your seasonal skincare comes in handy.

How to Solve the Problem

The best way you can fight back against TEWL is by changing up your skincare routine and focusing on barrier health. To do this, we want to introduce a couple of products. First, we need to add in a hydrator. Think of hydrators like a big drink of water for the skin. My go-to hydrators are Lira’s BIO Hydra Infusion, Corthe’s Moisture RX Recharging Gel, and Face Reality’s Hydrabalance Gel. These products each have different benefits, but ultimately you can’t go wrong with any of them. Next, we need to make sure your moisturizer is right for you. Some people need to opt for a thicker, richer cream in the winter. Moisturizer will depend heavily on your skin, but my favorite winter moisturizer for acne is Glymed’s Comfort Cream while my go-to for dry skin is Corthe’s Rich M Cream. I would also recommend adding in a support serum like SIV’s Biome Balancing Serum to help strengthen and balance your skin’s microbiome. Click the link to learn more about this fantastic product!

Finally, add in an occlusive product. Occlusive products leave a barrier between your skin and the environment and lock in hydration and moisture. Vaseline and Aquaphor are examples of occlusives, but my favorite is Glymed’s Cell Protection Balm. It’s like Vaseline but much better as it has the moisturizing and healing properties of yeast beta glucan, shea butter, and squalane. It’s great for dry, chapped skin. You can also add in a beauty oil, such as Hale and Hush’s Remedy Rehab Oil, for an extra layer of protection.

What Else Can You Do?

If you’ve already changed up your seasonal skincare routine and wonder what else can help, here are some more tips to help you thrive this winter:

• Wear gloves whenever you’re outside, even if you’re driving! This will help prevent chapping due to windburn and lack of humidity
• Apply a thick moisturizer to damp lips and seal with Cell Protection Balm to deeply moisturize your lips
• Use a humidifier daily (make sure you clean it properly to prevent mold). My favorite humidifiers are linked here.
• Avoid hot air blowing on your face. I know it’s tempting when it’s cold, but this is a sure way to dry your skin out even more
• Sleep with a hydrating mask on every night. I love the Face Reality Hydracalm Mask for this
• Take a high quality Omega 3 supplement to help nourish and condition your skin from the inside out
• Take up reading to fight off the winter blues! I’ve been loving romantasy books, but anything that you truly love and enjoy is perfect
• Journaling is a great idea in the darker months to help you ground yourself
• Wearing your favorite sweater and cozy socks is key to feeling good while staying warm
• Make your favorite soup. I swear by this one honestly!
• Drinking warm beverages will not only help you stay up on fluids, but will also help you feel cozy and safe this winter season