After months of brilliant sun, high heat and dry air, skin is often left feeling parched, dull and unbalanced. Prolonged UV exposure accelerates visible signs of aging, including fine lines, hyperpigmentation and loss of firmness, by breaking down collagen and elastin. As we move into cooler weather throughout fall and winter, our skin faces a new set of challenges: lower humidity, indoor heating and reduced natural moisture.
This seasonal shift is the perfect time to adjust skin care routines to restore hydration, strengthen the barrier and reveal a healthy post-summer glow that lasts into the winter and beyond.
Switch to a Richer Moisturizer
As the air gets cooler and drier, lightweight summer moisturizers often aren’t enough. Transitioning to richer creams with ceramides, peptides and hyaluronic acid helps lock in moisture and repair the skin’s barrier. These ingredients not only retain hydration but also protect against environmental stressors. To maximize their benefits, apply moisturizer immediately after cleansing while the skin is still slightly damp. This helps lock in moisture. Ingredients such as shea butter and glycerin offer long-lasting hydration, while using a humidifier at night adds moisture back into the air and can help prevent dryness. For oily or combination skin, a gel-cream formula with barrier-repairing properties can provide hydration without heaviness.
Exfoliate Weekly
After months of sunscreen and sweat buildup, gentle exfoliation is key to reviving dull skin. Enzyme or lactic acid exfoliants used once a week help smooth texture and boost radiance without irritation. Avoid harsh scrubs, which can cause microtears on dry, delicate skin. Instead, exfoliate at night so the skin can renew and repair itself during rest, and follow with a calming toner or essence containing soothing ingredients like chamomile. This combination promotes cellular turnover while ensuring the skin remains balanced.
Layer a Hydrating Serum
Adding a hydrating serum beneath moisturizer can make all the difference during the colder, drier months. Serums with hyaluronic acid, niacinamide or vitamin B5 plump the skin, smooth fine lines and fortify the barrier. For the best absorption, apply a serum while the skin is slightly damp, and consider using one both morning and night to keep hydration levels consistent. It’s recommended to alternate between a deeply hydrating serum and an antioxidant-rich vitamin C serum to maintain a healthy glow.
Don’t Skip SPF
Even as temperatures drop, daily sun protection remains paramount. Many people often associate sunscreen with summer, but UV rays are present year-round, even on cloudy or overcast winter days. Daily use of an SPF 30 or higher protects against photoaging, collagen breakdown and sunspots. Look for a hydrating or mineral-based formula that layers well under makeup or moisturizer. Remember to reapply every two hours when outdoors or near windows, and don’t forget the decolletage—the neck and chest area—as well as the hands, as these are often the first to show signs of sun damage. Sunscreen that includes antioxidants such as vitamin E or even green tea can provide added protection against environmental stressors.
Take a Trip to the Spa
For anyone seeking a deeper, more restorative reset, Windflower Spa offers the “Restore Your Radiance Skin Treatment,” an 80-minute rejuvenating facial designed to repair sun-stressed skin and prepare it for the cooler months ahead. The treatment blends the clinical efficacy of G.M. Collin Skincare with a luxurious spa experience. It begins with a deep cleanse and enzymatic exfoliation to remove buildup, followed by a targeted peel to brighten and smooth texture. A hydrating and repairing mask restores firmness and elasticity, while antioxidant infusions work to fade sun damage and stimulate collagen production. The treatment concludes with SPF protection, reinforcing that sun care is essential all year long.
Windflower Spa’s philosophy is simple: skin care should do more than pamper; it should transform. With G.M. Collin’s science-backed formulas and the spa’s signature holistic approach, guests are able to restore balance inside and out, leaving them refreshed, radiant and ready to embrace the season ahead.
