Seasonal changes are inevitable as the winter months bring lower temperatures, higher wind speeds and cold snowfall to our environment. Harsh, cold weather causes a loss of water in the air, often leading to drier and more texturized complexions. Because the air we are exposed to during winter holds less moisture than the air in summer, the skin’s natural moisture levels quickly evaporate, leaving it much drier throughout the season. This decrease in natural moisture will cause the skin to react in other ways, reflecting a duller complexion that can often lead to long-term moisture imbalance.
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Seasonal changes are inevitable as the winter months bring lower temperatures, higher wind speeds and cold snowfall to our environment. Harsh, cold weather causes a loss of water in the air, often leading to drier and more texturized complexions. Because the air we are exposed to during winter holds less moisture than the air in summer, the skin’s natural moisture levels quickly evaporate, leaving it much drier throughout the season. This decrease in natural moisture will cause the skin to react in other ways, reflecting a duller complexion that can often lead to long-term moisture imbalance.
Aside from the depletion of moisture, a lack of environmental humidity can also cause a loss of skin elasticity, leading to an increased appearance of wrinkles. Sebaceous glands become less active in cold temperatures, which weakens the skin barrier. At the same time, blood vessels contract to prevent the loss of body heat, which keeps the dermis from receiving sufficient oxygen and nutrients. This, along with other conditions, leaves skin more sensitive, dehydrated and unprotected against external aggressors.
To prevent these consequences of low temperatures, it is best to make small, habitual changes to skin care routines that will allow it to stay nourished and glowing all winter long. The need to avoid moisture loss includes transitioning to a hydrating regimen, as well as a focus on whole-body hydration.
The solution is to simply add moisture and hydration back into the skin and body. Hydration and moisture preservation are keys to restoring firmness and luminosity, as these factors will help protect the skin against the inevitable winter elements. These are some recommendations that you can use to guide clients suffering from dry skin this winter.
1. Upgrade Your Moisturizer
An effective first step to adapting a skin care routine for winter is to substitute your regular cream for one that has a richer and thicker texture. A product that hydrates deeply and includes lipids within the formulation will help the skin retain water and reinforce it against external aggressors. A lipid-formulated or other emollient-based moisturizer applied daily, both morning and night, will also help strengthen the skin barrier throughout the seasons.
2. Watch the Eyes
The second step is to give the eye contour area some added attention. The eye contour is a specific area that tends to dehydrate more easily, therefore needing extra assistance in the winter months. The skin in this area is so much more delicate than that on the rest of the face—10 times thinner than other areas. It is also subjected to the eyelids’ constant movement.
To keep dryness at bay and prevent this delicate area from showing signs of aging, apply a more generous layer of an eye contour cream as though it were a mask. Leave it on for 10 minutes, then massage it in until it is fully absorbed. Remind clients that they should also reapply their moisturizer and eye cream throughout the day as needed.
3. Remember to Layer
We know those cold temperatures reduce the skin’s ability to retain moisture, specifically in the stratum corneum (the top layer), which is why it tends to dehydrate even more. To combat this, apply a serum before your moisturizer.
I highly recommend a serum that includes water-binding hyaluronic acid (HA), which absorbs up to 1,000 times its weight in water. HA is a naturally occurring sugar molecule found in the skin that acts like a magnet for moisture and will therefore boost hydration while also supporting the barrier. This is perfect for filling in wrinkles and expression lines from the inside out to reveal more supple and plump skin.
A facial oil is another way to combat dryness, deeply nourish skin and prevent dehydration. This added layer will strengthen the lipid barrier while locking in moisture.
Look for a facial oil that contains tamanu for an elevated level of moisture. Tamanu oil is rich in fatty acids, making it the perfect complexion-hydrating ingredient.
A great way to layer this product into a routine is by applying it at night as the final step. Make sure to wait until your moisturizer has completely absorbed. The oil will have a cocooning effect over the serum and moisturizer, allowing the skin to absorb these products overnight.
Those who would prefer to skip the oil but are still looking for something to prep their skin for winter weather can add a weekly hydrating face mask to their ritual. This occlusive effect will boost the absorption of active agents that can deeply moisturize the complexion. Focus on masks that include HA and niacinamide, which will help strengthen the barrier, protect from environmental aggressors and combat redness that can often occur from exposure to harsh winds.
4. Exfoliate Effectively
Clients often think of exfoliation as something that can be drying to the skin. Let them know that when done correctly, it can be an excellent step to have in their weekly, year-round skin care routine.
Exfoliation effectively removes dead cells while softening the skin’s surface, leaving it smooth and vibrant. In addition, exfoliation triggers skin’s repair mechanisms: Cellular renewal accelerates; collagen and elastin fiber production increases; and skin’s ability to retain hydration improves. Now that is exactly what we want: improved hydration!
The winter weather should not deter guests from exfoliating one to two times a week, but they should stay observant of how their skin is reacting to it during this time. If they have an adverse response to their usual exfoliant, suggest a non-aggressive, AHA product that will deliver the benefits of a scrub, but have a gentler effect.
Including the addition of the above recommended hydrating products will ensure the healthiest and most effective results as you treat skin through the seasons.
5. Care for Your Body
Let’s not forget that our skin is our largest organ, and the skin on our face is not the only place that can be affected by winter elements. Areas such as the elbows and knees dry out more easily in the wintertime and need protection just as much as the face does. Applying a body cream or oil to these exposed areas—better yet, to the entire body—will assist in the skin’s water retention and overall level of moisture.
It is tempting to enjoy a hot, steaming shower during colder months, but hot water for a prolonged period will strip the body’s skin of natural oils. Adding body oil or cream daily after showering (or anytime during the day) is crucial to winter body care routines. Offer clients a pro tip: Apply body moisturizer while skin is still damp after showering, which will help lock in the moisture and significantly boost hydration.
Justi Kerekes is senior manager of the spa channel at Natura Bissé. With more than 13 years of beauty and wellness experience in the hospitality and spa industries, she is well versed in spa management, team building, product strategy, and training and development.
