How to get your skin ready for winter

Sure, winter is cold. But it has its perks. 

Warm blankets, chunky knits, fireplaces and hot chocolate are some of them. But for a lot of us, it’s a thumbs down from our skin. The chilly season means that humidity levels drop and the air becomes drier. The result? Parched skin that feels uncomfortable and looks, well, under the weather!

This is why changing up your skincare routine when winter rolls around (or, ideally, before it sets in) is so important. You can do this by adding products to your routine that are designed to add and help your skin retain moisture. Skincare that protects and restores your skin barrier is also crucial to shield your epidermis from the elements.

Want to prep your skin for the cold months ahead? Here’s how to level-up your winter skincare game for healthy, happy skin all season long.

Say hello to hyaluronic acid

Hyaluronic acid is a humectant that helps your skin to absorb and retain moisture. It can plump fine lines and give any skin type the radiant, glazed-doughnut finish we all want. 

Using skincare products that contain hyaluronic acid is a good idea year-round. But it is especially beneficial in the cold, winter months. Using the Hado Labo Gokujyun Hyaluronic Acid Cleansing Foam is a gentle but hydrating way to cleanse your skin and start your day off right. A layer of the Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Water Sleeping Mask before bed guarantees plump, healthy skin when you wake.

Add even more moisture

Skincare products come in a variety of textures of consistencies to cater to every skin type. But while your skin may thrive on a lightweight lotion in the summer, many people find that their skin needs way more moisture to keep dryness and tightness at bay when the seasons change. 

Using a toner or essence with a thicker consistency when layering can make a huge difference. The multiple award-winning Laneige Cream Skin Refiner is designed to provide longer-lasting hydration. Popular J- and K-Beauty ingredient, snail mucin, has also been lauded for its hydrating properties, and the COSRX Advanced Snail 92 All in One Cream is loaded with this powerhouse extract.

Make sure you’re covered

Switched up your skincare routine to keep your skin hydrated and protected this winter? Great! But don’t forget to give the other parts of your body some attention, too. 

Other notable nourishing ingredients to look out for include glycerin and ceramides. The ILLIYOON Ceramide Ato Lotion is rich in the latter, and can be used on the face and body to restore dry skin. Our lips also tend to take a beating when the weather is cold. End off your nighttime routine by buffing away dead skin and adding a lip mask, such as the KLAVUU Nourishing Care Lip Sleeping Mask. This will lock in moisture overnight for the perfect pout come morning.