How to transition your skincare routine for winter.

We hate to break it to you, but winter is coming to the capital. As you re-adjust your wardrobe to make way for parkas and snow boots, it’s important to re-adjust your skincare routine too! Temperature changes in the winter months can affect the way your skin retains moisture, and constant exposure to indoor heating doesn’t help. Many of us struggle with dull, dehydrated, and dry skin all winter long… but not this year! We have some tips to seamlessly transition your skincare routine for winter and keep your skin healthy and happy, even through the darkest, coldest months of the year. 

1. Keep applying sunscreen daily. 

Don’t let the cold weather fool you! Sunscreen should be applied to the skin daily to protect against UV rays, which can cause skin barrier health to deteriorate and lead to premature aging and sun damage. Many patients only apply sunscreen in the summer months when they know they’ll be outside all day, but although UVB rays are strongest in summer, they are still present in the winter months—while UVA rays remain consistent in strength (even penetrating through clouds and fog) all year round. 

We recommend: Sunscreens formulated by ZO Skin Health are mineral-based and have a bonus ingredient that protects skin cells from blue light exposure, another factor in premature cell aging.

2. Apply an antioxidant. 

Applying a high-powered antioxidant on the skin’s surface acts as a shield to your cells and defends against free-radicals, pollution and other environmental factors that break down the skin barrier and create cell water loss.

We recommend: ZO Skin Health Daily Power Defense, a moisturizing serum jam packed with antioxidants and a hint of retinol to help strengthen skin cells. 

3. Stay moisturized. 

Applying a moisturizer suited to your skin type will help to retain the moisture that you already have and make sure cells are functioning at their highest capacity. It’s a common misconception that applying a heavy cream when skin feels dry is the right thing to do, and while those products can and will superficially hydrate the skin, it’s only temporary! Lighter moisturizers with high-quality ingredients work best because they will hydrate the skin but allow your cells to function effectively and are non-comedogenic (meaning they won’t clog your pores).

We recommend: ZO Skin Health Hydrating Crème, a lightweight, yet super hydrating, moisturizer. A must-have if you love skiing and snowboarding!

4. Switch up your cleanser. 

When your skin is feeling the effects of the harsh winter months, try switching up your cleanser. Because cold weather strips away the skin’s natural moisture barrier, we suggest using a thicker, more moisturizing cleanser that won’t further dehydrate the skin.  

We recommend: ZO Skin Health Hydrating Cleanser, to help retain moisture during the cleansing process. 

If you’re looking for more information about transitioning your skincare for the seasons, don’t hesitate to contact us to schedule a complimentary skincare consultation.