5 Tips for Glowy, Hydrated Skin This Winter

January 05, 2021

By: Diana Crisan | Makeup.com by L'Oréal

Whether it’s because of the freezing temps or a result of cranking up the indoor heat, my skin suffers in the winter. My face feels dry and flaky, my complexion looks dull and my cuticles suffer big time. But I’ve learned a trick or two to keep my face and body hydrated, moisturized and as glowy as possible. Here, I’m sharing my five top winter skin-care tips and remedies to get you through the season.

Use a Thicker Moisturizer

A lightweight lotion is a great option during the hot and humid summer, but for winter, it’s better to reach for a richer moisturizer. Look for ingredients like shea butter and hyaluronic acid that will help protect the skin barrier and deliver long-lasting hydration. If you want to address sun-damage from the summer, try integrating a retinol-infused formula that will target concerns like sun spots and fine lines.

Try: Kiehl’s Multi-Corrective Anti-Aging Face and Neck Cream or the IT Cosmetics Hello Results Wrinkle Reducing Daily Retinol Serum-in-Cream.

Exfoliate

The key to maintaining a healthy glow during the winter months is exfoliating your face and body regularly. Not only will it slough away dead skin cells that can make your complexion look dull, but it will also help your moisturizer absorb better.

Try: For the face, use the Lancôme Rénergie Lift Multi-Action Milk Peel or the L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Derm Intensives 10% Pure Glycolic Acid Serum. For the body, try Carol's Daughter Monoi Body Polish.

Take Shorter Showers

While you may want to soak in the steam, it’s actually a good idea to keep the water lukewarm — especially in the winter. Keeping the temperature too hot can end up stripping your skin of essential oils and lead to dryness and flaking. We also suggest keeping showers under 15 minutes.

Keep a Balm Handy

Whether you struggle with chapped lips or ashy elbows, keeping a body balm or salve on hand at all times is key.

Try: CeraVe Healing Ointment, which contains hyaluronic acid, ceramides and petrolatum, to protect and soothe dry, cracked and chafed skin.

Don’t Skimp on SPF

Sun protection should be applied daily — even during the winter. To protect your skin from the sun’s harmful UV rays, apply a SPF of 30 or more every morning.

Try: La Roche-Posay Anthelios Light Fluid Sunscreen SPF 60 or IS Clinical Extreme Protect SPF 30.

Photography: Chaunte Vaughn, Art Direction: Melissa San Vicente-Landestoy, Associate Producer: Becca Solovay, Makeup Artist and Hair Stylist: Jonet Williamson, Wardrobe Stylist: Alexis Badiyi, Digital Tech: Paul Yem, Model: Camryn Herold