Hey, Winter Skin, Don’t Be a Flake! How to Keep Skin Supple and Moisturized in Winter

As if the thought of trekking through 15 inches of snow and traversing hidden sheets if sidewalk ice wasn’t thrilling enough, there’s also the havoc winter wreaks on skin, oftentimes causing it to become itchy, dry, flaky, and generally uncomfortable for months on end. Indoor heating and harsh icy winds are among skin’s least favorite friends, and they can leave that beautiful epidermis feeling a little under the weather. Thankfully, there are some products and tips out there that can help you keep your outer layer happy and healthy in winter.

Face

Washing your face with a nourishing, rich cleanser is a great idea in winter. Gentle, creamy face washes form a great defense against the elements, and here are a few I highly recommend: Philosophy’s Purity Made Simple ($10 for a 3-oz. bottle), Korres Milk Proteins Foaming Cream Cleanser $21 for a 5.07-oz. bottle) and Olay Hydrating Warming Cleanser (it actually heats up while you rub it in and feels SO good and lush, but I think it’s discontinued).

I also recommend serums (vitamin C, among others) to not only brighten the skin, but to rejuvenate your overall appearance. Many impart a healthy glow, and some formulations work to seal in moisture and plump the skin, which makes for a more youthful appearance and even skin tone. While pricey, Clinique’s Even Better Skin Tone Correctors ($49.50 for a 1-oz. bottle) are very popular and perhaps worth a try.

You might also incorporate a moisturizing weekly face mask/masque into your regimen to balance the skin. Korres makes a few great ones, like their wild rose mask ($29 for a 1.35-oz. jar), pomegranate mask, thyme honey mask, and yogurt mask. Their formulations work to balance the skin without stripping it of nutrients and moisture.

Speaking of moisture, a good one is key — especially in winter! If you haven’t noticed by now, I REALLY like Korres skincare, and it all started with their AMAZING Thyme Honey face cream ($35 for a 1.35-oz. jar). This stuff really does live up to its 24-hour moisture promise, and did I mention the smell? It makes me want to nibble on my face when I put it on! Total yum, folks, total yum.

Body

A weekly exfoliating body scrub to remove dead skin cells will help to make skin more absorbent, and, of course, helps you look and feel great. Right now I’m loving the delectable body scrubs from Mahogany Skye ($18.50 each), which not only soften my skin by gently scrubbing with natural ingredients, but they smell like heaven! The cocoa blueberry smells like hot fudge brownies, and the strawberry lemons, which I should add makes me want to tilt the jar back and drink it, is like a cold glass of strawberry lemonade…

After exfoliating in a warm shower, apply your favorite body cream, lotion, or oil to lock in moisture while your skin is still damp. I like Carol’s Daughter Body Jelly, Sabon Body oils, and good old fashioned grocery store olive oil.

Hands

The Burt’s Bees hand kit ($12.99) is…AMAZING! Karen also really liked their yummy $6 lemon cuticle cream. The company also sells a kit with the cuticle cream, a super thick almond milk beeswax creme, and the cutest white gloves with little bees all over them. They’re for wearing overnight for supple hands the next morning.

Feet

Vaseline and a bit of that Burt’s Bees almond milk beeswax have my feet looking worthy of the tropics already. Why traipse around with tree bark claws just because summer is months away? Get those toes looking great early, and they’ll thank you when it finally IS time to break out the sandals. Utilize a pumice stone, break out the nail polish, and get pretty now!

With the help of these tips today, I hope you and your skin enjoy the rest of a brief but happy winter together. 😀