How to Fix Dull, Winter Skin (Without Damaging Your Barrier)
Every year, it’s the same list of issues… skin starts to feel dry but breakouts still persist, it feels tight, dull, sensitized, and rough. Here’s how to combat common issues causing winter skin blues and what to do to keep skin happy, healthy, and hydrated throughout this time of year.
First, let’s talk about our skins barrier and dehydration. During cold winter months, humidity lowers and less moisture can be found lingering in cold air. As water evaporates from the skin, trans-epidermal water loss increases. With lower humidity and higher temperatures from indoor heating, the forced air strips skin of hydration even further leading to the risk of a compromised barrier. Hot showers and excessive exfoliation can make things worse, continuing to dry out and damage the skin. Finding the right balance in your exfoliation routine can make all the difference.
During winter months, our skin cell turnover slows slightly, and we hold on to more dead skin cells longer than summer months, which can lead to skin appearing dull and flaky and can prevent optimal product absorption. Dead skin can build up fast! Consulting with your esthetician to find the correct balance of actives and exfoliants for your homecare routine can help you stay on top of resurfacing safely and keep your skin feeling smooth, soft, and glowing.
While Winter skin can become dehydrated and flaky, hydration alone isn’t enough to save the day. Many times, moisturizer won’t penetrate through dead skin… true hydration requires removing buildup first. Controlled exfoliation allows for better moisture retention, especially when we reach for nourishing, barrier supporting products.
Alongside adjusting exfoliation, you can further support your skin this winter with this routine audit checklist:
Check in on your cleanser- if its leaving skin feeling tight dry or sensitized, try switching to a gentler low-foaming cleanser like Green Envee’s Soothe Herbal cleansing cream.
Move to a richer moisturizer that has a higher lipid or ceramide balance like Mahina or Nourish to deeply hydrate skin. Add in an occlusive layer by using Leahlani’s Bless Balm to lock in moisture during your night time routine.
Adjust actives like retinoids and acids. If skin is red, dry, or sensitive, it’s time to dial it back. If you’re experiencing dullness and excess congestion, it may be time to increase.
Add a mask to your routine for extra nourishment and support outside of the treatment room- my favorite to reach for is the Green Envee Restore Hydration Masque- which can be used as an overnight moisturizer, too!
Turn towards internal support- Staying hydrated, eating an anti-inflammatory diet, and incorporating antioxidants can help bolster skin health and skincare results.
Environmental factors- be mindful and try to avoid excess dry heat, cold wind, and bright reflective snow as much as possible to protect your skin barrier.
If your skin feels tight, textured, or just not glowing the way it normally does this is exactly what the Nourishing Winter Skin Quench Facial was designed to solve. A seasonal offering exclusively crafted to rehab dry, dull Winter skin.
Avoid the onslaught of dry, irritated, inflamed skin this winter and book a consult or session today!