The Importance of Winter Skincare: Protecting Your Skin During the Cold Months

Montana winter brings its own kind of magic: clean frosty air, cozy fires, and the beauty of snow-covered landscapes. However, it also brings challenges for our skin, especially the face. As temperatures drop and indoor heating rises, our skin’s natural balance is put to the test. Understanding the importance of winter skincare and adopting the right routine can make a world of difference in maintaining healthy, radiant skin through the cold months.

Nordic Allure has a variety of products to help minimize the dry winter itch and support healthy, radiant skin all winter long. From our moisturizing Shea Body Butter to our Facial Serums and Creams we have you covered for whatever winter throws at you. But what makes winter weather so harsh? That's what we are here to answer for you!

Why Winter Takes a Toll on Your Skin

During the winter there are several factors that contribute to our skin drying out and causing issues like redness and itchiness. Some of these factors include:

1. Dry Air- With colder outdoor temperatures (especially during the extreme cold spells), and heated indoor spaces, the humidity often drops to low levels and leads to faster dehydration and dry skin. Due to the cooler temps however many people also don’t drink enough water during the winter, leading to even drier skin during these colder months.

2. Harsh Winds- Not many areas are protected from the brutal force of the wind during winter here in Montana. The blustery weather strips your skin of its natural oils, leaving it vulnerable to becoming chapped and irritated. 

3. Temperature Changes- Moving between freezing temperatures outside and warm, dry indoor environments can cause skin to become red, flaky, and sensitive. We tend to take hotter showers, wear more layers of clothing, and of course we use our heating systems (wood stoves drying the air out most if you’re not using a humidity pot). Going back and forth between warm and cold also zaps the moisture from our skin. 

4. Weakened Barrier Function- Without proper care, the skin’s protective barrier can become compromised, leading to discomfort and an increased risk of damage. Once damaged it can take longer to restore our skin’s protective barrier during these harsher winter conditions. The drier our skin becomes it also becomes harder to rehydrate, just like the ground when it becomes too dry and won't hold water.

Key Winter Skincare Tips for Your Skin and Face

1. Hydrate and Moisturize- Invest in a high-quality moisturizer that’s rich in hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and squalane. These help lock in moisture and strengthen the skin’s barrier. For extremely dry skin, consider a thicker cream or balm for added protection. (We often layer our solid lotion bar over our shea body butter for that extra boost of moisture and protection.)

2. Gentle Cleansing- Switch to a gentle, non-foaming cleanser during the winter months for your face. Harsh cleansers can strip your skin of its natural oils, exacerbating dryness and irritation. There are many natural ingredients that you can use, and probably already have at home (like honey and powdered oatmeal), without having to buy a bunch of new products.

3. Exfoliate Sparingly- While exfoliation is important to remove dead skin cells, overdoing it can leave your skin more vulnerable to the elements. Use a mild exfoliant once or twice a week to keep your skin smooth without causing irritation and remember to moisturize the skin afterwards with a good moisturizer.

4. Don’t Skip Sunscreen- We often forget that just because it’s cold it doesn’t mean you’re safe from UV rays. Snow reflects about 80% of the sun's rays, increasing exposure and the potential to burn. So don’t forget to apply a broad-spectrum SPF daily to protect your skin from damage especially if you're going to be outside enjoying fresh powder, snowy trails or any other winter time outdoor activity.

5. Use a Humidifier- Combat the dryness of indoor heating (especially if you use a wood stove) by using a humidifier or simmer pot to add moisture back into the air. This helps keep your skin from drying out as quickly while you’re indoors.

6. Boost Your Routine with Serums- Incorporate serums into your skincare routine. These products are powerhouses packed with nutrition for your skin and a little should go a long way. (Our facial serums are amazing if we do say so ourselves! Check them out when you're done reading!)

7. Protect Your Lips and Eyes- Don’t forget areas like your lips and under-eye region. Use a hydrating lip balm and an eye serum or cream daily to prevent dryness and cracking in these sensitive areas.

The Role of Diet and Hydration

While here at Nordic Allure we are not in the business of food nutrition we can’t deny that winter skincare isn’t just about what we put on our face and skin; it’s also about what we put into our body. Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water and eating foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon, walnuts, and flaxseeds. Spinach, brown rice, avocados and sweet potatoes are also rich in ceramides which help protect the skin's barrier function. These foods help support the skin’s natural moisture barrier from within, making it easier to take care of your skin from the outside too. 

Choosing the Right Products

Look for skincare products specifically formulated for winter. Even if you decide not to go with our products (we think your missing out but...) we do recommend looking for ingredients like:

• Shea Butter: Provides deep hydration.

• Aloe Vera: Soothes irritated skin.

• Squalane: Mimics skin’s natural oils to reduce dryness.

• Rosehip Seed Oil: High in natural Vitamin C which helps the skin retain moisture.

• Tocopherol (Natural Vitamin E): Helps with hydration and works synergistically with Vitamin C.

• Jojoba Oil: Combats dryness and mimics skin's natural sebum. 

Conclusion

Winter doesn’t have to mean dull, dry skin. With the right care and products, you can keep your face and skin glowing and healthy all season long. Prioritize hydration, gentle cleansing, and protection from the elements to enjoy the beauty of winter without compromising your skin. Remember, investing in your skin during the colder months is an investment in your long-term skin health.