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The complete guide to women’s winter skin care

The winter means fresh snow, cozy sweaters, fuzzy socks… and dry skin. As the seasons change, so does how your skin reacts to the weather. You need to rotate your skincare products for the season like you switch your shoes. Your summer care lineup won’t stand a chance against the winter weather.

Winter brings dryer air, less moisture, and more reasons for you to keep your skin hydrated. Follow these winter skincare for women tips to keep your skin looking amazing all season long.

A woman applying lotion to her face outside in the winter.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

What should women use on their faces in the winter?

It’s all about the oils in the winter. When looking at products to work into your winter routine, there are a few that stand out.

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Flaxseed oil

  • Anti-inflammatory properties make it important for those with eczema

Coconut oil

  • Moisturizing for sensitive skin with eczema

Argan oil

  • For dry hair and skin; said to improve fine lines

Rosehip seed oil

  • Speeds up cell turnover

Jojoba oil

  • Great for any dry skin

Tea tree oil

  • For acne-prone skin

Avocado oil

  • Heals irritated, sensitive, and dry skin

Look for these oils in the products you grab this winter. They can make all the difference in how your skin looks and feels all winter long.

Other concerns

SPF is still important

The snow can reflect the sun onto your face in a way that can still cause sunburn or damage in the winter.

Pass on products with fragrance and alcohol

These ingredients can further dry your skin.

What is the best facial cleanser for aging skin?

There are plenty of great cleansers on the market. Here are the qualities you should look for:

  • Go for a cream cleanser
  • Look for plant-based ingredients
  • Find a cleanser that also moisturizes

If you are dealing with dry, aging skin, you want to look for a clean, plant-based cleanser. Anything synthetic is going to contribute to dryness.

Liquid cleansers might be fine for the summer but for the winter switch to a cream cleanser. Cream cleansers are richer and more moisturizing without clogging pores and you’ll love the luxurious texture. Most cream cleansers contain oils like argan and jojoba that hydrate while they cleanse.

A set of hands about to scoop up some cream.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Which is the best face wash for daily use?

Again, there are plenty of choices out there. Focus on finding one with ingredients that suit your skin.

If you have acne, look for:

  • Hyaluronic acid
  • Salicylic acid
  • Glycolic acid

If you have sensitive skin you want ingredients like:

  • Clay
  • Cucumber
  • Aloe vera

If you prefer a face wash instead of toner or cleanser, look for one that is non-comedogenic. That means it won’t clog up your pores. Use one with hyaluronic or salicylic acid to prevent acne.

If your sensitive skin tends to be particularly irritated in the winter, look for cooling cucumber or healing aloe vera to soothe it.

What do facial cleansers do?

Facial cleansers remove dirt, oil, and other impurities and are a great choice if your skin is dry. They don’t strip your skin of its natural oils and can contain ingredients like vitamin C and glycerin that nourish your skin while cleaning.

Should I exfoliate my face in the winter?

Exfoliating may be more important in winter than any other time of the year since skin cells die faster. You want to remove those dead cells regularly for many reasons.

  • The moisturizing ingredients of the products you use can penetrate more easily.
  • Removing dead cells makes your skin look younger and more healthy.
  • Your pores will be less likely to clog and less prone to acne.

How can I exfoliate my face in winter?

  • Don’t use a harsh scrub
  • Exfoliate every week
  • Look for lactic or glycolic acid
  • If you must scrub, choose oatmeal

In the winter you can still, and most definitely should, exfoliate. You just need to switch from your summer scrub to something more gentle. Stop using sugar, coffee, or salt scrubs in the winter. Instead, look for an oat or acid exfoliant that contains lactic or glycolic acid.

Two women applying face lotion.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

How can I exfoliate my skin at home in winter?

You can exfoliate your skin at home in the winter as you would in the summer, though you may choose to do so fewer times each week. Aim for a gentle scrub once or twice a week and build from there if you feel you need additional help keeping your skin fresh and glowing.

Keeping your skin healthy in the winter isn’t about adding extra creams, lotions, or serums. It’s about choosing products with the best ingredients to combat the weather.

You can enjoy the sights, smells, and sounds of winter without being worried about how it will all affect your skin. So get your winter skincare lineup ready and go and start a snowball fight with confidence that your skin will be just fine.

BlissMark provides information regarding health, wellness, and beauty. The information within this article is not intended to be medical advice. Before starting any diet or exercise routine, consult your physician. If you don’t have a primary care physician, the United States Health & Human Services department has a free online tool that can help you locate a clinic in your area. We are not medical professionals, have not verified or vetted any programs, and in no way intend our content to be anything more than informative and inspiring.

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Dannielle Beardsley
Dannielle has written for various websites, online magazines, and blogs. She loves everything celebrity and her favorite…
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