6 Winter Skincare Essentials to Awaken Your Inner Snow Queen 

As nature blankets the world in a cozy winter wonderland, it also challenges our skin with some not-so-lovely conditions. The drop in temperature and humidity and the need to wear warmer (read: scratchier) fabrics often lead to diminished moisture, leaving our skin susceptible to dryness, redness, and irritation. Yet, fear not! Armed with these six winter skincare essentials, you can awaken your inner Snow Queen and embrace the tranquil beauty of the season.

Essential 1: Hydrating Cleanser

If you’re not changing up your skincare routine with the seasons, your skin might be missing out. Start with your cleanser. In summer, we often reach for lighter formulas, but as the weather cools, opt for a hydrating cleanser that goes beyond removing impurities and acts as a protective shield against the elements. “Foaming or salicylic acid-based cleansers are great at removing dirt and oil but contain sulfates that can be more drying than other types of cleansers,” said Joshua Zeichner, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City, in an interview with Real Simple. “Cleansing creams, balms, and oils can effectively wash the skin while keeping the skin hydrated and not disrupting the skin barrier.”

Select a cleanser with specific ingredients to help your skin retain vital moisture, preventing itchiness and dryness. Hyaluronic acid, a hydrating marvel, binds moisture to the skin and promotes a plump and supple appearance (a double win). Glycerin, another essential in a Snow Queen’s skincare repertoire, forms a protective layer to prevent moisture loss and enhance your skin’s resilience. Transform your cleansing routine into a self-care ritual by gently massaging the cleanser onto damp skin. Rinse with lukewarm (never hot!) water to maintain your skin’s natural oils and preserve the glow.

Essential 2: Intensive Moisturizer

Bid farewell to lightweight lotions and say hello to heavier moisturizers. Winter calls for formulations for both face and body that provide a robust barrier against the cold. Tiffany J. Libby, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and director of Mohs micrographic and dermatologic surgery at Brown University, explained in an interview with Allure, “Our skin is a dynamic organ, interfacing with the external environment constantly, so in the winter when the air is cold and dry it can strip the skin of its moisture, leaving it feeling dry, itchy, and irritated. Even when indoors, the use of heaters can be drying which can further exacerbate this.” With this in mind, seek out ingredients like shea butter and ceramides, which provide the nourishment your skin craves in the face of winter’s challenges.

Shea butter, derived from the shea tree, is a luxurious emollient that soothes and moisturizes, leaving your skin soft and protected. Ceramides, naturally occurring lipids, fortify the skin barrier to prevent moisture loss and enhance your skin’s defenses against wind and cold. 

Select separate facial and body moisturizers to avoid clogged pores in the delicate facial area. Apply your chosen moisturizer while your skin is slightly damp to help it absorb properly. For the body, pay special attention to extra-dry areas, especially the elbows and knees.

Essential 3: Protective Lip Balm

Winter winds can be unforgiving on your delicate lips. Choose a lip balm not just for superficial care but one that offers SPF and moisturizing properties, forming a protective shield against the biting cold. SPF in lip balm protects your lips from the harmful effects of UV rays, which can be intensified by the reflective nature of snow. Moisturizing agents like natural oils and vitamin E further shield your lips, ensuring they stay supple and healthy.

Apply lip balm generously throughout the day, creating an invisible barrier against winter winds. Consider incorporating weekly lip exfoliation to eliminate dead skin, revealing a softer and more resilient pout. To plump lips, boost collagen production, and eliminate those pesky fine lines your lipstick tends to bleed into, amp up your winter skincare routine with the reVive Light Therapy™Lux Collection Lip Care.

Essential 4: Serum with Antioxidants

Winter exposes your skin to a spectrum of harsh conditions. Integrate a serum rich in antioxidants into your routine to shield your skin from oxidative stress, fostering a healthy and radiant complexion.

Vitamin C, a potent antioxidant, combats free radicals and promotes collagen synthesis, essential for maintaining skin elasticity. Green tea extract, rich in polyphenols, offers anti-inflammatory and soothing benefits, ideal for winter-weary skin. Apply the antioxidant serum before your moisturizer to allow the active ingredients to penetrate deeply, providing optimal protection and nourishment to your skin.

Essential 5: Red Light Therapy 

Elevate your winter skincare routine with the transformative benefits of red light therapy. Red light therapy works from the inside out to enhance cellular function, stimulating collagen and elastin production. This process aids in reducing fine lines and wrinkles, contributing to a rejuvenated and radiant complexion, even in the harshest winter conditions. 

Unlike masks which are formulated only for the face, the Lux Collection Panel from reVive Light Therapy™ opens like a book, allowing you to treat any large area, like your face, neck, chest, and back. Integrate red light therapy into your routine 2-3 times a week for noticeable results. 

Essential 6: Sunscreen with Cold-Weather Protection

Don’t be misled by the winter chill; your skin requires protection from harmful UV rays throughout the entire year. “Even incidental sunlight exposure adds up over a lifetime,” says Dr. Zeichner. “While the effect of the sun may be stronger over the summer, you are not immune from potential UV damage during the winter. In fact, UV light reflects off of snow, so you can get a bad sunburn even in the dead of winter.” Opt for a sunscreen with cold-weather protection, ensuring your skin remains shielded and radiant despite the cold.

Look for sunscreens that offer broad-spectrum protection and are formulated for cold weather. These sunscreens not only shield your skin from UV rays but also provide added nourishment to combat winter dryness. Make applying sunscreen a daily ritual, regardless of cloud cover or snowfall. This simple commitment ensures your skin maintains its youthful glow and resilience throughout the seasons.

Even when the weather outside is frightful, if you incorporate these six winter skincare essentials into your daily routine, you’ll be sure to stay radiant all season long.