Is your winter skin care routine different from other months? It should be.
Winter is no friend to your skin. Cold winds, dry air, and freezing temperatures all work together to strip your skin of its natural moisture, leaving it dry, irritated, and vulnerable. By creating slight tweaks in your routine and with the right ingredients, you can combat winter dryness and keep your skin soft and hydrated all season long.
Here are 7 natural ingredients to include in your winter skin care routine, along with tips on how to use them effectively.
This blog is all about must-have ingredients for winter skin care.
1. Shea Butter
Shea butter is a nutty and light smelling winter skin care hero. This rich, creamy ingredient is loaded with vitamins A and E, which help repair dry, cracked skin and restore softness. Shea butter also creates a protective barrier over your skin, locking in moisture and shielding it from harsh winter winds.
Where to Find It: You’ll often find shea butter in body butters, hand creams, and lip balms. Use it to soothe rough elbows, knees, and heels or as an all-over moisturizer. You can buy your own shea butter and whip it with a hand blender to make it more user friendly. Add a small amount of liquid oil or a drop of essential oil to customize your scent and consistency.
2. Jojoba Oil
Jojoba oil is another must-have for winter skin care. Jojoba is a liquid wax, and as it is a bit thicker than other liquid carrier oils, you may find it the perfect ingredient in winter skin care. It absorbs quickly without clogging pores. It’s ideal for balancing dry, flaky skin while also calming irritation.
Where to Find It: Jojoba oil works well in face oils, serums, and moisturizers. You can even use it as a hair treatment to reduce dryness and static during the colder months.
3. Rosehip Oil
Rosehip oil is rich in essential fatty acids and antioxidants, including vitamin C. It’s perfect in winter skin care as it may repair damaged skin, reducing redness, and improving skin elasticity. This lightweight oil absorbs easily, making it ideal for facial care during winter, especially for mature skin.
Where to Find It: Look for rosehip oil in facial oils, night creams, or as a standalone product. Use it at night to wake up with soft, glowing skin. It’s best to combine rosehip with another oil for maximum benefit. Add a few drops to jojoba oil for a wonderful nighttime face oil.
4. Avocado Oil
Avocado oil is deeply moisturizing and packed with vitamins E and D. It nourishes and soothes dry, chapped skin, making it an excellent choice for winter skin care. Its high fatty acid content helps restore your skin’s protective barrier.
Where to Find It: You’ll see avocado oil in thick creams, nourishing body oils, and hair masks. Massage it onto dry hands or use it as an overnight treatment for cracked heels.
5. Oatmeal (Colloidal Oatmeal)
Colloidal oatmeal is a lifesaver for itchy, irritated winter skin. It’s known for its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties, making it ideal for calming redness and may relieve eczema symptoms.
Where to Find It: Check for colloidal oatmeal in soothing bath treatments, gentle cleansers, handmade soap and hydrating moisturizers. Add it to a warm (not hot) bath to give your skin a hydration boost.
6. Beeswax
Beeswax is perfect for winter skin care because it creates a natural barrier that locks in moisture and protects your skin from environmental stressors like cold weather. It’s especially effective for preventing windburn and soothing chapped lips or hands.
Where to Find It: Look for beeswax in balms, salves, and thick hand creams. It’s a go-to for areas that need extra protection, like your lips and knuckles.
7. Argan Oil
Known as “liquid gold,” argan oil is lightweight yet incredibly nourishing. It’s packed with essential fatty acids and vitamin E, which help restore elasticity and smooth dry patches. Argan oil is versatile and works well for both skin and hair care.
Where to Find It: Use argan oil in facial oils, body lotions, or hair products to keep your skin and hair hydrated and soft throughout the winter. You can create a DIY anti frizz hair serum with argan oil, jojoba oil and a few drops of your favourite essential oil for customization.
Winter Skin Care for Every Part of Your Body
Now that you know which ingredients to look for, let’s break down winter skin care for different parts of your body. Each area needs a little extra TLC during the colder months.
Face Care
Your face is constantly exposed to the cold, wind and winter sun, making it especially vulnerable during winter. Incorporate a nourishing face oil like rosehip or jojoba oil into your nighttime routine to lock in moisture. During the day, protect your skin with a thick, moisturizing cream and a scarf to shield your face from the wind and cold.
Winter Tip: Always cleanse with a gentle, non-stripping cleanser to avoid drying out your skin further. Follow with a hydrating serum and a moisturizer rich in shea butter or argan oil. Check out this face oil with rosehip!
Lip Care
Chapped lips are a common winter woe. Unfortunately, some lip balms contain ingredients that can actually dry out your lips more over time.
Winter Tip: Choose a balm with beeswax or shea butter for long-lasting hydration. Avoid products with drying agents like menthol. Try using a tinted lip balm instead of lipstick or gloss to help keep dryness away. Reapply frequently, especially before heading outside.
Hair Care
Winter often leaves hair dry, coarse, and full of static. Combat these issues by incorporating nourishing oils into your routine.
Winter Tip: Use a few drops of jojoba or argan oil on dry hair to reduce frizz and add shine.
Hand Care
Your hands take a beating during winter, especially if you’re washing them frequently. Cold air, wind and water can strip your skin’s natural moisture, leaving your hands dry, cracked and painful.
Winter Tip: After washing your hands, dry them thoroughly and apply a rich hand cream or body butter, especially before bed. Wear gloves when heading outside to protect them from the elements. Keeping an extra pair of gloves in your car ensures that you are never without them when you are out on a cold day.
Body Care
Your body’s skin needs extra hydration in winter too. Hot showers can feel comforting, but they strip away your skin’s natural oils.
Winter Tip: Use a moisturizing body wash containing ingredients that you can pronounce, and follow up with a body oil like jojoba with avocado oil while your skin is still damp. This helps lock in moisture and keeps your skin soft and supple.
Winter skin care doesn’t have to be a challenge. By focusing on these 7 natural ingredients; shea butter, jojoba oil, rosehip oil, avocado oil, oatmeal, beeswax, and argan oil—you can keep your skin hydrated healthy, and glowing all season long. Don’t forget to tailor your routine to different parts of your body, protecting your face, lips, hair, hands, and body from the harsh effects of winter. Make these simple, effective solutions a part of your winter skin care routine and enjoy smooth, nourished skin no matter how cold it gets.
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