Getting through the winter months is tough enough without battling dry, itchy, and uncomfortable skin until temperatures finally warm in May. So many factors, like low humidity, freezing temps, and dry indoor heating, all contribute to flaky, irritated winter skin. But fortunately, there are some tried and true steps you can take to prevent issues and protect skin! Read on for some solid tips on winterizing your skin.
Cut down on harsh ingredients.
Certain ingredients like retinoids and lactic acid can increase skin sensitivity and exacerbate dryness and irritation that’s already waiting to attack in the winter. If you know you’re prone to these types of issues, these stronger ingredients may need to be moved from daily use to a few times a week.
Moisturize like you mean it.
If you get increased dryness and irritation in the winter, it may be time to step up the moisturizing power of your skincare with ingredients like jojoba oil and shea butter to hydrate and help support a strong skin barrier. Another good idea is to avoid products with added fragrances and unnecessary ingredients. These tend to dry out skin further.
You may need to switch up exfoliation methods.
Skin needs to be treated a little more delicately in colder, drier weather. Some chemical exfoliants can be too harsh on sensitive winter skin. And, physical exfoliants like certain scrubs with fruit and sugar only tear up skin.
We’d recommend our Face and Body Scrubbers for soft, ultra-gentle exfoliation for sensitive skin. They remove dead skin and buildup without tearing or irritating. They’re antimicrobial, can reduce the appearance of acne, and help skincare absorb better.
Sorry, but you still need sunblock in the winter.
Yes, it’s winter, and the sun is only out for five minutes a day, but you still need to be applying your daily SPF. Even a short amount of unprotected sun can cause a burn, leading to increased risk of skin cancer and UV damage. Not to mention that sun exposure can exacerbate sensitivity from your products like Vitamin C and retinoids. Ski enthusiasts can attest that burns caused by the reflecting sun are no joke.
A winter skincare routine for sensitive skin
Moisturizing, no-additive skincare
Boie’s unscented body wash and lotion are fragrance-free, dye-free, and paraben-free. They’re clinically tested and dermatologist-approved to be hydrating and safe for sensitive skin. Perfect for those dry, scratchy, irritated winter months.
Dermatologist recommended shower scrubbers
In an article for HuffPost, board-certified dermatologist Rina Allawh said, “For those interested in lathering up and exfoliating during each shower, an antibacterial bath accessory that I recommend is the BOIE Body Scrubber, which you can buy for $10. It is made of antibacterial material that can be easily, thoroughly cleaned and dried, less likely to harbor bacteria, yeast and mold.”