Winter Skincare Essentials: Keep Your Skin and Lips Hydrated November 27, 2024

Winter is here, and with it comes cozy sweaters, warm drinks, and…dry, flaky skin.. Unfortunately, the colder months can wreak havoc on your skin, but with a few extra steps in your routine, you can keep your skin and lips hydrated and glowing all season long. Now’s the time to start building habits that will protect your skin for years to come. Here’s everything you need to know about winter skincare.

Why Does Winter Dry Out Your Skin?

When temperatures drop, so does the humidity in the air. Couple that with cranking up the heat indoors, and your skin is left parched and prone to cracking. Cold winds strip away your skin’s natural oils, leaving it feeling tight and uncomfortable. And it’s not just your face—your lips, hands, and even your legs can feel the winter burn.

But don’t worry! With the right skincare routine, you can prevent dryness and keep your skin looking and feeling amazing.

Hydration Is Key: Moisturize, Moisturize, Moisturize

Winter calls for more than just your lightweight summer moisturizer. Here are some tips to step up your hydration game:

• Switch to a richer moisturizer: Opt for creams or balms with ingredients like hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and glycerin. These help to lock in moisture and strengthen your skin barrier.
• Apply moisturizer while your skin is damp: Right after you shower or wash your face, apply your moisturizer to seal in hydration.
• Don’t forget SPF: Just because it’s cold doesn’t mean UV rays are taking a break. Protect your skin from sun damage with a moisturizer that has SPF 30 or higher.

Our favorite sunscreen here at TSPA Fort Wayne is the Circadia Light Day Sunscreen with SPF 37. This is the perfect sunscreen for everyday use as it’s lightweight but very protective. It won’t leave your skin feeling oily but will help you prevent dryness and flaking. For those with very dry skin we also recommend a hydrating facial cleanser. Here at TSPA Fort Wayne we offer the Circadia Amandola Milk Cleanser. This cleanser moisturizes skin and removes oil and debris. 

Don’t Neglect Your Lips

Chapped lips are practically a rite of passage in winter, but they don’t have to be. Here’s how to keep your pout soft and smooth:

1. Exfoliate gently: Use a sugar scrub or a damp washcloth to remove dry, flaky skin.
2. Layer on a hydrating balm: Look for balms with lanolin, beeswax, or shea butter. Avoid those with menthol or camphor, which can make dryness worse.
3. Apply often: Keep a lip balm in your bag, on your nightstand, and anywhere else you need easy access. Use it regularly, especially before heading outside.

Ask anyone at TSPA Fort Wayne and you’ll learn we all LOVE to take care of our lips. We love sharing our favorite products with clients and we all absolutely adore the two recommended here! To exfoliate your lips we here at TSPA Fort Wayne love the Farmhouse Fresh lip scrubs. They gently exfoliate your lips to remove a layer of older or dead cells from the surface of your lip. Plus they are made with sugar and natural flavor additions so if you happen to eat some they taste great! After exfoliating we HIGHLY recommend the Circadia Lip Renewing Hydrators! These lip hydrators are our favorite product here at TSPA Fort Wayne. They are created with Hyaluronic Filling Spheres which heal chapped lips and offer deep hydration and protection to your lips. We recommend applying it lightly throughout the day as you would Chapstick. If your lips really need some TLC you can also apply a more generous layer to your lips before bed to be used overnight like a hydrating lip mask. 

Keep Your Body Happy, Too

While we tend to focus on our faces, the rest of your skin needs love, too! Here’s how to show your body some TLC:

• Shorter, cooler showers: Hot water might feel amazing, but it can strip your skin of natural oils. Stick to lukewarm water, and limit showers to 10-15 minutes.
• Use a gentle cleanser: Harsh soaps can make dryness worse. Switch to a hydrating body wash.
• Moisturize immediately: Just like your face, your body needs hydration right after you towel off. Use a body cream or oil to lock in moisture.

We here at TSPA Fort Wayne recommend the Farmhouse Fresh Sunshine Silk soothing body wash. This body wash is creamy and nourishing, made with vitamin E and a blend of refreshing extracts like green tea and chamomile that both soothe and hydrate the skin. Post shower we recommend using the Farmhouse Fresh Fluffy Bunny Shea Butter lotion. This lotion is rich and thick, perfect for locking in moisture and keeping your skin soft. If your skin is already feeling dry or cracked this lotion will also help heal those cracks and relieves the itch from dry skin! 

Bonus Tips for Winter Skin Success

• Invest in a humidifier: Adding moisture to the air in your home can make a huge difference for your skin.
• Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day. Your skin will thank you from the inside out.
• Protect your skin from the elements: Wear a scarf or gloves when heading outside to shield your skin from harsh winds.

We also  recommend bringing lotion with you so you can rehydrate your skin throughout the day. This can be a lighter weight moisturizer as you will be using it all day. For this we recommend the Circadia Tidal Moisture for Body. This lotion is loaded with fatty acids that help prevent moisture from leaving the body. It adds a protective layer to your skin keeping your natural moisture barrier intact. Because it’s lightweight it will also keep you from feeling too greasy or slippery throughout the day. 

The Bottom Line

Now is the perfect time to start taking your skincare seriously. By prioritizing hydration now, you’ll set yourself up for healthy, glowing skin for years to come. So this winter, swap out your products for richer, hydrating formulas, take care of your lips, and don’t forget to treat your whole body to some extra love. Your future self will thank you. 💧✨

If you’re interested in our recommendations or want some specific help for your skin, visit us here at TSPA Fort Wayne. Our esthetics students can work with you and an educator to help you perfect your winter skincare routine.