The Best Cold-Weather Beauty Habits for Healthy, Happy Skin

Winter is a favourite season for many, with opportunities to bundle up and enjoy the holidays. However, cold weather can lead to dry, cracked skin. There are ways to maintain healthy and happy skin during this time of year. All you need to do is be more intentional with taking care of yourself while it's cold outside. 

Why Skin Care Has Become the New Self-Care

Self-care comes in many forms, from meditating to building a routine. Skin care is emerging as a popular option that allows you to take a moment to focus solely on caring for your skin. It goes beyond just improving your physical appearance to promote self-love and confidence, which benefits both your mental and emotional well-being. 

How You Can Simplify Your Skin Care Routine and Still Glow

Improving your skincare routine is key to maintaining radiant skin in cold weather. Try these tips.

Put On Sunscreen

It’s instinctive for some people to skip the sunscreen when heading out during cold weather, as there are clouds covering the sun. While UV levels are lower in the winter, their radiation is still capable of damaging the skin cells.  

To protect your skin, wear sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher. Cover the necks and ears as well if they’re exposed. You can also get some sun protection by wearing a winter scarf, a pair of gloves or earmuffs when you’re heading outside. 

Find a Rich Moisturiser

Most people’s skin needs more moisture during the winter months. The more emollient the formula, the softer it can make your skin. Look for products with ingredients like shea butter and ceramides to ensure long-lasting hydration. 

A face moisturiser is a priority, but make sure the rest of your skin is also getting some tender, loving care. Body lotions, hand creams and a good lip balm will be your best friends throughout this freezing season. 

Try Rejuvenating Skin Treatments

Winter is the ideal time to schedule your treatments and improve your complexion. Certain procedures can make your skin a little more sensitive to the sun than usual, but the lower sun exposure means you have more flexibility to let it heal. 

Treatments, such as a hydrating facial, can provide your skin with the moisture it needs to withstand the cold weather. To make it more effective, consider a gentle chemical peel that exfoliates your skin for you. Peeling can take up to a week, but the total downtime may vary depending on the strength of the peel solution.

6 Ways to Retain Your Radiance During the Winter

Beauty habits extend beyond the skincare products you apply. Learn what else you can do to preserve your skin’s glow as the cold weather ensues. 

1. Shift Your Makeup Routine

It can be fun to follow winter holiday makeup trends. However, it may be a good time to switch up the type of base makeup products you’re using. For example, a matte foundation can be a bit too drying for the season. A luminous or dewy version can boost your moisture while looking fabulous. 

Take the time to experiment with creamy blushes, bronzers and highlighters. Compared to powders, they are emollient enough to add a subtle level of hydration and a radiant glow. Complete your look with a lip gloss.  

Extra tip — remember to remove your makeup at the end of the day to let your skin breathe and recuperate. Double cleansing is ideal to avoid leaving any residue. 

2. Keep Your Hot Showers Short

After being outside in the cold weather, you might decide to take a hot shower. While the warmth can feel immaculate, it’s not exactly the healthiest option for the skin. Consistently taking hot showers can deliberately dry it out, so consider taking breaks with lukewarm or regular showers instead.  

If you do want to take a hot shower, aim to keep it as short as possible. Add lotion afterwards to mitigate any damage to your skin barrier. 

3. Nourish Your Skin Through Food

Optimise your lifestyle and schedule to improve your complexion, starting with your diet. Add more nourishing options to the meal plan, like:

• Fish: Prepare fish like salmon, mackerel and sardines. These contain omega-3 fatty acids that help support the skin barrier and pH levels.

• Sweet potatoes: Have a serving of sweet potatoes, as they’re rich in vitamin A. It contributes to having a radiant and healthy complexion. 

• Leafy greens: Spinach and kale dishes are also welcome. Aside from vitamin A, they also contain vitamin C and K to brighten the skin. 

4. Get Comfy Indoors

Getting a blanket and staying cosy indoors can also be helpful for your skin. After all, stress and physical discomfort can negatively affect your skin’s condition, so adding cold weather to the mix can further exacerbate the issue. Try to clear your schedule and take it easy when you can. 

You can try out several indoor winter activities, like making s’mores, building a blanket fort or wrapping holiday gifts. Unwinding with a glass of wine and your favourite TV show is another relaxing option. 

8. Turn On Your Humidifiers

Improve your indoor air’s moisture levels by turning on the humidifiers and adding moisture to the air. By doing so, you’re preventing dryness that would have irritated your skin. This is especially important for households that tend to feel dry during winter.

Be mindful of the settings when turning your humidifier on. It’s essential to maintain levels of at least 30% to 50%, as excessive humidity can create a stuffy home and provide a breeding ground for mould.  

5. Dress Intentionally

Cold weather is the best time to test your fashion skills and layer your clothes. Start with moisture-wicking pieces that can help manage your skin’s usual moisture, followed by a layer of wool or fleece.

The thicker pieces of fabric can help trap your body heat and naturally warm you up when you’re going outside. Aside from looking absolutely radiant, you’re giving your skin the protection it needs from the freezing weather. 

6. Have Some Well-Deserved Sleep

Beauty sleep is more than just getting back your energy and improving your mood. It’s also crucial for maintaining healthy skin. The science behind it is that sleep deprivation can affect your physical and mental health, which manifests through your skin.

From paler skin and wrinkles to hanging mouth corners and drooping eyelids, poor sleep can really do a number on you, on top of cold weather’s effects. Give your skin the break it needs by getting a good night’s rest. 

Have a Beautiful Complexion Amidst the Cold

The drops in temperature and lack of humidity can be a little tough on the skin, which is why it’s essential to give it as much TLC as possible. Follow the tips above and your skin will have that wonderful winter glow. 

_

Chloe Powell, Senior Editor at Revivalist Magazine, has a passion for helping women embrace their beauty and well-being with confidence. She loves sharing insightful stories and practical tips that make self-care feel natural and empowering.