Winter skincare: skin tips

Winter weather is harsh — we're oscillating between bone-chilling, low-humidity weather and dry indoor heating… definitely not a recipe for success. According to Elizabeth Kiracofe from the American Academy of Dermatology, low humidity during the winter months can make it difficult for your skin to retain moisture, leaving it cracked, irritated, or chapped. In winter, you might also notice the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles as the skin isn’t hydrated enough. This is why it’s important to switch up your skincare routine with the seasons — what might work for you in summer might not work in winter. Here are a few tips to help you keep your skin looking soft, radiant, and hydrated this winter.

Get into rice water

@thatsotee watch another #ricewater video @thatsotee original sound - thatsotee

For thousands of years, Japanese women have used rice water for a variety of skin and hair care treatments — including brightening, evening skin tone, and moisturizing. All you have to do is rinse one cup of rice and mix it with four cups of water, bring it to a boil, and turn the heat off, straining the rice from the water. Lean over the steam from the rice water while you do so for an added bonus.

Slug your heart out

@dermatology.doctor How to slug like a derm

“Slugging” is the use of occlusive substances such as Vaseline as a last step in your evening skincare routine. The oils in occlusive substances lock in your moisturizer for added hydration. Try adding this to your skincare routine once or twice a week.

Avoid hot water — you’re hot enough

@bondenavant Reply to @meganflorine dehydration leads to inflammation aka itchinessssss #amyshairtips #hair #haircare #haircaretips #RufflesOwnYourRidges original sound - Amy Chang

When showering or washing your face, using hot water, even though tempting, can lead to dry skin. Hot water can strip your skin of its natural oils, damaging your skin barrier and causing irritated, dry skin that isn’t prepped for the cold. If you usually take long, scaldingly hot showers, it’s probably damaging your skin. Try taking a warm shower instead.

Hydrate with oil

@arinafarhah Its been awhile - Get Un-Ready With Me (Aesop Edition) :) #guwm #skincare #aesop #fyp Last Summer Whisper - 杏里

If slugging isn’t your thing, add a boost of hydration to your cleansing routine with an oil-based cleanser. Oil-based cleansers are great for taking off your makeup at the end of the day, but they also lock in moisture. Try an oil-based cleanser packed with fatty acids to nourish your skin, like Aesop’s Parsley Seed Facial Cleanser. When using oil cleansers, make sure you use a normal gentle cleanser afterward to minimize the risk of clogged pores.