Winter can be harsh on your skin. From itchy and irritated to dry and dull, the coldest season is not kind to your complexion. But don’t let winter get you down! Simply switch up your winter skin care routine by adding super hydrating and gently exfoliating products. We’re here to answer your top cold-weather skin questions and give you winter skin care tips to get soft, glowing skin all season long.
Why do I get dry skin in winter?
No matter what your skin is usually like, everyone loses moisture when winter hits. This is because cold air dries things out. Add in indoor heat and it’s a recipe for an itchy, irritated, dry, and dull complexion. Not the most comfortable combination but there’s plenty you can do to add more moisturizer to your skin.
Do humidifiers help with dry skin?
Yes, but they’re only part of the equation. Humidifier + good winter skin care = mega hydrated skin! But don’t rush out to get one just yet, there are so many hydrating products that can give you gorgeous, glowing skin.
What types of products are best to use in winter?
From cleansers to exfoliators, masks to moisturizers, there are endless winter skin care products for every step of your routine. While most don’t say what season’s their best for, the key is picking those that are extra hydrating and gently exfoliating.
What’s the best face wash for winter?
Every winter skin care routine for dry skin starts with removing dirt, oil, and makeup. For an ultra-hydrating way to get rid of daily grime, we can’t live without St. Ives Cleansing Sticks. These cute, pocket-sized sticks are made with a 100% coconut oil, base so they nourish while they cleanse. Plus, they’re specifically made for whatever else your skin needs: Cactus Water & Hibiscus instantly softens, Matcha Green Tea & Ginger detoxes pores, Apricot & Manuka Honey refreshes dull skin, and Rose & Bamboo controls shine. No matter which you choose, you’ll end up with super soft skin.
Should I exfoliate in the winter?
Absolutely! Dry skin means more dead cells that can dull your complexion. For gentle exfoliation, we love St. Ives Gentle Smoothing Oatmeal Scrub & Mask because it combines 100% natural walnut shell powder with skin-soothing oatmeal and honey. For deeper skin-polishing action, check out Energizing Coconut & Coffee Face Scrub. Made with 100% natural walnut shell powder, it does a great job of sloughing away dull skin while perking you up with the smell of coffee. Win-win!
What’s the best hydrating face mask for winter?
There are lots you can choose from, but we have two hydrating favorites!
Our St. Ives Soothing Oatmeal Sheet Mask is a treat that gives your skin the instant moisture it craves. We all need that quick fix in the cold winter months for soft, supple skin!
We’re also super into our newer St. Ives Hydrating Cactus Water & Hibiscus Sheet Mask. Not only is cactus water a total hydration hero, but you can’t beat the convenience of a no-mess, no-rinse sheet mask! Never used a sheet mask? Here’s how it works:
Step 1: Place the mask over clean, dry skin
Step 2: Smooth it and adjust it to fit over your face
Step 3: Leave it for 10 minutes while it works its magic
Step 4: Remove it, glow and go
How do you stop dry skin from itching?
Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize! For us, St. Ives Collagen Elastin Moisturizer is the perfect pick for winter. Inspired by collagen and elastin proteins (things that plump and firm skin), this day-and-night moisturizer has 100% pure safflower seed oil for seriously hydrated, smoother skin.
