Why is it So Important to Change Your Cream Now?

As the days get shorter and the temperatures drop, it’s not just our wardrobe that needs adjusting—our skincare routine does, too. Winter brings a unique set of challenges for our skin, making it essential to switch from the lighter moisturizers used in summer to richer, more nourishing creams. In this blog post, we’ll explore why changing your skincare in winter is so important, how cold weather and indoor heating impact your skin, and what ingredients you should look for to keep your skin healthy and radiant throughout the colder months.

The Impact of Cold Weather on Skin

Winter introduces a combination of cold air outside and dry, heated air inside, both of which can wreak havoc on your skin. When the temperature drops, humidity levels also decrease, leaving the air much drier. This loss of moisture has a direct impact on your skin, causing it to lose hydration more quickly than during warmer months.

The result is skin that feels tight, dry, and often more sensitive. The lack of moisture in the air can lead to:

• Dehydration: When the skin’s moisture levels drop, it can become dehydrated, leading to a dull, lackluster appearance.
• Disruption of the Skin Barrier: The skin barrier is responsible for keeping moisture in and protecting against environmental stressors. In winter, this barrier can become weakened, making the skin more prone to irritation, redness, and dryness.
• Increased Sensitivity: The combination of cold air, wind, and dry indoor heating can lead to sensitive skin that’s prone to flakiness, itching, and even cracking in extreme cases.

Indoor Heating Affects Your Skin

While central heating systems keep us warm indoors, they also contribute to the skin's moisture loss. Heated air has very low humidity, meaning it lacks the moisture needed to keep the skin properly hydrated. In a heated environment, the water content in your skin evaporates faster, leading to further dryness.

This dry air doesn’t just affect the skin on your face—it impacts your entire body, which is why many people experience dryness, itching, and irritation on areas like their hands, legs, and arms during the colder months. Without the right skincare routine, this can lead to more significant issues, such as eczema flare-ups, chapped lips, and cracked skin.

Why to Switch to a Richer Cream in Winter

When your skin’s environment changes, your skincare products need to change with it. During the summer, lightweight creams and gels are often enough to provide adequate hydration due to higher humidity levels. But in winter, these lightweight products may not cut it, as the skin requires more moisture and nourishment to combat dryness and repair the skin barrier.

Here’s why switching to a richer, more emollient cream is essential:

• Protect the Skin Barrier: A richer cream contains more lipids and occlusive ingredients, which create a protective barrier on the skin’s surface. This barrier helps lock in moisture and prevents water loss, which is essential in a drier winter climate. It also shields the skin from environmental stressors like wind and cold temperatures, reducing the risk of irritation and sensitivity.
• Provide Hydration: During winter, your skin needs more hydration, and richer creams are designed to deliver just that. They are formulated with humectants (like glycerin and hyaluronic acid) that attract moisture to the skin, as well as occlusives (like shea butter and oils) that help seal it in. This combination ensures that the skin remains soft, supple, and hydrated throughout the day.
• Repair: Cold weather can disrupt the skin’s natural oil production, leaving it feeling dry and tight. A richer cream is packed with essential fatty acids and other nourishing ingredients that help repair the skin barrier and restore moisture levels. This is particularly important if you’re dealing with chapped or flaky skin, as it needs extra nourishment to heal properly.

Key Ingredients to Look for in Skincare

When choosing a winter cream, it’s important to focus on ingredients that provide deep hydration, restore the skin barrier, and offer protection from harsh conditions. Here are some of the top ingredients to look for:

• Lipids: Lipids are fats that are essential for maintaining a healthy skin barrier. In the winter, your skin produces fewer natural lipids, which is why it becomes more vulnerable to dryness and irritation. Look for creams that contain lipid-rich ingredients like ceramides, fatty acids, and cholesterol. These help replenish the skin’s natural barrier, locking in moisture and protecting against environmental damage.
• Hyaluronic Acid: Hyaluronic acid is a powerful humectant that can hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water. It draws moisture from the environment into your skin, keeping it hydrated and plump. This ingredient is particularly useful in the winter, as it helps combat the dryness caused by cold air and indoor heating.
• Shea Butter: Shea butter is a natural moisturizer that helps lock moisture into the skin while also providing nourishment. It’s rich in vitamins A and E, which help soothe and repair dry, irritated skin. Shea butter is especially beneficial in winter creams because it creates a protective barrier on the skin, preventing moisture loss and shielding against cold air.
• Glycerin: Glycerin is another humectant that helps keep skin hydrated by drawing moisture from the air. It’s an essential ingredient in winter skincare because it works in tandem with occlusives to maintain optimal moisture levels, preventing the skin from becoming dry and flaky.
• Oils (Jojoba, Argan, or Rosehip): Natural oils are a great addition to winter skincare as they are rich in essential fatty acids, which help restore the skin’s lipid barrier. Oils like jojoba, argan, and rosehip not only nourish the skin but also help balance oil production, keeping the skin hydrated without feeling greasy.

Winter Skincare Tips

In addition to switching to a richer cream, there are other steps you can take to protect your skin during the colder months:

• Avoid Hot Showers: While a hot shower may feel comforting in the winter, it can strip your skin of its natural oils, leading to even more dryness. Opt for lukewarm water and try to keep showers short to minimize moisture loss.
• Use a Humidifier: Since indoor heating dries out the air, using a humidifier can bring moisture back into your home environment. This will help prevent your skin from drying out, especially at night while you sleep.
• Layer Your Skincare: In colder months, layering your skincare can be especially effective. Start with a hydrating serum containing humectants like hyaluronic acid, followed by a rich moisturizer to lock in the hydration. This combination helps maintain moisture levels throughout the day.
• Don’t Skip Sunscreen: It’s easy to forget about sunscreen in winter, but UV rays can still penetrate and cause damage to your skin. Make sure to apply sunscreen every day, even if it’s cold or overcast.
• Exfoliate Gently: Regular exfoliation helps remove dead skin cells, allowing your moisturizer to penetrate more effectively. However, be gentle with your skin—opt for a mild exfoliant to avoid over-drying.

Conclusions

Winter can be tough on your skin, but with the right skincare routine, you can keep it healthy, hydrated, and protected. By switching to a richer cream, you’ll provide your skin with the extra nourishment it needs to combat the cold air and dry indoor heating. Focus on creams with lipid-rich and moisturizing ingredients, and don’t forget to adapt the rest of your skincare routine to suit the season. Your skin will thank you for the extra care, and you’ll be able to enjoy the winter months with a radiant, healthy complexion.

Our recommended creams,
perfect for winter skin care