Winter Skincare For The Dry Season

Colorado’s already dry climate is exacerbated during the winter time, resulting in parched skin for most of us. “When temperatures drop, humidity does, too, since less water vapor lives in the air when it’s cold outside. This, in combination with dry indoor heat, can leave our skin pretty parched,” explains Dr. Sarah Villafranco, founder of Osmia Organics, a skincare brand based in Carbondale. It’s important to have a skincare routine year-round, but it’s especially crucial during this season. Washing with a plain bar of soap or a fragrant, but drying, body wash is not going to cut it.

Oh So Body Soap. Photo courtesy of Osmia

“A gentle, non-drying cleanser is a great place to start,” says Michelle Ann, licensed esthetician and owner of Shine Intuitive Beauty in Edwards. “The goal is to replenish and balance our moisture levels, especially during the cold, winter months. Follow cleansing with a hydrating toner to restore the skin’s natural pH, a moisturizing serum or facial oil and a gentle moisturizer. Don’t forget the sunscreen!”

Yes, even during the winter it is important to apply sunscreen, especially if you’re planning on hitting the slopes. Sunlight reflected off fresh powder can be extremely damaging. If you don’t want an extra step in your routine, find a moisturizer that already has SPF in it. Or, apply on its own as a base-layer in your routine.

When picking out products, it’s important to consider the ingredients in them and how they’ll react with your skin. “Some of the essential ingredients to look for in products during the winter months are those containing hyaluronic acid, which helps the skin retain moisture, and ceramides, which help to repair the skin’s barrier. Some over-the-counter products that provide these benefits are La Roche-Posay and Ceravē,” recommends the dermatology team at Regenesis Plastic Surgery, Dermatology & Spa in Grand Junction. 

Regenesis also promotes their line of SunDara products. The SunDara ReVitalizing cleanser gently removes impurities — including makeup and excess oil — and their SunDara Hydrate Serum, which contains hyaluronic acid, or SunDara HA Collagen Booster provide hydration. Or, you can schedule a consultation with their team to get personalized recommendations.

Photo courtesy of Shine Intuitive Beauty and Eminence Organics

Shine Intuitive Beauty is an Eminence-certified skin spa. The Hungarian brand prides itself on being chemical-free, certified-organic and results-driven. Ann recommends the Calm Skin Collection and the Kombucha Microbiome Collection.

From Osmia Organics, body oils can be applied to sopping wet skin for ultimate moisture retention, and their body mousse provides and incredibly luxurious feeling that locks in results. I was able to test these products and can confidently say that my skin has never been this soft or supple.

Light Body Oil. Photo courtesy of Osmia

And, if you think having oily skin means you don’t need a skincare routine, think again. “A proper skincare routine with products that are non-drying is essential for those with oily or combination skin,” adds Ann. “Products that strip the skin of its natural oils can, in turn, make the skin oilier, because the skin is trying to overcompensate for what we are taking away, therefore producing more oil. This goes for acne-prone skin types, as well!”

Villafranco recommends a natural bar of soap with charcoal or applying a smaller amount of body oil to wet skin, which will help decrease sebum (oil) production over time.

For non-topical treatments, staying hydrated and eating a nutrient rich diet will help treat dry skin from the inside out. Additionally, sleeping with a humidifier on and taking warm showers, rather than burning hot ones, can assist in maintaining your skin’s moisture.

So, take some extra time this winter to ensure you are taking good care of your skin. Implementing these tips is sure to show results, and your skin will thank you for it.

Originally published in the Winter 2022-23 issue of Spoke+Blossom.