Winter. A time for bundled-up walks in the snow or shushing down mountains on skis, sleds, or boards, followed by retreating to the warmth of the home hearth and something hot to drink. It’s a special time of year, to be sure. Some love it, some hate it, but for all people shifting between these extremes brings a hard reality into stark relief: Winter can be harsh on our skin, with dry air, cold temperatures, and biting winds all taking a toll (which is why Andreea Farcas started developing 10 Degrees Cooler’s product line in the first place). People with dry skin have an especially hard time in winter, as the relentless elements can strip away the skin's natural oils, leading to dryness, flakiness, and even itching, but all skin types will benefit from proper winter skincare. With the right winter skincare routine you can keep your skin healthy and hydrated all season long. Let’s explore some ways to do just this:
First and foremost, it's important to keep your skin moisturized. This seems obvious, but winter conditions can strip skin of much-needed moisture more quickly than in other seasons. When the dry air of winter strips the skin of its natural oils, it leaves it feeling tight and dry. Face oils and body oils are incredibly powerful tools for combatting winter’s brazen attacks on our skin. But we should take a moment to understand the difference between face oils and body oils.
Face oils are designed specifically for use on the delicate skin of the face and are usually lighter in texture and more easily absorbed. Body oils, on the other hand, are heavier and more nourishing. These, as you might expect, are meant for use on the rest of the body.
When it comes to choosing an organic face oil, look for certified organic ingredients like jojoba oil, argan oil, and marula oil. These oils are rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and essential fatty acids that can help hydrate and nourish the skin. Organic jojoba oil is especially beneficial for those with dry skin, as it helps balance the skin's natural oil production and prevent moisture loss. Certified organic argan oil is another excellent choice, as it's rich in vitamin E and fatty acids that help soothe and protect the skin. organic marula oil is high in antioxidants, which can help combat the effects of environmental stressors like cold temperatures and harsh winds, on the skin. You’ll find organic jojoba oil in 10 Degrees Cooler’s 03 Midnight In Corsica Face Oil which is among the best face oils on the market for dry skin. Another great face oil for hydration is our 01 Luminous Face Oil which contains organic argan oil. And because we love organic marula oil for all of its magical properties, you’ll find it in both of those products!
To incorporate an organic face oil into your skincare routine, simply massage a few drops into your skin after cleansing and toning. You can also add a few drops to a moisturizing cream for an extra boost of hydration. If you have very dry skin, you may even want to use oil as your sole moisturizer. Just be sure to choose an oil that's appropriate for your skin type.
You should apply your moisturizer twice a day, once in the morning and once at night, and make sure to use it on all exposed areas of skin, including your face, neck, hands, and feet. All are going to be affected by bracing winter weather.
Another important step in your winter skincare routine is exfoliation. Exfoliating helps remove dead skin cells that can build up and make your skin look dull and tired. You should exfoliate your skin once or twice a week, depending on your skin type. Look for an exfoliating scrub that contains gentle ingredients like sugar or sea salt, and avoid scrubs that contain beads or shells, which can be too harsh on the skin. Another great path to gentle, natural exfoliation is through the use of organic face masks. While a gentle scrub is good for daily use, a high-quality face mask used once or twice a week will go a long way to gently ridding your skin of unwanted dead layers.
In addition to moisturizing and exfoliating, you should also pay attention to the products you are using on your skin. Avoid using hot water when washing your face, as it can strip your skin of its natural oils. Instead, use lukewarm water and a gentle, fragrance-free cleanser. You should also avoid using alcohol-based toners or astringents, as they can dry out your skin. Instead, use a toner that is specifically formulated for sensitive skin and that contains ingredients like aloe vera or chamomile to soothe and calm the skin.
Another important aspect of winter skin care is sun protection. Even though the sun may not be as intense during the winter months, the snow and ice can reflect the sun's rays and increase your chances of getting sunburned. Therefore, it's important to use sunscreen with at least SPF 30 every day, even when it's cloudy or overcast as harmful UV rays can penetrate cloud cover. Look for a sunscreen that is specifically formulated for the face that contains ingredients like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, which can provide broad-spectrum protection.
Finally, it's also important to pay attention to your diet and lifestyle. Drinking plenty of water can help keep your skin hydrated, and eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables can provide your skin with the vitamins and antioxidants it needs to stay healthy. Also, make sure to get enough sleep, and try to reduce your stress levels by practicing relaxation techniques like yoga or meditation.
In summary, keeping your skin healthy and hydrated during the winter months requires a combination of the right skincare products and a healthy lifestyle. By moisturizing, exfoliating, using gentle products (like the ones offered in the 10 Degrees Cooler line), protecting your skin from the sun, and paying attention to your diet and stress levels, you can keep your skin looking and feeling its best all winter long.