Winter Skincare 101: Tips, Advice & More

Winter Skincare 101 Tips Advice More
Winter can be incredibly tough on your skin, and many people struggle with dryness and irritation during the colder months. Fortunately, having the proper winter skincare routine can help you achieve a smooth, glowing complexion even when the weather outside is cold and stormy. Here are 15 tips to help you create an effective winter skincare routine this season:

Switch to gentle cleansers.

Cleansing is a necessary first step in your skincare routine, but it can also be one of the most drawing and stripping. Even in the wintertime, your facial cleanser should leave your face feeling clean and free of residue but not dry or tight. If you feel like your current cleanser is too drying, then switch to a cream or milk cleanser, which will be more gentle than a gel or foaming cleanser. You might also want to choose a more emollient makeup remover, such as a cleansing oil or cleansing bomb, to use before your face wash.

Try skipping your morning face wash.

If you are already using a cream or milk cleanser, and still feel like your face is dry and tight after washing it, then you might consider skipping your morning face wash. Cleansing at night is very important because you want to remove sunscreen, makeup, dirt, sweat, and other impurities from your skin before going to sleep. However, you can get away with just splashing your face with cold water in the morning if you find that using a cleanser twice a day is too much for your skin. The water will help rinse away any remaining residue without drying your skin out too much so you can start with a clean canvas in the morning.

Avoid alcohol-based products.

Many skincare products, especially those targeted toward oily skin, are formulated with alcohol, so they will quickly dry up and set down. Unfortunately, alcohol can be extremely drying to your skin, especially in the wintertime. If you are struggling with a lot of dryness, we recommend carefully reading the ingredient labels of all of your skincare products to see if any of them contain alcohol. You might be surprised to discover how many skin care products alcohol is in! Swap these out for alcohol-free alternatives to see if that helps your skin during the colder weather.

re-evaluate your retinol

Re-evaluate your retinol.

Besides sunscreen, retinol is one of the most effective skincare products for anti-aging. Retinols and retinoids encourage the production of collagen and elastin, acting as a dark spot remover and helping to prevent the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. However, retinol is known to be very drying to the skin, so you may need to reevaluate your use in the wintertime. You may wish to reduce the frequency to only a couple times per week. You might also want to switch from a prescription retinol or stronger retinol to a more gentle retinoid derivative if you feel like your current product is too powerful.

Consider exfoliating less often.

When your skin is scaly and peeling, you might be tempted to exfoliate it more frequently to try to achieve a smooth complexion and even skin tone. While this may seem logical, exfoliating is very drying to your skin and can often backfire, making it more dry and irritated. Instead, we recommend reducing exfoliation to only one or two times a week if your skin has been dry lately. You should also be careful with powerful leave-in exfoliants, which will be even more intense if they are layered underneath a thick moisturizer. For more information, see our guide that explains how to exfoliate the face.

Try a thicker moisturizer.

Switching to a thicker quality facial moisturizer is one of the most important changes that you can make to your skincare routine during the wintertime. If you are currently using a lightweight lotion or a water gel cream, it’s time to switch to a thicker moisturizer that will help to nourish your skin. Look for ingredients such as hyaluronic acid and high-quality fruit oils, which will create an inclusive barrier on the skin and promote a healthy balance of natural oils. If you don’t like to wear a heavy moisturizer during the day, then prioritize using a thicker balm at night when you sleep.

Experiment with using face oil at night.

If you find that even a thick moisturizer or face balm isn’t cutting it, then you might want to try a facial oil at night. These ultra-nourishing oils can be mixed directly into your moisturizer or applied as the final layer in your nighttime skincare routine. The oils helped to form an occlusive barrier on your face to slow down the rate of water evaporation. They also contribute to a healthy balance of natural oils, which can be tough to achieve during the wintertime.

winter skincare 15 tips

Keep using sunscreen.

Sunscreen isn’t just for the summer; you should keep wearing it in the wintertime. While you might not be getting as much sun compared to other seasons, UV rays do penetrate through windows, which can contribute to premature aging like fine lines and wrinkles and also increase your risk of developing skin cancer later on. Find a moisturizing, non-drying, anti-aging sunscreen and apply it to all exposed skin — not just your face, but also your ears, neck, and chest — every single day. And if you’re recreating outside, then you need to be reapplying the sunscreen every two hours.

Incorporate a face mask into your routine.

Like eyelash serums, face masks are an optional part of any skincare routine, but they can be a great solution for dry and irritated skin. In the winter, we recommend avoiding exfoliating and brightening masks, which can dry the skin out further. Instead, prioritize soothing and hydrating masks that will give your skin the nourishment that it needs when temperatures are low and the air is dry. You can use face masks as much or as little as you want; aiming for at least once per week is a good place to start.

Find Your 3-Step Skincare Method

Take care of your lips and hands.

If most of your skincare routine focuses on your face, then definitely don’t forget to take care of your lips and hands as well during the winter. The skin on your lips is very delicate, and it’s also exposed to a lot of irritants in the form of food and drink, which is why your lips often peel and crack in the wintertime. You are probably also washing your hands more often since it’s cold and flu season, which dries out your hands as well. To counteract this, wear lip care products and hand lotion throughout the day, and then apply a thicker lip mask and hand cream at night while you sleep to help the skin repair itself.

Get a humidifier.

Running the heat during the winter reduces the humidity in the air, which dries your face out even more. To help counteract this, consider getting a humidifier to put some moisture back into the air. We recommend running the humidifier at night, at the very least, and you can also get one for your workspace to run during the day if you have extremely dry skin. 

We also suggest choosing a cool mist humidifier, which will help reduce the formation of mildew and mold. You should use filtered or distilled water in your humidifier to prevent mineral deposits and debris from clogging the device. It will need to be cleaned often but can make a significant difference for dry skin and sinus passages in the wintertime.

take care of your lips and hands

Stay hydrated from the inside out.

On the subject of water, it’s really important to keep your body hydrated from the inside out during the winter time even if you’re not sweating that much. We know that it can be difficult to motivate yourself to drink a bunch of ice water when the temperature is low, so we recommend finding some caffeine-free herbal teas in flavors that you enjoy so you can have a hot beverage while staying hydrated. Also try to limit your intake of caffeinated and alcoholic beverages, which have a dehydrating effect on your body.

Use lukewarm water to bathe.

A hot shower during the winter can feel amazing, but it dries out your skin. It’s better to use lukewarm water that is neither too cold nor too hot for bathing, showering, and washing your face. We also recommend limiting baths or showers to no more than 5 to 10 minutes since prolonged exposure to water will also dry out your skin, no matter what the temperature of the water is. If you are struggling with dry skin on your body, apply lotion to still-damp skin while you are in the shower to lock in that moisture.

Limit your time outside when possible.

Cold temperatures, harsh wind, and precipitation are tough on your skin. For that reason, we recommend limiting your time outside during the winter, especially if there’s inclement weather or the temperatures are very cold. If you know that you will be going outside that day, then you might want to use thicker moisturizers and lip balms to ensure that your skin gets the protection and nourishment that it needs so that the elements don’t irritate it too much.

Protect your skin from the elements.

When you do go outside, protecting your skin from the elements is essential. Wear jackets and weather-resistant pants, and be sure to cover any exposed skin with hats, gloves, and scarves. You may want to wear a breathable base layer made from cotton or Merino wool next to your skin if you find synthetic fabrics like polyester touching your skin irritating it. Layering clothes will also allow you to take off the outer layers if you find yourself getting overheated or sweaty, particularly if you are going from inside to outside and back again.

We hope this ultimate guide helped you feel more informed and confident about putting together a winter skincare routine that works for your skin type and skin concerns. If you’re looking for new winter skincare products, we’ve put together a convenient selection of all the winter skincare essentials we offer here at Lancer Skincare. Whether you’re looking for a nourishing moisturizer, hydrating facial oil, or gentle exfoliator, we’ve got you covered with our wide range of skincare products.

All of our skincare products are created by celebrity dermatologist Dr. Harold Lancer and his team of experts, so you can trust the formulations. But don’t take our word for it: All of our products come with a 30-day money-back guarantee so you can try them out and return or exchange them if they don’t work for your face. All of our products also ship for free in the United States, no order minimum is needed, so don’t hesitate to place your order today!

Image Credits

Zhukova Valentyna/Shutterstock.com

fizkes/Shutterstock.com

Dry vs. Dehydrated Skin: What You Need to Know

A woman examines dry skin on her face

By Alona Siniehina / Shutterstock.com

While many people in the skincare world use the words “dry” and “dehydrated” interchangeably, these mean two separate things. We’ll explain the difference between dry and dehydrated skin and explore what skincare for sensitive skin you should use if your face is tight and flaky.

Dry vs. Dehydrated Skin

Dry skin is a skin type that is characterized by a lack of oils and lipids. Having dry skin is largely determined by genetics, but certain environmental factors can also make dry skin worse. For example, cold or dry climates, long hot showers, certain skincare products, some medical treatments, and the natural aging process can all lead to dry skin.

Dehydrated skin is a skin condition that anyone can get. Dry skin is characterized by a lack of water in the top layer of the skin. Dehydrated skin can be caused by many different factors, including not drinking enough water, a damaged skin barrier, and extreme weather conditions.

While dehydrated skin can happen to anyone, people with dry skin are more likely to have dehydrated skin. This is because the natural oils in our skin help to prevent water loss. If you don’t have enough oils to form that natural barrier, then water can evaporate more easily from the top layer of your skin.

The symptoms of dry vs. dehydrated skin can sometimes be very similar. The skin will often feel tight, rough, and/or itchy especially after cleansing. You may notice dull or flaky patches on your skin, and your skin might scale or peel off. You might also notice more prominent fine lines and wrinkles, as well as under eye bags. Dehydrated skin also lacks elasticity and won’t spring back as quickly as normal. For more information, see our ultimate guide that explains “Why is my skin so dry even when I moisturize?

Find Out What Skincare Method Is Best for You

The word Dry is written in cream

By ADragan / Shutterstock.com 

How to Treat Dry and Dehydrated Skin

Got either dry or dehydrated skin (or both)? Here are six tips to help you find relief:

Choose the right ingredients.

If you are struggling with dry skin, then you will want to reinforce your natural lipid barrier by looking out for ingredients such as shea butter, coconut oil, squalene oil, mineral oil, lanolin, and other oils. If you are struggling with dehydrated skin, look for ingredients that will pull moisture into your skin, such as glycerin, aloe, honey, and snail mucin. Certain ingredients, such as hyaluronic acid and ceramides, are beneficial for both dehydrated and dry skin.

Seek out skincare for sensitive skin.

In addition to seeking out specific ingredients, you might also want to prioritize skincare kits for sensitive skin. Dry, dehydrated skin is prone to irritation, and choosing skin care for sensitive skin will help to nourish it while you work on restoring your skin barrier.

Get a gentle cleanser.

Cleansing can be one of the most drying, stripping steps of your skincare routine. Instead of a foaming or gel cleanser — which can be rather harsh — choose a gentle milk or cream face wash that will cleanse your skin without making it feel dry and tight. Massage the cleanser into your face for no more than 60 seconds, and then rinse it off with lukewarm water.

woman examining facial skin

By siro46 / Shutterstock.com

Take shorter showers.

We love a long, hot shower as much as the next person, but unfortunately all that water exposure will dry your skin right out. Try to limit your showers to 5-10 minutes, and avoid soaking in the bath for long periods of time. Also keep the temperature set to lukewarm or even cool; hot water will dry your skin out faster than cool water.

Drink enough water.

As you hydrate your face from the outside in, you also need to make sure that you are hydrating from the inside out as well. Make sure that you are drinking enough fluids each day, and try to limit your consumption of dehydrating beverages such as caffeine and alcohol. Instead, try infused water and caffeine-free herbal tea to stay hydrated throughout the day.

Try a humidifier.

If you live in a dry climate, the lack of moisture in the air could definitely be making your skin dry or dehydrated. Buy a humidifier and run it at night while you sleep to put some moisture back in the air and alleviate your dehydrated skin. Many people like to do this in the wintertime, but you might need to run a humidifier all year round if you live somewhere very dry.

Ready to get relief for dry, dehydrated skin? Check out Lancer Skincare’s collection of products for sensitive skin today and get free shipping on your U.S. order, no order minimum needed!

Skin Care Must-Haves for Labor Day Weekend

Lancer Skin Care & Beauty for Labor Day Weekend

You’ve got the perfect getaway planned for your Labor Day holiday—and the perfect outfit to go with it. All you need to complete the picture are your glow-to beauty essentials that will keep your skin looking flawless on the go. Make sure to have these beauty and skin-care products packed before you take off for your three-day weekend:

Continue reading “Skin Care Must-Haves for Labor Day Weekend”

Summer Skin Roundup

Summer Skin Roundup

Summer is here, and with it comes long, carefree days in the sunshine. But make sure you still put plenty of care into your skin! Your skincare routine changes slightly each season, and though you might want to skimp on products when temperatures rise, you should actually be extra vigilant with your skin regimen. This doesn’t mean piling on tons of products—just adjust what you use and when you use it to protect your skin and keep it looking beautiful.

Continue reading “Summer Skin Roundup”

Dermatology Treatments in Summer

dermatology treatments in summer

When summer arrives, many of us become suddenly aware of our skin’s imperfections. Time in the sun can be unequivocally therapeutic, but it also means more sun damage. Joyful hours in the sunshine can also come with sunspots, dull or uneven skin tone, sagginess, and fine lines and wrinkles. So are there dermatology treatments that allow you to revel in the summer sun and still treat your skin to keep it looking youthful, radiant and healthy all season? Absolutely. Just select a regimen of in-office dermatology treatments that pinpoint and treat the results of UV damage, as well as skincare treatments that treat and protect your skin from further harm. Continue reading “Dermatology Treatments in Summer”

How to Prep Your Skin for Winter – Infographic

How to Prep Your Skin for Winter
How to Prep Your Skin for Winter

Share this Image On Your Site

Think bundling up and moisturizing are the only things you need to avoid dry winter skin? Think again! Your skin changes every hour, just like the weather, and winter can be especially temperamental on your skin. Here’s how to prep your skin for winter: Continue reading “How to Prep Your Skin for Winter – Infographic”

Do I Need SPF in the Winter?

Do I Need SPF in the Winter?
Do I Need SPF in the Winter?

Winter is the season that epitomizes what it means to layer clothing: scarves, jackets, hats, earmuffs, and mittens are abundant and, while fashionable, serve the important function of keeping you warm. Many people may also be under the impression that all of these layers also help to protect them from the wind chill that tends to dry skin out and lead to chapped lips and hands; however, this is a common misconception. Your skin needs to breathe, and wearing layers does not allow for that. Instead, you’ll most likely see red patches and more acne, which occurs because dead skin cells build up and clog pores. What this all leads to, really, is how important it is to take care of your skin properly. Continue reading “Do I Need SPF in the Winter?”

Stem Cells for Healing Sun-Damaged Skin

LSC-stemcells

We’ve all heard it a million times: Stay out of the sun! Reapply your sunscreen! Shade yourself! But there are still those instances when we find our noses a little pink at the end of a long beach day, or the tops of our shoulders feeling a bit more crisp than when we left the house that morning.

While it’s never advisable to let the sun damage your skin, there are ways of speeding up the healing process when it happens.  One of these methods is to harness the healing power of stem cells, which stimulates epidermal regeneration at the cellular level, in addition to improving cellular barrier function.

Our Lift Serum Intense was created with plant-based stem cells from the Criste Marine plant – a uniquely resilient maritime plant found in coastal regions of France, which is able to survive both the harsh sunlight and drying salt water conditions of its natural habitat.

Applying our Lift Serum to parched, toasty skin signals the body to send healthy, new cells to replace those that were burned or dried out.  It also helps the skin regain its moisture balance and heals free radical damage. For a bad burn, top off the Lift Serum with natural aloe and a rich moisturizer twice a day, and your skin will be back to normal in no time! That said, you don’t have to just take our word for it: Victoria Beckham swears by it too! See what she tweeted about it over 4th of July Weekend here.

Shop Lift Serum Intense: https://www.lancerskincare.com/lift-serum-intense

Get social with us!
Facebook // Instagram // Twitter

Get A Fresh Start to Spring with Our At-Home Facial

lancer_athomefacial_pink

Spring is the perfect time of year to pamper yourself with a luxurious at-home facial. As the weather warms up, you’ll want to exfoliate away dry, flaky winter skin in order to dive into the new season with a fresh-faced glow. Here are a few steps you can take to get your skin hydrated, plumped and glowing for springtime with all-natural ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry.

Fresh Start Step 1: Polish The crucial first step in getting a springtime glow is exfoliation. Start by removing your makeup thoroughly using grapeseed or avocado oil. Then mix one part grapeseed or avocado oil with two parts white table sugar. Smooth the mixture onto your slightly damp face, and using a light touch, make small, upward, circular motions with your middle two fingers. This process removes dry, dead skin cells allowing the active ingredients in your products to better penetrate the skin.

Fresh Start Step 2: Cleanse Wash away any remaining exfoliant with a mild cleanser.

Fresh Start Step 3: Nourish Next, mix a nourishing face mask by combining one part raw honey and one part full fat buttermilk. Smooth the mixture onto your face and leave it on for five minutes. The lactic acid in the buttermilk will break down dead skin cells (which you can then sweep away), and the honey will give your skin an infusion of healthy antioxidants and kill any bacteria left on your face. Your skin will feel supple and nourished and – what’s even better – the effects of environmental stressors will be reversed.

Fresh Start Step 4: Hydrate Now that your skin is plumped with vitamins and hydrated, seal in all the good moisture. Slather on a rich, antioxidant-heavy moisturizer. Gently dab eye cream around the eye area.

Fresh Start Step 5: Protect You can have the best skincare in the world, but it won’t make an ounce of difference if you aren’t protecting your skin from the sun. Cover your face, neck and chest with an SPF of at least 30 prior to going outdoors.

Get social with us!
Facebook // Instagram // Twitter