The Top Six Ways to Support Your Skin Barrier: Cold Weather Edition

There are plenty of cozy, restorative reasons why we love the winter season. But you’re also probably very aware of its pitfalls, like how its windy and cold outdoor conditions and dry, overly irritating indoor environments can make your skin less than happy.  So how can we best support our skin barrier –– the outermost layer of your skin that you see and touch every day and is your protective shield to the outside world –– during the winter months?

Hydration

Get creative with the cold-weather drinks you keep on hand. From water with lemon at the office, to hot tea in the evening, to adding electrolytes to your morning workout water, staying hydrated will have a direct impact on how your skin looks and feels during these days of harsher temps and dry, dehydrating indoor conditions.

Choose Gentle

You most likely don’t need an exfoliating cleanser in the winter months as much as you would in other seasons, as your skin isn’t producing as much of its natural oils. Try our Gentle Foaming Cleanser, which effectively removes dirt, oil and other surface impurities, including makeup, without leaving your skin feeling tight or dry.

Routinely Moisturize

By routinely moisturizing after you shower, you can help your barrier retain moisture after any natural oils were stripped, reduce the chance of experiencing an extreme state like dryness, AND reduce the visible appearance of blemishes and aging. Our Renewal Body Lotion or Renewal Calming Cream are great options as soon as you hop out of the bath!

Daily SPF

Even if the forecast looks dreary and dull, it doesn’t matter if you’re at home, in the car, or at the office — research shows that up to 80% of the sun’s UV rays can penetrate clouds. Both UVA and UVB rays can reach the skin and may be just as harmful as the rays on a bright, sunny day. That’s why it’s essential to wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen year-round, like our Daily Shield Tinted SPF 50 Sunscreen, which provides broad-spectrum protection that evens out skin tone while imparting a natural-looking, healthy glow.

Beyond Skin Care

Beyond sunscreen, we can shield our skin from the raw, chilly winter weather by choosing the right protective clothing. For example, even if we’ve lathered up our hands with the quick-absorbing, non-greasy hydrating Restorative Hand Cream, it’s important to avoid any compromises to the barrier by wearing the appropriate gloves outdoors as well.

Avoid the Heat

While it may feel counterintuitive, long, hot showers can compromise your barrier,  even when they feel like a respite from the cold. These types of showers may actually make your barrier more prone to drying out as they strip your skin of its natural protective oils, and can lead to dry, flaky and uncomfortable skin.

Ready to create a winter skincare regimen that’s unique to your skin type? Contact one of our Epionce Pros — trained skin care professionals who will provide in-person guidance tailored to your needs.