Keep your barrier protected
Your skin’s barrier is like a protective shield that defends against external aggressors and locks in moisture. The dryness and irritation that most of us are (unfortunately) familiar with during the winter months is often a result of a disrupted barrier disturbed by harsh weather conditions. To prevent these symptoms from taking over your complexion, it’s vital to incorporate barrier-strengthening ingredients into your routine – if you haven’t already!
Gentle formulas, SPF, antioxidant skincare, and hydration is key. One of the fundamental principles of skincare in general is to opt for a mild, hydrating cleanser that won’t strip away your skin’s natural oils, as harsh cleansers can exacerbate the dryness already caused by winter weather. We especially adore our vitamin-infused, oil-based Cleansing Balm during the colder season, as its creamy consistency easily melts away make-up and build-up to leave a clean and buttery-soft finish.
And because your skin’s level of hydration plays a vital role in your skin’s appearance and overall health, incorporating a nourishing, replenishing moisturizer into your daily routine is vital – especially during the winter months, where our water levels tend to drop.
Look for moisturizers containing key ingredients like hyaluronic acid, nutrients, and fatty acids. These components work together to hydrate and fortify your skin’s barrier, effectively sealing in moisture and preventing trans epidermal water loss (read more about this term in our blogpost). Get the full ingredient combo with our daily facial moisturizers, which are all formulated to deliver immediate and long-lasting hydration from deep within to leave a smooth and plump surface. And if you're into a richer consistency, top off your skin with our newly arrived Ultra-Rich Cream. With its content of moisture-binding hyaluronic acid, a protective oil blend, collagen-boosting vitamin C, and barrier-strengthening niacinamide, this cream is nothing short of multi-beneficial, ultra-nourishing, and a musthave for skin in need of a boost of dewiness.
Keep it smooth
While it’s essential to keep your skin moisturized, don’t forget the importance of gentle exfoliation. Exfoliating your skin once a week helps remove dead skin cells, allowing your moisturizers and serums to penetrate more effectively. Look for exfoliants with ingredients like alpha hydroxy acids (AHA) or beta hydroxy acids (BHA) for an effective exfoliation experience. We love our Deep Cleansing Mask all year round – but especially when it gets cold outside. Enriched with a powerful combo of AHAs and BHAs, this silky-soft charcoal mask promotes a healthy cell turnover process and gently unclogs pores to leave your complexion clean and smooth to the touch. Add our Intense Hyaluronic Mask to your weekly rituals to deeply nourish your skin with the replenishing, moisture-binding ingredients and prevent winter dryness. Use them as an indulging mask combo or individually to elevate your routines.
Oh, and don’t make the common mistake of skipping sunscreen just because it’s winter. UV rays can still damage your skin, even on cloudy days. Sun protection is especially important after exfoliating your skin, as this treatment removes the top layer of dead skin cells to reveal a fresher, more glowy surface – a process that can leave the cells beneath initially more sensitive to sun rays. But hey, just another good reason to apply SPF, if you ask us!
Retain your glow
... with our Sun Drops! Not much need to be said about these natural self-tanning drops. All you really need to know is that they leave that radiant, sun-kissed appearance that takes us right back to summer (no matter the season!). Mix it with your daily moisturizer or apply it directly to your skin and get glowing!
Nourish and protect – from the neck down
Don’t let your skincare regimen stop at your chin. The cold, dry air characteristics of this season can be particularly harsh on your skin, causing it to lose its natural moisture, resulting in dryness, itchiness, and even painful cracks. Neglecting body care during winter increases the risk of worsening these issues, leaving your skin feeling uncomfortable and less resilient.
At woods_, we’ve made it as easy as 1, 2, 3 to pamper your body with nourishing and rebalancing ingredients. Start by cleansing your skin with our gentle, antioxidant-infused Soothing Body Wash to gently remove build-up with 100% natural, plant-derived cleansing actives and intensely hydrate the skin thanks to the addition of sodium PCA, which boosts the skin's moisture content.
Next step: Apply our vitamin-rich Niacinamide Repair Body Lotion, which is infused with nutrients, smoothing shea butter, and 5% barrier-strengthening niacinamide to leave your skin strong, supple, and resilient. If you feel like your skin needs an extra boost, seal it with our Nourishing Body Oil, which is an all-natural hydrator packed with regenerating, soothing, and moisturizing ingredients.
Staying hydrated is equally as important during winter
During winter, people tend to underestimate their need for hydration because they may not feel as thirsty as they do in the heat of summer. However, indoor heating and cold outdoor air can contribute to dehydration. Also, you might be more in favor of warmer beverages in the winter, such as hot chocolate or coffee, which may not provide the same level of hydration as water.
The most straightforward benefit of water is that it helps keep your skin hydrated. When you are properly hydrated, your skin cells are plump and full, which enhances a smoother and more bouncy appearance and counteract dry and flaky skin.
So, remember to reach for that glass of water in between your cups of hot cocoa!
