picture of a middle aged woman applying skincare

Winter-Proof Your Skin: Mid-Life Skincare Tips to Combat Cold Weather Challenges

Winter is officially here! While cozy sweaters and hot drinks are definite perks, this season can be tough on our skin, especially for those of us in mid-life. Cold weather and dry indoor heating strip our skin of moisture, making it prone to dryness, flakiness, and dullness. But don’t worry—there are simple, effective ways to help your skin weather the winter beautifully. Here are some winter-proof tips that’ll keep you glowing all season long.

1. Switch to a Gentle, Cream-Based Cleanser

Why: In winter, harsh cleansers can make dry skin even worse by stripping away natural oils. As we age, our skin's moisture barrier naturally weakens, so it’s even more important to use products that keep that barrier intact.
How: Choose a creamy, non-foaming cleanser that gently cleans without drying. Cleansers with hydrating ingredients like glycerin or hyaluronic acid help retain moisture, leaving your skin soft and supple after washing.

2. Layer Hydrating Serums Underneath Your Moisturizer

Why: Serums penetrate deeply to deliver potent ingredients, making them the perfect partner for your moisturizer. In winter, layering a serum under your moisturizer gives you double the hydration and helps lock in more moisture.
How: Look for serums with hyaluronic acid, glycerin, or ceramides. These are powerful humectants that attract water and help your skin stay hydrated. Apply the serum to slightly damp skin for the best results, then follow with your moisturizer to lock it all in.

3. Embrace a Rich, Nourishing Moisturizer

Why: As our skin ages, it loses its natural oils faster, making a heavier moisturizer essential in winter. Rich creams help to keep your skin hydrated and protect the skin barrier from the harsh cold and indoor heating.
How: Choose a moisturizer with ingredients like shea butter, squalane, or ceramides. These help reinforce the skin barrier and keep moisture from escaping. If you’re prone to dry patches, consider using an overnight mask once or twice a week for an extra boost of nourishment.

4. Add an Overnight Treatment to Repair and Restore

Why: Nighttime is when your skin goes into repair mode, so adding a nourishing treatment before bed can make a big difference. During winter, overnight masks or treatments can replenish lost moisture and keep your skin smooth and radiant.
How: Opt for a product with hydrating ingredients (like glycerin or hyaluronic acid) and calming elements such as chamomile or aloe vera. Apply a thin layer of the treatment after your moisturizer, and let it work its magic overnight.

5. Don’t Skip the SPF (Even in Winter!)

Why: UV rays don’t take a break in winter, and they’re one of the biggest culprits in skin aging. Even if it’s cloudy or snowing, your skin can still be exposed to harmful UVA rays that cause aging.
How: Choose a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher, and make it a part of your morning routine. If you find your skin feeling dry with SPF, try a hydrating sunscreen that’s formulated for sensitive skin; many now include moisturizing ingredients to make winter SPF wear a breeze.

6. Use a Humidifier to Combat Indoor Dryness

Why: Dry indoor heating can quickly sap the moisture from your skin, leaving it feeling tight and flaky. Humidifiers add moisture back into the air, helping to keep your skin hydrated from the outside in.
How: Place a small humidifier in your bedroom or living room to keep your home at a comfortable humidity level. This simple addition can make a noticeable difference in how soft and plump your skin feels.

7. Exfoliate Weekly for Radiant, Smooth Skin

Why: As we age, our skin’s natural cell turnover slows down, which can leave skin looking dull. Exfoliation helps remove dead skin cells, revealing a fresh, radiant complexion beneath.
How: Choose a gentle exfoliator, ideally with alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) like lactic acid or glycolic acid. Aim to exfoliate once or twice a week, depending on your skin’s sensitivity. This will help your other products absorb better too, maximizing hydration!

8. Focus on Hydrating from Within

Why: Hydration starts on the inside. When it’s cold, we naturally drink less water, but staying hydrated is essential for keeping skin looking its best.
How: Try to drink at least 1.5-2 liters of water daily. Herbal teas are a fantastic way to stay warm while hydrating, and they bring extra antioxidant benefits that can boost skin health. Adding more hydrating foods like cucumbers, oranges, and spinach to your diet also helps!

9. Protect Lips and Delicate Skin Around the Eyes

Why: The skin on our lips and around the eyes is thinner and more prone to winter dryness, making these areas especially vulnerable to cracking and fine lines.
How: Apply a rich eye cream daily and a nourishing lip balm throughout the day. Look for balms and creams with shea butter or jojoba oil, which lock in moisture without irritation. You can even layer a tiny bit of facial moisturizer over your eye cream at night for extra protection.