Preparing Your Skin for Winter

By Alya Salon & Spa

Winter is coming. And, with it comes temperature drops, hustling and bustling, and a multitude of things to do, people to see, presents to buy, etc. This is a busy time of year, but don’t forget to make your skin a top priority on your winter checklist.

As the weather gets colder, it’s important to notice our skin will go through changes, as well. Our skin can become more dry and, in some cases, irritated. Did you know that it isn’t necessarily the cold temperatures outside making your skin dry but can often be from the heat running in your home, office, and car? Blasting heat strips moisture from the air – therefore, it’s a good idea to invest in a humidifier this season.

As temps cool down, it’s important that your skin’s hydration levels go up. Maintaining your skin’s barrier function is crucial to its overall health and appearance. When choosing products, you want to look for hydrating ingredients, such as ceramides (these lipids are the glue that hold your skin together and, when applied topically, help strengthen your barrier), hyaluronic acid (this humectant attracts moisture from the air and works synergistically with your skin to replenish and hydrate the outer layers), and niacinamide (a multi-tasking antioxidant which increases your skin’s natural ceramide production, while also improving uneven skin tone and redness, reducing the appearance of large pores, and softening fine lines and wrinkles).

Another important thing to remember – warm up with warm beverages, not hot showers. Try to fight the urge to immediately jump into a hot shower after battling the cold all day. Long, hot showers make skin itchy and flaky. Instead, take a 10-minute warm (not hot!) shower and follow up with your favorite moisturizer packed with potent hydrating ingredients.

With a multitude of products available, it’s important to consult with a skincare professional on which products are best for your specific skin type and concerns. It’s also a good time to add a few professional treatments to your routine. A visit to the spa can be truly and unbelievably relaxing, while also keeping skin healthy.

With supply chain issues this year, a gift card to the spa is a great experience to gift yourself or a loved one this season. All of these simple, yet effective tips will help keep your skin dewy and happy all season long.

Article written by Leah Hardin, LME