For some, winter just means having to throw on a cardigan before going to the beach, but for others, it’s navigating the icy roads in our favorite winter booties and down jackets. In the depth of winter, we all go the extra mile to make our skin look as radiant as possible given the changes in climate. Since we all want to maintain a healthy summer glow year-round, here are a few tips to remember when transitioning to our winter skincare routines.

1.     Maximize Moisturization

Even when the snow is heavy, our moisturizer doesn’t have to be. It’s a common misconception that the thicker the cream is, the softer and more supple it will make our skin. However, this isn’t always true because heavy lotions often take longer to soak into the skin, thus making it look greasy and only really moisturizing the very outer layers. Jojoba Oil is one of the most effective moisturizers because it’s more of a liquid wax than an oil which makes it non-greasy, while also absorbing in less time than it takes to say “jojoba.” (For the record, it's pronounced: Ho-Ho-Ba.)

2.     Cleanse Carefully

Now that our tans have faded, it’s time to start addressing the lack of moisture in the air by nourishing our skin. When the chilly and dry winter months roll around, we start noticing dry rough patches on our faces accompanied by a dull complexion. It’s easy to fall into the habit of clearing off makeup with a wipe so we can fall into the comfort of our beds in a matter of seconds. Although, the alcohol and harsh surfactants in these makeup removing cloths can do more harm than good by stripping our skin of its natural oils, thus leaving it exposed to the winter weather. For those long days when a makeup wipe is your best friend, try to use one that leaves a natural dew on your face and doesn’t rely on alcohol to remove makeup, like Ogee’s Organic Daily Facial Cleansing Cloths that effectively remove makeup while exfoliating and adding a layer of light, dewy moisture. 

3.     Exfoliation in Moderation

Of course, it’s tempting to exfoliate religiously when these dreaded dry patches appear, but over exfoliating can trigger several unwanted side-effects. This part of our routine should be limited to only once every other day. Any more can cause a shiny appearance because it strips the skin of its natural texture and causes an overproduction of oil to compensate for over cleansing. It may also trigger inflammation, which over time can damage your skin’s natural lipid barrier, according to celebrity skin expert, Jamie Sherrill. The scariest of all side effects are those pesky breakouts caused by scrubbing off all the healthy skin cells which leaves your skin susceptible to not only bacteria, but also the dry winter climate. 

No matter what, it’s best not to stray too far from your normal routine so your skin isn’t shocked by a dramatic shift, and whilst we don’t want to surprise our skin too much, we can still supplement our current routines with a little added moisture. Jojoba oil provides the perfect balance of moisture and nutrition because of its non-greasy, anti-aging and anti-microbial properties. It can be used as often as needed while minimizing the effects of the sun and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles without having to worry about incurring pimples. This seed truly holds the power of a million products in one simple, all natural product. 

If you’re one of the lucky ones who doesn’t have to worry about bundling up in the thick of winter, it’s still good to boost the hydration of your skin with a little extra care… and maybe pay a visit up North to experience the magic of frosted windows and snow-covered trees.