The cold, dry air and blustery winter winds are unforgiving to sensitive skin and can leave you feeling rough and itchy. If you’re looking back fondly on the supple smoothness of summer, know that there are ways to achieve that youthful glow—even during the coldest months of the year. Need a little extra help preventing skin dryness in winter? We’ve got you covered.
Skincare Tips for Winter
1. Upgrade Your Winter Skincare Routine
Dry winter weather can wreak havoc on your skin’s moisture barrier and produce microscopic cracks that allow moisture to escape. This is called transepidermal water loss, and it’s the last thing you want when humidity is already at its lowest.
A healthy moisture barrier is way better at retaining and collecting moisture from the air. You can boost your barrier with quality skincare products, like OSEA’s Ocean Cleansing Milk. Many cleansers strip away the moisture barrier, making your skin feel cracked and dry, but not this one. Our gentle, nourishing formula removes dirt and debris while keeping your barrier intact for a smoother surface texture.
Another great product for thirsty skin is our Hyaluronic Sea Serum. Made with ultra-hydrating hyaluronic acid to increase the look of skin’s fullness and firmness, Japanese Miru seaweed to replenish the skin’s natural moisture levels, and snow mushroom to seal in moisture, it’s the ultimate addition to your winter skincare routine.
For your final step, you’ll need a top-tier moisturizer. Try the Advanced Protection Cream, our most nourishing cream. This product is clinically proven to instantly boost skin hydration by 121% and prevent water loss¹. It’s the barrier protection your skin’s been dreaming of. The best part? We’ve reformulated it to include a vegan retinol alternative for the results you love without the irritation that can accompany active ingredients.
2. Keep Using Sunscreen
Sunscreen isn’t just a summer-only deal. The sun is out year-round, and even when it’s overcast, harmful UV rays can still disturb your skin’s moisture barrier. Make sure to keep applying sunscreen daily. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, you should use a broad-spectrum, waterproof sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher².
3. Be Smart When Exfoliating
As any skincare enthusiast knows, exfoliating is the best way to get rid of dead skin cells and stubborn debris that dull your complexion, leaving you with a clean slate. Unfortunately, harsh scrubs and over-exfoliating can compromise your moisture barrier and damage skin.
That doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy soft, radiant skin during the winter. Space out your scrubbing sessions and use gentler products, like our Seaglow Overnight Serum AHA Treatment. This face exfoliant uses a blend of acids and plant-based extracts to carefully and effectively remove surface buildup for your best complexion yet. The active marine ingredients boost moisture levels for more radiant, resilient skin.
For the body, we love the Salts of the Earth Body Scrub. Apply mineral-rich salts to buff away roughness as shea butter and Gigartina seaweed soften and moisturize your skin.
3. Apply a Serum
Serums contain a high concentration of key ingredients, including nourishing antioxidants. Apply a few pumps of the Hyaluronic Sea Serum directly on the skin in the morning and evening. Gently rub it in using an outward motion to allow the tissue to absorb the hydrating hyaluronic acid, Japanese Miru Seaweed, and snow mushroom as the volcanic marine ferment smooths the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
4. Skip the Scalding Water
When the air is frigid, and you miss the warmth of your bed, a hot shower can feel like a dream. Unfortunately, your skin will bear the consequences. Long, hot showers and baths strip away nourishing natural oils. Keep the water lukewarm to get the right balance of cleansing and protection. This applies to washing your face as well.
When you’re drying down, be sure to gently pat your skin dry with a soft, clean towel rather than rubbing it. Vigorous scrubbing can damage your skin.
5. Moisturize Immediately After Washing
As soon as you’re out of the bath or shower, it’s time to moisturize! This helps seal the water into your skin. We love the Anti-Aging Body Balm, with a super-softening formula of acai, babassu oils, coconut, and passion fruit. Your skin will be silky smooth and hydrated all day long. For the face, use our Atmosphere Protection® Cream to build up your barrier with a lightweight, antioxidant-rich moisturizer.
6. Soak Your Skin Overnight
Bedtime is the perfect time to use heavier products that take longer to absorb. These treatments replenish your skin over the course of the night, allowing you to wake up feeling refreshed and ready to face the day.
Our Advanced Protection Cream is packed with sea minerals, amino acids, and a biomimetic lipid complex to keep skin soft, smooth, and well-moisturized.
To pamper your body, apply our nutrient-rich Undaria Algae Body Butter. This buttery blend of Undaria seaweed, ceramides, and whipped shea butter is clinically proven to hydrate for 72 hours³.
For more advice on sprucing up your winter skincare routine, check out these OSEA family favorites. You can also see what OSEA founder and skincare expert Jenefer Palmer uses to achieve her dazzling winter glow.
Notes
1. Based on an instrumental measurement in a clinical study on 34 women ages 40-65 exposed to extreme, dehydrating weather conditions.
2. Sunscreen FAQs. American Academy of Dermatology Association. Retrieved January 10, 2022, from https://www.aad.org/media/stats-sunscreen
3. Based on a third-party consumer perception & clinical study conducted over 4 weeks on 32 women ages 37-65.