Lifestyle 07.01.2023

How to look after your skin in freezing weather

Do you have the same skin care routine all year round? You’re far from alone. But after a long day outdoors with the chilly winter air nipping at your face, your skin may feel irritated, tight and dry. That’s why we’re offering you the following tips on how to look after your face when the temperature drops below zero.

Photo: Alamy Text: Mimmi Ljungblad

mimmi ljungblad lifestyle skincare

Dry skin occurs when the skin doesn’t manage to retain enough moisture. There can be many reasons for this, among them frequent baths or a skin care routine that dries out the skin and removes too much of the skin’s natural oils. During the wintertime, when the temperature drops and the humidity is low both outdoors and indoors, this can become especially noticeable. Oily or combination skin may become more mixed, while normal skin can feel dry. No matter your skin type, it’s a good idea to tweak your skin care routine to adapt it to the cold and dry air. Below are some tips on things to keep in mind.

Avoid using facial cleansers that dry out your skin. Instead, choose a mild and gentle cleanser that cleanses thoroughly without drying out your face. A cleansing lotion or oil can be a good option during the colder months. A peel can be good for removing dead skin cells and reducing the appearance of blackheads. However, it’s important to choose one that is specially adapted for the skin of the face and to avoid using a peel or scrub too often; once a week is a good rule of thumb. If you notice that your skin has become dry, itchy or irritated, ease up on your use of peels or scrubs.

Skip facial cleansers in the morning

Your skin copes best with the cold when it is clean and dry, but don’t wash away your face’s natural oils in the morning before heading out into the cold winter air. Instead, try to wash and possibly shave in the evening. That way, a protective layer of fat has time to form during the night. If you want to freshen up in the morning, you can rinse your face with water or use a moisturising, unscented toner, and then apply your day cream.

If you have problems with dry skin, it’s a good idea to use a richer day and night cream. Some night creams are especially oily and also work well as a day cream during the winter, when the skin is particularly exposed to the elements. Another tip is to add a few drops of face oil to your face cream, or switch completely to a face oil.

By using a moisturising face mask once or twice a week (or as needed), you can help add moisture and new energy to your dry and tired skin. This is especially important during the winter months. You can’t go wrong with an overnight version.

There are endless skin care products that can boost your skin in different ways. An eye moisturizer, application of serum and other active ingredients can give your face extra freshness. And why not treat yourself to a facial? It’s an excellent start to the cold, dark months that lie ahead of us.

If you spend a lot of time outdoors, it’s always a good idea to use sunscreen, regardless of the season. Indeed, this is especially important when the ground is covered with snow, because the snow reflects UV radiation. If you’re planning to spend a whole day on the ski slopes, you should also be careful with facial cleansers and peels. The skin’s natural fats form a protective barrier that is good to have, not least when you’re slaloming down a slope.

A lot comes from within

It may be a matter of course, but a lot comes from within. For better or worse, your lifestyle tends to spill over into many other things. Exercise plays a key role, as does sleep. It’s also important to have fresh towels and clean bed linen, not least for the sake of your skin. Another important step to keeping your skin soft and elastic is to make sure you stay well-hydrated and that you get enough nutrients.