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Winter Essentials

11 Hydration Hacks to Keep Your Skin Plump This Winter

11 Hydration Hacks to Keep Your Skin Plump This Winter

Winter is truly the most magical season of the year as snow blankets the earth and twinkling lights adorn every house. Christmas adds to this joy, filling the air with festive cheer and the warmth of togetherness.

But with winter also comes the dreaded dry skin. As temperatures drop and heaters crank up, your skin might start to feel drier than ever. Winter is notorious for sucking the moisture out of our skin, leaving it tight, flaky, and anything but radiant.

Fear not! With the right hydration hacks, you can keep your skin plump, dewy, and happy all season long. Let’s dive into 11 practical tips to combat winter dryness and give your skin the love it deserves.

1. Switch to a Hydrating Cleanser

We know your skincare routine starts with cleaning. But in winter, you must switch your foaming or gel cleanser with a creamier, hydrating one - like ZO Skin Hydrating Cleanser. Regular or harsh cleaners can remove natural oils from your skin, worsening the dryness caused by winter. 

A hydrating cleanser gently removes dirt and makeup without harming your skin barrier. It typically comes with ingredients like glycerin, ceramides, and hyaluronic acid, which add moisture to your skin while cleansing.

2. Lock the Moisture in with Proper Layering

Your winter skincare routine is like layering clothes to stay safe from the cold, dry air. It should start with lightweight, water-based products and finish with richer, oil-based ones to lock the moisture in.

The process typically involves: 

  • Toner: Use a hydrating toner or essence to top up moisture immediately after cleansing.
  • Serum: Apply a serum rich in hyaluronic acid or Niacinamide for deep hydration.
  • Moisturizer: Seal it all in with a rich, nourishing moisturizer, such as Hydrinity Hydri-C Daily Vitamin C Moisturizer.

3. Invest in a Humidifier

Winter air is naturally dry, and indoor heating only makes it worse. A humidifier adds moisture into the air, which can work wonders for your skin. It keeps the air (and, by default, your skin) hydrated, preventing the tightness and flakiness that comes with low humidity. Install the humidifier in your bedroom and let it run overnight to get true skin benefits while you get some shut-eye.

4. Don’t Skip Sunscreen

Just because it’s cold doesn’t mean you can skip sunscreen. Winter sun exposure can still damage your skin and dry it out. Sunscreen protects your skin’s barrier and prevents moisture loss caused by UV damage.

Use a moisturizing sunscreen (at least SPF 30) with added hydrating ingredients like glycerin or squalane. If you are into winter sports and or spend more time outdoors, you might want to use SPF 50 or higher.

5. Drink Water, but Don't Rely on It Alone

Drinking water throughout the day is one of the best ways to keep your skin healthy. Studies recommend that women should drink at least 8 eight-ounce glasses and men 12 eight-ounce glasses of water a day to stay hydrated.

Fruits and winter staples like tea, coffee, and soups also can help you stay hydrated. However, your skin also needs topical hydration. So, complement your water intake with hydrating moisturizers, anti-aging serums, and mists like GlyMed Plus Skin Mist throughout the day for an instant refresh.

6. Boost Your Moisturizer with Facial Oils

Moisturizers play a critical role in keeping your skin supple during the cold season. However, your regular moisturizer might need a little help in the winter months. Adding a few drops of facial oil can provide an extra layer of protection against the cold. 

Facial oils help seal in moisture and protect your skin from harsh winter winds. They are especially beneficial for dry and combination skin. So, mix a couple of drops of oil (like rosehip, jojoba, or argan oil) into your moisturizer for an added hydration boost.

7. Use Overnight Masks

Nighttime is when your skin works its hardest to repair itself. Overnight masks are like a tall glass of water for your skin while you sleep. These masks are designed to lock in moisture for hours, allowing your skin to absorb hydrating ingredients deeply. However, look for masks with ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and peptides for maximum hydration benefits.

8. Switch to a Thicker Moisturizer

Your go-to moisturizer might work in other seasons but not in winter. Winter calls for something heavier, so use a thick, occlusive moisturizer to keep hydration in and harsh winter air out. 

Rich moisturizers contain emollients and occlusives that help repair and strengthen your skin barrier. Apply this moisturizer while your skin is still slightly damp to help it absorb better and lock in moisture.

9. Exfoliate Gently (But Don’t Overdo It)

Although it is important, overdoing exfoliation can damage your skin. However, since dry skin often comes with a buildup of dead skin cells, gentle exfoliation can help remove this layer. This, in turn, allows other hydrating products like moisturizers to penetrate your skin better. 

Use a mild exfoliant once or twice a week, like a lactic acid-based product or a gentle scrub with rounded particles. Avoid over-exfoliating, as this can strip your skin further, making it drier than ever.

10. Protect Your Lips

Don’t forget your lips while taking care of your skin. They are one of the first places to show signs of winter dryness. Chapped, peeling lips can be uncomfortable and hard to treat if ignored.

 Use lip balms with hydrating ingredients like shea butter, beeswax, or lanolin to protect your lips from moisture loss. Apply a thick layer of lip balm before bed for an overnight treatment. During the day, reapply it as often as needed, especially before heading outdoors.

11. Mind Your Diet

What you eat can have a big impact on your skin. Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants can help your skin retain moisture and combat winter dryness. Omega-3s support your skin barrier, while antioxidants fight free radicals that can damage your skin. So, include foods like salmon, walnuts, avocados, and leafy greens into your diet for a skin-friendly winter menu.

Final Thoughts 

Winter skincare is important but doesn’t have to be as complicated as you think. With these 11 hydration hacks, you can keep your skin plump, dewy, and glowing all season long. The key is to be consistent, choose hydrating products that work for your skin type, and adapt your routine to the colder months. 

Totality Skincare is here to help your skin give the winter nourishment it needs. Explore our best-selling products, including moisturizers, cleansers, mists, and hydration masks.

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