A few days ago, while walking through my city, I spotted a tiny Santa Claus in the window of a store and a couple of little elves decorating the shop window . Wait, what?! Is Christmas here already? I know we are still enjoying those autumn days with oversized sweaters and tall boots, but these decorations can only mean one thing: winter is right around the corner.
The first signs are already showing on our skin: that tight feeling after stepping outside, lips getting a bit more chapped each day, and the natural blush that appears on our cheeks (or should I say the Rudolph-the-red-nosed-reindeer-style redness).
Yes, Christmas might still be three months away, but we are already in winter's early arrival. And in our Christmas wish list we can say that all I want for Christmas is glowing skin all year round. So, before the real polar cold hits, it’s time to prep our skincare routine to keep our skin hydrated, radiant, and protected, no matter how low the temperatures drop. In this blog, we’ll take a brief tour of the ingredients and products that are best at fighting dryness and are our must-haves for the season.
The dream team of ingredients to survive winter
When temperatures drop and the air gets drier, our skin starts to suffer. And although we can adapt our skincare routine to avoid dryness, the key is to choose the right ingredients. Here I’m sharing a dream team of active ingredients that will help you keep your skin hydrated, strengthen the skin barrier, and avoid that scaly, dull feeling.
Hyaluronic acid
- Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a polysaccharide that naturally occurs in our skin. Did you know it has the ability to attract and retain water molecules, holding up to 1,000 times its weight? This makes it one of our favorite humectants to include in our routines.
- In cold, dry climates, HA acts by forming a film on the skin's surface that reduces transepidermal water loss (TEWL), keeping hydration locked in across all layers of the skin.
#JessBeautyTip: Use it in serums or creams to ensure deep and long-lasting hydration.
Panthenol
- Also known as dexpanthenol or provitamin B5.
- In winter, the skin barrier tends to weaken, leading to dryness and redness. Panthenol acts as a soothing agent for dry, rough, or irritated skin, enhancing the skin's regeneration process.
- This component is also widely used in haircare products.
Exfoliants (AHA, BHA, and PHA)
- Polyhydroxy acids (PHA) like gluconolactone and lactobionic acid are a gentler version of AHAs and BHAs. Due to their larger molecular structure, they penetrate more slowly into the skin, causing less irritation. They are perfect for winter because they gently remove dead skin cells that accumulate on the surface, improving texture without compromising the skin barrier. Additionally, PHAs have antioxidant and humectant properties, making them a must-have for sensitive and reactive skin.
-
PHAbulous Chemical Exfoliant is ideal for rescuing our skin during this season. This chemical exfoliant, formulated with gluconolactone, is perfect for gently removing dead skin buildup without causing irritation.
-
Plus, this product doesn't just stop at exfoliation. By combining PHA with macadamia seed oil, it enhances the skin's ability to retain moisture, providing continuous hydration throughout the day. Its antioxidant properties help protect the skin from environmental damage and premature aging. With regular use, you'll notice smoother skin texture, a more even tone, and a natural glow.
- We recommend not mixing it with products containing Vitamin C or retinol in the same routine and using SPF every morning after application.
Squalane
- Squalane is a plant-derived lipid, a moisturizing oil from olives. Unlike other oils, it has a lightweight, non-comedogenic texture—what does this mean? It won’t clog your pores and absorbs quickly without leaving a greasy residue. Its chemical structure, similar to that of human squalene, makes it an excellent emollient that calms and softens the skin without leaving a sticky feeling.
-
If you want to start your morning with a refreshing sensation on your face, Face Reset Cleanser could be your best wake-up call. This cleanser provides optimal hydration and a refreshing feeling thanks to squalane. Plus, its combination with coconut-derived ingredients allows water to mix with oil and dirt particles, providing a cleansing effect that doesn’t strip your skin’s natural oils.
Don’t forget before you leave: keys, wallet, cozy scarf, and your favorite moisturizer—bag goals!
Before rushing out of the house with your nose turning red from the cold, make sure to have C Bomb Vitamin C Moisturizer with you. This cream not only provides deep hydration but its high concentration of Vitamin C acts as a real boost for your skin, giving it that spring glow. Its antioxidant properties protect against damage from free radicals, minimizing the effects of weather and pollution. Plus, it evens out skin tone by reducing hyperpigmentation and adds luminosity, leaving your skin radiant and even.
The best part? It stimulates collagen production for firmer, more youthful-looking skin. Your winter must-have!
If you braved the cold to go to pilates or the gym— bonus points for you!
If you face the cold to go to the gym or pilates, you deserve an extra treat! Post-Workout Gel Mask is perfect for pampering yourself after all that effort. Formulated with green tea extract, it helps calm redness and reduce inflammation, leaving a fresh, relaxing feeling. Plus, it contains centella asiatica, which strengthens the skin barrier and accelerates cell regeneration, ideal for keeping skin in optimal condition after exercise.
Jess Beauty tips for winter
✓ MORE hydration
✓ MORE sun protection
✓ MORE exfoliation with PHA
✓ MORE nourishing masks
So, when the icy wind hits your face, don't worry! These selected ingredients and products will be by your side to fight the below-zero temperatures. Because cold weather may come and go, but the glow you achieve with these care tips lasts all year round.
