As we get into these days of transitional weather (not quite winter, not quite spring), it’s helpful to change our skincare up a bit. The colder the air, the more moisture skin requires – even when the sun’s out. Ever put lotion on your legs before a day of spring skiing? You get out of your ski clothes later to find dry and scaly legs. Altitude plays a part, but colder weather can wreak havoc on our skin because it causes moisture to evaporate quicker.

Here are 6 super easy tips to get you through this transitional season.

1. Look at the labels of your skincare and body care. We want ingredients that hold onto water and lock in moisture – like Hyaluronic Acid (HA), Vitamin E, Coconut, Sunflower and Jojoba oils.

2. Try applying a replenishing serum onto a cleansed face (before cream) in the morning to feed skin antioxidants and HA for the day – like CeraVe Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Face Serum. This one is great for anyone with sensitive skin, which is almost all of us. During these transitional months, even the most “normal” skin can react more sensitively to the environment.  

3. Swap your oil-free facial lotion for more a potent cream and apply it over serum. Disclaimer: I love almost every product by Supergoop. Give me a minute and I’ll make you a brand-convert. The Superscreen Daily Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 40 is one of my favorites. It protects against the sun and blue light. Plus, it’s considered a clean beauty brand at Sephora. If you don’t love layering, mix your foundation and moisturizer, then blend them onto your face simultaneously. Or just try a good CC cream.

4. For dry hands and feet, look for ingredients that seal in moisture like Shea butter or even petroleum jelly. Thicker creams tend to form more of a protective barrier than thinner lotions. For dry cracked skin, slather some on and sleep with mittens or socks to create an overnight mask – like the Triple Cream Eczema Care & Severe Dry Skin.

5. Some people swear the secret to glowing skin is applying pure oils right out of the shower. The truth is, oils like Jojoba act as an excellent sealant but aren’t effective on their own. Skin needs nutrients first and then oil to lock it all in, so to speak. Usually I add a few drops of Jojoba oil to my body cream. But when I’m in a hurry (90% of the time), I opt for a formula with effective ingredients AND the oil to absorb them, like Gold Bond Restoring Lotion. This brand doesn’t get nearly enough love IMO. Big fan!

6. I won’t suggest a lip balm or mask, because I think they’re important (especially if you wear lipstick!) year-round. But my face sometimes feels oily when I’m using thicker creams – even though none of the above clog pores – so I tend to do quick at-home masks more often. Recently I tried a Purifying Peel-Off Charcoal Mask by Merle Norman that did wonders for my pores. Also, peel off masks are way more fun (or “satisfying” as my niece would say!) to take off.

xo