The Ultimate Guide to Adapting Your Skincare for Cooler Weather

As the temperatures drop and the crisp air settles in, our skin starts to feel the effects of the change in weather. You might notice dryness, irritation, or a lack of that radiant glow that summer naturally brings. Cooler weather can zap the moisture right out of your skin, leaving it dull and more vulnerable to damage. Adapting your skincare routine to suit these changes is crucial to maintaining a healthy, vibrant complexion. Here’s how you can make a smooth transition into fall and winter, and give your skin the nourishment it needs during this time.

Hydration, Hydration, Hydration

During the colder months, one of the main skin concerns is dehydration. The drop in humidity, combined with indoor heating, can strip your skin of its natural moisture, leading to tightness and dryness. Hydrating your skin from within and out should be your number one priority.

Switch to a hydrating essence: A lightweight, hydrating essence is the perfect addition to your cooler weather routine, helping to restore moisture levels while prepping your skin for the layers to come. Our Balance & Rehydrate Beauty Essence is designed for just this. It’s packed with Swedish fermented oat extract and Arctic lingonberry to deeply hydrate, strengthen the skin barrier, and support your skin’s microbiome.

If your skin is feeling particularly tight, don’t be afraid to layer this essence. Pat it in gently, wait for it to absorb, and repeat the process. Think of it as giving your skin little sips of water to keep it hydrated all day.

Read more hydration hacks for winter skin here.

Focus on Barrier Repair

Cold weather can weaken your skin’s barrier, making it more susceptible to environmental damage. Your skin barrier acts like a shield, locking in moisture and keeping irritants out. A compromised barrier can lead to redness, irritation, and increased sensitivity. Now’s the time to strengthen and protect it.

Introduce a gentle, barrier-supporting cleanser: Using harsh cleansers in the colder months can strip your skin of essential oils, further weakening the barrier. Opt for a cleanser that cleanses without stripping, like the Smooth Oil to Milk Cleanser. This cleanser is formulated to dissolve impurities and makeup while nourishing the skin with hydrating oils, ensuring that your skin feels soft and moisturized after cleansing.

Avoid using hot water when cleansing in the cooler months, as it can dehydrate your skin further. Lukewarm water is your best friend during fall and winter.

Seal in Moisture with Face Oils

As temperatures drop, water-based moisturisers may not be enough to keep your skin hydrated. Enter face oils. They act as a sealing layer that locks in hydration and protects your skin from moisture loss.

Incorporate a revitalizing face oil: Our Glow & Revitalize Oil Serum is a powerhouse for this time of year. Formulated with a blend of Nordic botanical oils, it not only provides deep nourishment but also helps fade signs of premature aging. It’s ideal for hormonal or tired skin that needs extra support. A few drops patted onto damp skin will give you that lit-from-within glow, even when the weather outside is less than radiant.

Face oils work especially well when applied over your moisturiser to help seal in all the hydrating layers underneath. Massage the oil gently into your skin using upward motions, and let it soak in fully before heading out into the cold.

Nourish and Protect with a Multipurpose Balm

As the weather turns colder, our skin needs more protection from the harsh elements and an added layer of nourishment. Balms are an incredible way to do this. They not only hydrate but also form a protective barrier that seals in moisture, helping to prevent water loss and further irritation from cold winds and dry indoor air.

Introduce a multipurpose balm into your routine: Balms are incredibly versatile and can be used on your face, lips, and any dry patches of skin that need extra love. Our multipurpose balm The Balm is perfect for this! Rich in nourishing botanicals and protective waxes, it strengthens the skin’s barrier while providing deep hydration. Apply a thin layer after your moisturiser or face oil, focusing on areas that feel particularly dry, like your cheeks and around your nose.

Balms are great for night-time use, allowing your skin to absorb the nourishing ingredients while you sleep, but they can also be used during the day, especially if you’re spending a lot of time outdoors in harsh weather. They’re particularly effective at keeping your skin soft, supple, and protected from the drying effects of cold air and wind.

Boost Circulation with Facial Massage

A facial massage is one of the best ways to give your skin a radiant boost in the colder months. Massage promotes circulation, which helps bring oxygen and nutrients to your skin cells, giving you a natural glow.

Use Gua Sha to enhance your routine: Adding a gua sha ritual to your routine not only boosts circulation but also aids in lymphatic drainage, which helps reduce puffiness and increase product absorption. For an added benefit, apply a few drops of the Glow & Revitalize Oil Serum before using your gua sha tool to ensure a smooth glide. Gua sha can also help relieve facial tension, making it the perfect self-care ritual for colder, more stressful months.

The technique is simple: gently scrape the gua sha tool along your face in upward and outward strokes, focusing on areas that feel tense or puffy. Not only will it lift and tone, but it will also leave your skin feeling rejuvenated.

Show Your Lips Some Love

Your lips are especially prone to dryness and chapping in cooler weather, so don’t forget to give them some extra attention.

Keep them hydrated and protected: The Balm works wonders on dry, chapped lips. Apply The Balm throughout the day. If you are feeling crafty, dry this DIY Lip Scrub that will make your lips smooth and soft.

Adapting your skincare routine to the cooler weather doesn’t need to be complicated. Focus on hydration, strengthen your skin barrier, and make a few strategic swaps to your product line-up, and your skin will stay radiant, nourished, and glowing through the fall and winter months. After all, healthy, happy skin doesn’t require a complicated routine—it just needs the right ingredients and a little extra care when the weather turns cold.

Sending love,

Jenny, the founder of Jenny Nordic Skincare

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