5 Skincare Secret Weapons for Getting Through Winter

Picture Credit: Stephanie Williams Photography

Winter is a tough season for skin—harsh winds and cold, dry air are not the ideal conditions for getting that glowy, fresh-faced look. The ultimate winter wishlist definitely doesn’t include chapped lips and flaky skin. The good news is that there are several steps you can take to ensure that the only flakes you’ll be dealing with this winter are snowflakes. From basics, like bumping up the thickness of your moisturizer, to more complex tips, we’ve got you—and your skin—covered.

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Say goodbye to ultra-light summer moisturizers and look for a product that is a bit more indulgent. Rich, luxurious textures and the power to draw and lock in moisture are crucial elements for an upgraded winter moisturizer. As the name suggests, this moisturizer is packed with protein to nourish your skin, but remains light enough to not clog your pores—score.

Drunk Elephant Protini Polypeptide Cream, $68; Sephora.com

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Luscious lips are a must-have for the holiday season, especially if you’re meeting anyone under the mistletoe. Dramatic, red lipstick is a go-to for many parties during this season, but they can be majorly dehydrating to your lips. Most people have a go-to lip balm, but the true secret to having well-hydrated lips all winter long lies in wearing a lip moisturizer underneath the balm.

Jo Malone Vitamin E Lip Conditioner, $32; Bloomingdales.com

Sometimes a moisturizer + balm combination just isn’t enough for cracked, dry lips. If this sounds familiar, try adding a lip mask to your nighttime routine. At first, a lip sleeping mask seems way too extra, but after one night of use and waking up with lips that are softer than you ever imagined, you will never look back.

Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask, $20; Laneige.com

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Exfoliating is important during both summer and winter to promote the turnover of skin cells and slough off dry skin. It is possible to over-exfoliate, however, and can be easy to do so when your skin is already chapped from blustery winter winds. Add a moisture mask to your routine right after you exfoliate to make your skin extra supple.

Summer Fridays Jet Lag Mask, $48; Sephora.com

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Going outside with wet hair in the winter is a major no-no, but so is going outside with wet skin. After that last spritz of makeup setting spray or facial mist, make sure it has completely dried before venturing out into any freezing temperatures. If wet, the particles can expand and freeze in your pores, which leads to them getting larger or even tearing.

Tatcha Luminous Dewy Skin Mist, $48; Sephora.com