Y’all, I was born in January, but can we talk about how winter just comes in and tries to ruin everything? I mean, it’s already cold enough to freeze your edges off, and now we have to deal with dry skin, chapped lips, and all kinds of nonsense. But don’t worry, I’ve got you covered. Just because the weather outside is frightful doesn’t mean your beauty routine has to be.
I’m here to teach you how to keep your skin, hair, and overall glow on point even when the temperature drops. So, grab a cozy blanket, maybe a hot cocoa (or a spiked version if you’re feeling fancy, no judgment here lol), and let me tell you how you can perfect your winter beauty routine.
1. Moisturize Like Your Life Depends on It
First thing’s first: moisture is your BFF during the winter months. When that cold air hits, it sucks all the moisture out of your skin, leaving it dry, flaky, and just plain sad. And let’s be real, as women who are blessed to get older, regardless of racial background, we know our skin needs to stay hydrated to keep that glow popping.
So, what’s the solution? Level up your moisturizing game. Switch to a thicker, richer moisturizer that can handle the cold weather. Look for ingredients like shea butter, hyaluronic acid, and oils like jojoba or argan. These will lock in moisture and keep your skin feeling soft, supple, and glowing.
Pro tip: Don’t just stop at your face. Your whole body needs some love. After you shower, while your skin is still damp, slather on a good body butter or oil. Your skin will thank you!
2. Don’t Sleep on SPF—Yes, Even in Winter!
I know what you’re thinking: “Girl, the sun is barely out, do I really need SPF?” The answer is a resounding YES GIRL, you do! Just because it’s winter doesn’t mean those UV rays aren’t working overtime to mess up your skin barrier, we don’t have time for that, do we?
Sun protection is a year-round commitment, so make sure you’re applying a broad-spectrum SPF every single day. Look for a hydrating formula, so it doubles as an extra layer of moisture. For my melanin-rich girlies, if you’re worried about that dreaded white cast, don’t worry—there are plenty of SPF products made just for us that blend seamlessly into our skin without leaving a white cast.
Remember: Your future self will thank you for protecting your skin now. Nobody’s got time for premature aging or dark spots!
3. Exfoliate, But Be Gentle
Exfoliation is key to keeping your skin smooth and glowing, but in the winter months, you’ve got to be careful. The goal is to get rid of dead skin cells without stripping your skin of its moisture. So, let’s talk about how to exfoliate the right way.
First, switch to a gentler exfoliant. If you’ve been using something with large, rough granules, it’s time to retire that forever. Opt for a gentle scrub or a chemical exfoliant with ingredients like alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) and/or beta hydroxy acids (BHAs), or enzymes that can slough off dead skin without being too harsh.
However, here’s the kicker – don’t overdo it! In the winter, once or twice a week is enough to keep your skin fresh without irritating it. Pair your exfoliation routine with a nourishing mask afterward, and you’ll be sparkling like fresh snow on a wintery morning.
4. Drink Your Water and Mind Your Business
Let’s not forget that beauty starts from within. In the winter, it’s easy to forget to drink water because we’re not sweating as much, but your skin needs hydration just as much now—if not more. Dehydrated skin looks dull and feels tight, and we can’t have that…who wants to be dry, dull, and dehydrated?
Go ahead and grab that Stanley Cup that you paid way too much money for and make it as valuable as your phone! Aim for at least 8 glasses a day, and if plain water bores you, spice it up with some lemon, cucumber, berries, or even flavored electrolytes powder. Check out 6 Yummy Ways to Flavor Water for more ideas! Herbal teas are also a great way to stay hydrated and warm during the colder months.
Don’t sleep on your diet, either. As cliche as it sounds, eating water-rich foods like fruits and vegetables will help keep your skin hydrated and glowing. Avocados, nuts, seeds, and good oils (olive, avocado, and MCT oil) are also great for giving your skin the healthy fats it needs to stay soft and smooth.
5. Protect Your Crown
Now, let’s talk about hair care. I’ve only had the honor and privilege to have African-American hair (Type 4c), so that’s what this section is going to focus on. 🙂
Winter can be rough on our hair—dry air, harsh winds, and indoor heating can leave your strands brittle and prone to breakage. I’ve had to learn the hard way, so I’ve got some tips to keep your crown looking luscious all winter long.
First, switch to a heavier oil or butter to seal in moisture after you wash and condition your hair. Shea butter, castor oil, and jojoba oil are all great options. Protective styles are also your friend—think braids, twists, full sew-ins, or buns that keep your ends tucked away and safe from the elements.
Let’s not forget about your scalp. Dry, flaky scalp is a no-go, so make sure you’re giving it some love, too. Use a scalp oil or serum to keep it hydrated and healthy. Remember, silk or satin-lined hats are a must to protect your hair from friction and breakage, as well as silk pillowcases.
Related: 5 Ways to Manage the Winter Blues
Welp, there you have it, folks—five ways to perfect your winter beauty routine and keep your
glow on point all season long. Winter might try to come for us, but we’re not letting it dull our shine. With these tips, you’ll be glowing from head to toe, no matter how cold it gets outside!
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-Lena
The CGS Team
