Winter is here! Many of us have taken out our sweaters from the back of our closet to keep us warm and snug. Depending on where you live and how cold and dry it gets during the winter months, it’s important to adjust your skincare routine for the cooler temperatures as well. Here are 3 easy tips to help you successfully transition to a colder weather skincare routine and keep that summer glow all winter long!

1. SPF is still important 

 Many people want to skimp on sunscreen use during the winter, but the simple fact is you shouldn’t. Skin-aging UVA rays are just as present in the colder, cloudier months—even in the shade, and even indoors. A 2013 study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine found that test subjects who used sunscreen daily decreased the speed of the skin’s aging process by 24% compared to the group that did not. Using a sunscreen product in your daily skincare regime is the easiest thing you can do to protect your skin. We recommend wearing sunscreen with a SPF of 30 to 50 all year round – even in the winter. 

2. Use a toner

If a toner isn’t already a part of your skincare routine, adding a toner in your daily or nightly routine can keep your skin hydrated during the winter. Toners can be thought of as a pre-moisturizer. It adds a base layer of hydration that keeps your skin soft. Toners can be effective at maintaining the skin’s pH balance, which is ideal for optimum skin health. There are a few ingredients that are great for all skin types when it comes to toners. Two ingredients we recommend looking for in a toner is Hyaluronic Acid or Vitamin C.  

3. Upgrade your moisturizer 

Colder temperatures deplete your skin’s moisture and leave it dry and dull. For several reasons, the cold season is often the worst time of the year for your complexion. Upgrading your facial cream to a thicker moisturizer during the winter months is key to keeping your skin hydrated. This also applies for your body care routine. Although hot showers keep you warm when it’s crisp, hot showers will dry out your skin and damage your skin’s moisture barrier. Keep your shower water warm and apply a thick body moisturizer or lotion immediately after you step out of the shower to lock moisture into your skin. Incorporate these 3 easy steps and you’ll keep that summer glow all winter long.