Winter Skincare

Frigid winter temps and dry winds have you reaching into the depths of your winter wardrobe for protection, but what about your skin?! Your skincare routine also needs a switch up to save your face from the dehydration, tightness, and flaking that the winter elements bring. Here are some winter skincare tips we swear by to help you start the new year with a radiant glow.

Gentle cleansing is key
If you use a cleanser that’s too harsh, you risk damaging your skin barrier which can take weeks to months to rebuild. Your skin barrier is the outermost layer of skin that keeps moisture in and pollutants out. As a cautionary tale, I damaged my skin barrier and it took a month of no makeup and Vaseline slugging to repair. We recommend the Jao Creamed Rice Milk Face Bar as it only has 4 ingredients and is gentle enough even for the most sensitive skin.

Swap out your lotion for a face cream
All skin types, including oily, and especially dry, will want to level up their moisture game. Make sure to check the ingredients label and avoid creams that contain parabens (methyl, propyl, butyl, and ethyl) and synthetic fragrance that irritate the skin. Plum Oil, niacinamide, and squalane are some of the star ingredients found in Jao Phytoceramide Night Time/Anytime Face Créme, which makes it increase skin elasticity, balances the skin’s PH, and combats crepey skin. Apply your face cream immediately after cleansing for maximum absorption.

Seal the deal with a face oil
Once you’ve moisturized, you want to lock in hydration with a face oil. This will prevent water from evaporating from your skin, fortify your skin barrier, and prevent overproduction of sebum. Jao Brand Seed Face Oil is a great clean beauty option that’s formulated with 9 antioxidant seed oils to revitalize and plump the skin.

SPF – you know you need it
You’ve probably heard it from your dermatologist, esthetician, mom, and every celebrity skincare routine featured on Vogue, and we'll say it again – wear SPF everyday!!! That means in the winter, on cloudy days, and even if the UV index is only 1. SPF prevents skin cancer and is one of the most important steps in your routine for anti-aging. It encourages an even skin tone while slowing down wrinkles and fine lines from forming. Not all SPF is made equal, and we recommend opting for a mineral sunscreen as they’re great for sensitive skin, reef safe, and immediately deflect harmful UV rays. Jao Brand Day Tinted SPF 30 Face Créme is a great option that hydrates, protects, and gives some natural coverage.

Get a humidifier for so many reasons
This one is for your skin, you, and your SO. The winter season brings dry air that dehydrates your skin, spreads germs, and makes people congested (i.e. we all turn into mouth breathers). A humidifier will help prevent your skin drying out as you sleep and will literally help you breathe easy. It’s a skin and wellness investment that’s worth it.

Other winter skincare tips: drink more water, cut down on alcoholic drinks, yada yada yada…

By Caroline Homan