As we move into December, the holiday season is in full swing — along with the cold, dry air that comes with it. While the excitement of winter celebrations and cozy nights may be upon us, our skin requires some special care to keep up with the changing weather. In December, your skincare routine needs to adapt to the drop in temperature and humidity, as well as the potential for windburn and indoor heating.
If you’re wondering how to keep your skin hydrated, protected, and glowing through the chillier months, you’ve come to the right place! Here’s everything your skin needs this December to stay healthy and radiant.
1. Hydration is Key: Quench Your Skin’s Thirst
Winter weather is notorious for stripping moisture from your skin. The cold air outside and dry indoor heating can leave your skin feeling tight, flaky, and dull. In December, it’s essential to boost your skin’s hydration levels.
What to do:
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Switch to a richer, more hydrating moisturizer. Look for creams that contain hyaluronic acid, glycerin, or ceramides to lock in moisture.
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Consider adding a hydrating serum underneath your moisturizer for an extra boost of moisture.
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Use a humidifier indoors to help maintain humidity levels and prevent your skin from drying out.
Why it matters:
Hydrated skin is plump, smooth, and more resilient to the harsh effects of cold weather. Keeping your skin moisturized will also help to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, which can become more prominent when your skin is dry.
Product suggestions:
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Moisturizer: Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel (for oily skin) or CeraVe Moisturizing Cream (for dry skin)
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Serum: The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5
2. Swap to a Cream-Based Cleanser: Gentle and Nourishing
As the temperature drops, it’s time to swap out your gel-based cleansers for something more nourishing. Gel cleansers can sometimes strip your skin of its natural oils, leaving it feeling dry and tight. Opting for a cream-based cleanser will gently remove dirt and impurities while keeping your skin soft and hydrated.
What to do:
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Use a creamy, nourishing cleanser that won’t dry out your skin.
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Look for cleansers with added hydrating ingredients like aloe vera or coconut oil.
Why it matters:
In December, your skin needs all the moisture it can get. A cream-based cleanser helps cleanse your skin without causing dryness, ensuring that it remains hydrated and comfortable.
Product suggestions:
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Cream Cleanser: CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser
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Gentle Cleanser: Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser
3. Layer on SPF: Yes, Even in Winter!
It’s easy to forget about sunscreen when the sun is hiding behind clouds, but UV rays can still harm your skin even in winter. In fact, snow can reflect UV rays and increase exposure. To maintain healthy, protected skin, applying SPF every day — yes, even in December — is a must.
What to do:
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Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher every morning, even if you’re staying indoors.
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Choose a sunscreen that’s hydrating and suitable for your skin type. You can even find moisturizers that combine SPF for an all-in-one solution.
Why it matters:
UV exposure can cause premature aging, dark spots, and even skin cancer. Keeping your skin protected from UV rays, even in the winter, helps prevent long-term damage and keeps your skin looking youthful.
Product suggestions:
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SPF Moisturizer: La Roche-Posay Anthelios Melt-in Sunscreen Milk SPF 60
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Sunscreen: EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46
4. Incorporate Exfoliation (Gently): Revive Dull Skin
Exfoliating your skin is essential to remove dead skin cells that can make your complexion look dull and uneven. However, in colder months, it's important to avoid over-exfoliating, as it can irritate and dry out your skin. Instead, opt for gentle exfoliation to keep your skin glowing without disrupting its natural barrier.
What to do:
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Use a mild exfoliant with AHA (alpha hydroxy acids) or BHA (beta hydroxy acids) to gently slough off dead skin cells.
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Exfoliate 1-2 times per week, depending on your skin’s needs.
Why it matters:
Exfoliating helps to brighten your complexion and allows your hydrating products to penetrate more deeply. However, you want to ensure you’re using a gentle exfoliant to avoid damaging the skin barrier in harsh winter conditions.
Product suggestions:
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Exfoliating Mask: The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution
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Exfoliator: Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant
5. Don’t Skip Your Lips: Protect from Chapping
Cold weather often leads to dry, chapped lips, which can be uncomfortable and even painful. In December, make sure you’re caring for your lips as part of your daily skincare routine.
What to do:
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Use a nourishing lip balm with ingredients like shea butter, beeswax, or vitamin E to keep your lips hydrated and protected.
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For extra care, apply a thick layer of lip balm before bed to help restore moisture overnight.
Why it matters:
Your lips can get chapped easily in winter, but they can also become dry and cracked, which may lead to discomfort. Keep your lips smooth and soft with the right balm to avoid irritation.
Product suggestions:
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Lip Balm: Burt’s Bees Beeswax Lip Balm
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Hydrating Lip Mask: Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask
6. Go for Richer Body Moisturizers: Nourish Dry Skin
Just as your face needs extra hydration, your body does too. Winter air can leave your body’s skin feeling dry and flaky, especially on areas like elbows, knees, and legs.
What to do:
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Use thicker, richer body creams or oils that lock in moisture and soothe dry skin.
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Apply immediately after showering while your skin is still damp to lock in hydration.
Why it matters:
A rich moisturizer helps maintain the skin’s barrier, preventing the discomfort that comes from dry, tight skin. Your body will stay soft and hydrated, even when the temperature drops.
Product suggestions:
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Body Cream: CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion
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Body Oil: Neutrogena Body Oil Light Sesame Formula
7. Pamper Your Skin with a Hydrating Sheet Mask
A hydrating sheet mask is the perfect way to give your skin a boost of moisture and nourishment in the winter months. It’s a great way to treat your skin to some extra TLC when it feels dry or dull.
What to do:
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Use a hydrating sheet mask once a week to lock in moisture and restore your skin’s natural radiance.
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Leave the mask on for the recommended time and let your skin absorb all the nourishing ingredients.
Why it matters:
Sheet masks are a quick and easy way to hydrate your skin, giving it an instant glow. They’re especially helpful when your skin feels parched from the cold, dry air.
Product suggestions:
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Sheet Mask: Dr. Jart+ Ceramidin Facial Mask
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Hydrating Mask: Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Jelly Sheet Mask
Final Thoughts: Stay Glowing Through the Cold
With these winter skincare tips, your skin will stay hydrated, protected, and glowing through the cold December months. By adapting your routine to meet your skin’s changing needs, you can avoid common winter skin problems like dryness, irritation, and dullness. Don’t let the winter chill steal your glow—keep your skin nourished, smooth, and radiant all season long!
#WinterSkincare #GlowingSkin #HydratedSkin #DecemberGlow #ColdWeatherSkinCare #HealthySkin
