Cold air, warm radiators, and fluctuating temperatures can quickly make skin dry and sensitive. Liv Winther, former beauty editor and co-founder of To The Moon, Honey and HONEY, shares her best tips on how to maintain healthy, hydrated, and radiant skin – all winter long.
Which products can keep skin hydrated during winter?
"As the temperature drops, skin loses moisture faster. Therefore, it needs nourishing plant oils like apricot kernel, jojoba, and squalane, which provide elasticity and strengthen the skin barrier. I advocate for not needing to switch out your products just because the season changes and your skin has different needs than in summer. Instead, it's about sticking with the products and routine that work for you and adjusting the dosage and increasing the amount. Maybe you need to use a little more serum or cream than usual? Or perhaps add a few drops of face oil or body oil to your day cream or body lotion.
For example, with our Hydra Serum, we recommend using half to a full pump in the summer and then increasing to two pumps in the winter, especially if you have very dry skin. Hydra Serum supports the skin's own ability to hydrate and protect itself. The serum contains two types of hyaluronic acid and niacinamide, which strengthen the skin's own collagen production and soothe redness and hyperpigmentation, making it a great helper during the winter months."
What does cleansing mean for skin health?
"When we cleanse our skin, we naturally remove dirt, pollution, makeup, and dead skin cells that can appear as dry flakes on the skin. But it can also strip the skin of its natural lipid barrier and thus its own protection. I recommend using a soap-free cleanser that doesn't foam and instead opting for a sulfate-free cleansing milk that should be rinsed off with water. I recommend using a soap-free cleanser that doesn't foam and instead opting for a sulfate-free cleansing milk that should be rinsed off with water. I cleanse my skin every evening with HONEY Cleanser. I massage the creamy, gel-like cleanser into my skin and let it sit while I brush my teeth. The cleanser contains both magnesium and calcium, which soothe and strengthen the skin's barrier."
Which products should you use in winter?
"After cleansing, you've also removed some of the skin's natural barrier and lipids, so immediately afterward, we need to provide good nourishment and nurturing moisture. A serum is the ideal transition between cleanser and day cream, ensuring the skin gets an extra boost of moisture. It's also a great idea to take a few drops of the collagen-boosting Honey Face Oil directly into your cream and mix them in your hand before applying."
Should you exfoliate your skin?
"It's important to exfoliate and remove dead skin cells so the skin can absorb the care we provide it. Remember to be gentle when using scrubbing grains, also known as mechanical grains, which are good for removing dryness, but if you press hard, they can scratch the skin. So instead of pressing hard, spend a little more time with gentle pressure - just like when you brush your teeth.
In winter, our skin becomes drier, and dead skin cells accumulate in layers, preventing our products from penetrating properly. When skin becomes dry, dead skin cells build up and prevent products from penetrating. Use Exfoliating Hydra Mask 1-2 times a week to remove dryness and restore the skin's smooth, even surface. The fine apricot kernels gently exfoliate, while squalane and hyaluronic acid provide intense moisture. On days when time is short, you can mix Exfoliating Hydra Mask with HONEY Cleanser for a quick and gentle exfoliation."
Care for your skin – from the inside out
"A good skincare ritual starts from within. Fatty fish, nuts, seeds, and omega-3 help strengthen the skin from the inside. You can also supplement with collagen, zinc, and vitamin D – especially during the winter months when the skin needs extra support."
See all HONEY products here.