Skincare for Freezing & Optimal Weather

Although humidity is relatively balanced, freezing temperatures and wind can still place considerable stress on exposed skin. The cheeks, lips and sides of the nose may become dry while the rest of the face remains fairly normal. Use hydrating serum followed by a nourishing moisturising cream and targeted balm on wind-exposed areas. Gentle cream cleansing and lukewarm water help avoid unnecessary stripping. Use broad-spectrum sunscreen during long outdoor days, especially around snow. Hair may become slightly dry, static-prone and wind-tangled. Use conditioner consistently, apply a small amount of leave-in cream or serum and cover hair during strong wind. Avoid going outdoors for extended periods with wet hair.

Maintain, Nourish and Shield

Humidity between 40% and 60% is generally more balanced than extremely humid or dry air. However, temperatures below 4°C can still place stress on exposed skin. During four to five hours outdoors, cold wind, snow, physical activity and limited water intake may gradually leave the face feeling tight or uncomfortable.

The skin may remain relatively balanced at first, but the cheeks, lips and area around the eyes can become dry as the day continues. Moving into heated buildings may create an additional change in temperature and humidity. Research reviews indicate that cold temperatures and low-humidity winter conditions can affect skin-barrier function, while indoor heating can contribute to moisture loss.

What may happen to your skin:

• Generally balanced hydration at first: Moderate humidity may prevent the immediate dryness associated with arid climates.
• Cold-related tightness: Exposed cheeks, lips and the sides of the nose may become uncomfortable.
• Wind-related roughness: Persistent airflow may make the skin feel less smooth or flexible.
• Dryness after going indoors: Heating may make the contrast between outdoor and indoor conditions more noticeable.
• Underestimated ultraviolet exposure: Snowy or bright conditions may expose the face to direct and reflected ultraviolet radiation.

The right approach:

The priority is to preserve the skin’s balance while adding sufficient nourishment and protection. Choose:

• A hydrating serum containing glycerin, hyaluronic acid, panthenol or beta-glucan
• A comfortable moisturising cream containing ceramides, squalane or fatty acids
• A richer balm used selectively on the lips and wind-exposed areas
• A gentle cream or low-foaming cleanser used with lukewarm water
• Broad-spectrum sunscreen with a moisturising lotion or cream texture
• Protective clothing and regular water intake throughout outdoor activities

Apply serum while the skin is slightly damp and follow promptly with moisturising cream. Avoid repeatedly washing the face after returning indoors, as frequent cleansing and hot water may increase discomfort. The ideal mantra for this weather is: Maintain, Nourish and Shield. Balanced humidity helps, but it cannot fully protect the skin from freezing temperatures, wind, snow and heated indoor environments.

Skincare Ideal for These Climates and Countries

Winter / cooler months:

• December-February: Calgary, Canada; Edmonton, Canada; Denver, USA; Salt Lake City, USA; Boise, USA; Spokane, USA; Beijing, China; Seoul, South Korea; Urumqi, China; Almaty, Kazakhstan; Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan; Cappadocia (Göreme), Türkiye
• December-March: Ottawa, Canada
• January: Tashkent, Uzbekistan
• January-February: Yerevan, Armenia; Ankara, Türkiye; Sofia, Bulgaria; Bucharest, Romania; Budapest, Hungary; Prague, Czechia; Warsaw, Poland; Kraków, Poland; Munich, Germany; Zurich, Switzerland; Geneva, Switzerland
• November-March: Harbin, China; Astana, Kazakhstan; Winnipeg, Canada; Regina, Canada; Saskatoon, Canada