HOW TO PREPARE THE SKIN FOR WINTER

WINTER'S IMPACT ON THE SKIN

Winter brings cold, dry air and low humidity levels. These conditions strip the skin of its natural moisture and reduce sebum production, leading to dryness and flakiness. Harsh winds can also disrupt the skin barrier, leaving clients vulnerable to irritants, bacteria and water loss.

Indoor heating systems further exacerbate dryness by removing even more moisture from the air. The loss of moisture results in tight, uncomfortable, dull skin, and in some cases, can even lead to conditions like eczema or rosacea.

YOU HAVE THE POWER TO PROTECT YOUR CLIENT'S SKIN

These changes in skin physiology require a modified skincare routine to keep it hydrated, nourished and protected during the winter months. Fortunately, there are many tools and techniques you can use to help your clients achieve healthy winter skin.

GlyMed Plus has recently launched a new feature called My Product Recommendations to empower skincare professionals to personalize and seamlessly share digital “bundles” of GlyMed products with their clients. This feature allows professionals with a GlyMed Pro Account to curate specific skincare regimens for their clients and sell GlyMed products through their own REGEN Retail Store, earning a significant revenue share on every purchase.

As a skincare professional, you have the opportunity to combine your expertise with innovative strategies to truly make a difference for your clients. Here are some beginning winter skincare steps you can recommend to prepare their skin for cold weather.

HYDRATION STRATEGIES TO INTENSIFY MOISTURE

The first step in preparing the skin for winter is to amplify its moisture levels. Here are essential hydration strategies to incorporate into your client's skincare routine:

• Layer Hydration: Encourage clients to use hydrating products in a specific order, starting with the lightest consistency and ending with the thickest. This layering technique helps seal in moisture and provides long-lasting hydration.
• Switch to Richer Moisturizers: Suggest clients switch from lighter lotions to richer creams or facial oils that provide a protective barrier against the cold, dry air. Atraxi Peptide is the perfect choice for a daily moisturizer. It’s rich, concentrated formula softens fine lines and wrinkles while nourishing the skin for a healthy and glowing complexion.
• Incorporate Humectants & Occlusives: Humectants like Hyaluronic Acid and Glycerin attract moisture to the skin, while occlusives like Mineral Oil help lock it in. Encourage clients to incorporate products with these ingredients into their winter skincare routine for optimal hydration. Try our Barrier Repair Cream with Amino Acids, which uses essential lipids and ceramides to support the skin barrier, increase hydration and fight seasonal changes.
• Consider a Hydrating Facial: Recommend clients schedule a hydrating facial to give their skin an extra boost of moisture.

MAKE THE SWITCH TO GENTLE CLEANSING

Winter weather can be very harsh on the skin, and using abrasive or stripping cleansers will only exacerbate the dryness and sensitivity. Encourage clients to switch to gentle cleansers that are cream or oil-based, and avoid over-cleansing. 

Vitamin C Cleanser with antioxidants is the perfect choice to gently cleanse without stripping the skin of its natural oils. Advise clients to cleanse morning and night at the start of their routines with the recommended amount.

SHOULD YOU STILL EXFOLIATE AFTER SUMMER?

Yes, you should still exfoliate during the winter months, but with caution. Over-exfoliation can further weaken the skin barrier and lead to more dry, flaky and itchy skin. Instead, suggest gentle products like Beta Gel with 10% Glycolic Acid to lightly remove dead skin cells and brighten their complexion, or our Resurfacing Night Cream with 15% Glycolic Acid that will replenish moisture with hydrating ingredients while exfoliating.

Clients can also reduce the frequency of exfoliation to once a week during the winter or find dual-acting cleansers that provide cleansing and exfoliation in one product.

EXTRA WINTER SKINCARE TIPS & TRICKS

Hydration and gentler regimens are the most important aspects of winter skincare, but there are a few other tips and tricks you can recommend to clients to protect their skin from the harsh weather:

• Use SPF Even on Cloudy Days: UV rays can still penetrate through clouds, so it's essential to remind clients to use sunscreen even on cloudy days. Suggest a broad-spectrum sunscreen like Moisturizing Protection Cream with SPF 15 to combine hydration and sun protection in one step.
• Don't Forget About the Lips & Hands: These areas are often overlooked but easily susceptible to extreme dryness during the winter. Hydrating Lip Balm with Jojoba, Avocado and Sunflower Oil is the perfect addition to any winter skincare routine, along with our Hydrating Hand & Body Lotion for extra hydration.
• Provide Extra Barrier Strengthening & Support: For clients with very dry and sensitive skin, incorporate additional ceramides, fatty acids and Niacinamide into treatments. These ingredients help strengthen the skin barrier and improve its ability to retain moisture.

Recommend Lifestyle Changes: Encourage clients to drink plenty of water, keep their home humidified and avoid hot showers to prevent further moisture loss during the winter.

As a skincare professional, you can also offer specialized winter skincare treatments that incorporate hydrating masques, gentle exfoliators and barrier-strengthening ingredients to give clients the ultimate protection against the harsh winter weather. 

Winter isn’t the only season that requires skincare adjustments, but with the right strategies and products, you can help your clients maintain healthy skin year-round. Register as a GlyMed Professional to unlock access to advanced aesthetics courses and further your education on treating seasonal skin changes. With world-class treatment techniques and access to pharmaceutical-grade products, you can confidently provide your clients with the best winter skincare solutions.