Winter-Proof Your Skin: Expert Tips for Radiance

At AlumierMD, we know that winter presents unique challenges for your skin. From the drying effects of indoor heating to biting cold winds, these environmental factors can wreak havoc on your complexion. With our clinically backed formulas and personalized guidance from our skincare professionals, you can protect and nurture your skin for a radiant, healthy glow all season long. This guide busts winter skincare myths and addresses your most common seasonal concerns using expert insights from AlumierMD’s Head of Education - North America, Jessica Cooper. Read on to learn how to keep your skin resilient & radiant all winter long.

Winter Skin Myths, Busted!

Myth #1: You Don’t Need Sunscreen in Winter

Sunscreen is crucial 365 days a year because UV rays can penetrate clouds, pass through glass and reflect off snow. So, when you’re on the slopes or relaxing in a sunny nook, your skin is still vulnerable to harmful radiation from the sun. “This is especially important with increased professional treatments, including peels, which can make the skin more sensitive to sun exposure,” says Jessica Cooper. (Click here for the full line of award-winning AlumierMD sunscreens.)

Myth #2: Exfoliation Is Unnecessary in Winter

Exfoliation is important in winter to avoid the buildup of dead skin cells. “Exfoliation is like a daily cup of coffee for your skin, keeping it energized and functioning at its best. When we’re young, our skin naturally turns over cells quickly, maintaining hydration, a healthy barrier, and an even tone. As we age, this process slows down, leading to dryness, sensitivity, discolouration, and accelerated aging. Daily exfoliation reminds your skin to do its job, promoting cell turnover and revealing a radiant, youthful complexion. Chemical exfoliants, like AlumierMD’s Bright & Clear Solution, gently loosen bonds between dead cells which allows them to move up to the surface so they can shed, making it mild enough for twice-daily use. On the other hand, physical exfoliants, like Microderm Polish, manually slough off dead cells and can be incorporated into your routine a few times a week. For an extra boost, professional chemical peels can enhance these results, taking your glow to the finish line!” says Jessica Cooper.

Myth #3: Oily Skin Doesn’t Need Moisturizer

It’s a common misconception that oily skin does not need moisturizer. Hydration is vital for it to stay balanced, and without enough moisture, the skin may produce even more oil to compensate. “A lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturizer, like Hydraclarité, helps maintain hydration without clogging pores, keeping excess shine in check and your skin healthy,” suggests AlumierMD’s Head of Education - North America, Jessica Cooper.

Myth #4: Hot Showers Are Good On Skin

Hot water can be detrimental to the skin because it strips the skin of natural oils, leading to dryness and compromising the skin’s barrier function. “Consider taking lukewarm showers to maintain skin moisture during the winter,” says Jessica Cooper.

Radiance Reducers — and How to Beat Them!

Dryness, sensitivity and dullness are the three most common skin concerns people face each winter. Here’s how to overcome them:

Concern 1: Dryness

“Skin can be seasonal! As temperatures drop and humidity fluctuates, it’s essential to adjust your routine with products that deeply hydrate while respecting the skin barrier. The sting you often feel during winter is typically a sign of a disrupted barrier, which can lead to dehydration, sensitivities, and free-radical damage. To combat this, look for ingredients like sodium hyaluronate (a form of hyaluronic acid), which draws moisture into the outer layers of the skin, low molecular weight sodium hyaluronate (hyaluronic acid) and moisturizing niacinamide (vitamin B3). Your skin will drink it up—and thank you for it! After cleansing and exfoliating, apply your products thinnest to thickest,” says Cooper. “Start with serums: lighter formulas have lower molecular weight and penetrate deeper.”

Hydration Skincare Heroes:

Aqua Infusion Mask rejuvenates and replenishes, enhancing the skin’s natural barrier function, instantly relieving dryness, and leaving skin radiant, supple and soft. Apply after cleansing for 5-10 minutes.

Ultimate Boost Serum restores your skin's natural moisture barrier, leaving you with a luminous complexion while also smooths fine lines and wrinkles.

HydraRich is an ultra-rich moisturizer that draws moisture into your skin, leaving it nourished and balanced.

Concern 2: Sensitivity

When skin is exposed to temperature fluctuations and decreased humidity, moisture loss can lead to skin sensitivity. Think: cracking, flaking and redness (eek!). Choose gentle products to calm, reduce redness and restore your skin’s barrier function. “You can also benefit from staying well-hydrated and incorporating humidifiers into living spaces,” advises Cooper.

Calming Skincare Heroes:

SensiCalm is a gentle, pH-balanced cleanser that hydrates and calms sensitive and redness-prone skin.

Calm-R® is a clinically proven formula that visibly reduces redness and irritation, suitable for redness-prone and sensitive skin types.

HydraCalm is a rich, skin-strengthening moisturizer for sensitive, redness-prone skin that soothes while delivering intense moisture.

Concern 3: Dullness

Out with the old, in with the radiant. “Massive benefits come from daily exfoliation,” says Cooper. Sloughing off old skin cells rejuvenates your complexion and helps your skincare penetrate deeper into the skin, improving moisture retention, which is vital during the dry winter. Consult your skincare professional for personalized expert guidance before adding an exfoliator to your routine — they can help you determine the right exfoliators and frequency of use for best results.

Winter Skincare Heroes:

Bright & Clear Solution smoothes and revitalizes your complexion, providing natural balance and cell renewal. Infused with Lactic Acid, Salicylic Acid, and one of the richest sources of Vitamin C, this formula encourages cell turnover and deeply exfoliates in and around the pores and the skin's surface, leaving your skin brighter, clearer, and ultra-smooth.

MicroDerm Polish is an invigorating mechanical exfoliant that actively resurfaces the skin, promoting balanced moisture levels, revitalizing the skin to minimize signs of aging and improving the look of discolouration. “It can also be added to your cleanser until your skin adjusts,” says Jessica Cooper.

Enzymatic Peel is a transformative at-home peel that exfoliates and promotes skin renewal while reducing the signs of aging.

The Winter Wonder Treatment

“Professional chemical peels can boost you to the finish line,” says Cooper, and winter is the perfect time since the skin is more sensitive to UV rays immediately following a treatment. Decreased heat and humidity also make the skin more tolerant, so you get maximum results with minimum recovery. “The cooler temperatures outside feel lovely post-treatment (it can sting a bit on hot or humid days),” explains Jessica Cooper. Plus, getting your glow on in winter is an investment in your skin’s resilience and radiance year-round.

Winter skin, meet your match! Achieve your best winter glow with AlumierMD’s at-home essentials. Pair them with a professional peel treatment for skin that’s radiant and refreshed through the season.