Photography by Marie H Rainville. Styling, Eliza Grossman. Hair and makeup, sabrina Rinaldi for P1M.ca. Hair and makeup assistant, Jenna Burrell. Manicure, Naomi Misu for p1M.ca. Fashion assistants, Ebony Goodridge and katie Goodfellow. Photography assistant, David Kerr. Model, Felicia for Spot 6.

We Have the Winter Beauty Tips You Need to Step out in the Cold With Confidence This Winter

In the summer months, staying hydrated is a no-brainer—we know it’s important. It’s just as critical to stay hydrated in the winter, especially when it comes to your skin. Outside, the air is cold and dry, and inside, our heaters absorb moisture from the air like succulents, beloved by millennials. To combat dry, flaky skin, it’s important that you invest a little more time in your morning and evening routines. From gentle scrubs to moisturizing masks, these tips and products will help your skin look as healthy in the winter as it does in the peak of summer.

How bathing and cold weather affects your skin

Bath time: Rub some coconut oil on your skin before you climb into a warm bath. You can also add a few drops of bath oil to prevent moisture loss.

Cool it: Be sure the water isn’t too hot, and reduce your shower or bath time to between five and seven minutes to avoid stripping natural oils from your skin. Gently pat yourself dry.

Moisturize: Hot water evaporates quickly, which may cause skin to crack. When that happens, nerves are exposed to air, which creates that “winter’s itch” sensation. Lock in post-bath hydration—and prevent cracking­­—with moisturizers.

Wait a sec: Wait 30 minutes after washing your face or bathing before heading outside. When you come in from the cold, splash your face with cold water as the sudden change in temperature can burst surface capillaries.

Why you need a humidifier in the winter months (and how to pick one)

As soon as you turn on the heater, the air completely dries out…and dries your skin along with it. Cool- and warm-mist humidifiers are both great options, but they each have their pros and cons. Cool-mist humidifiers are great because they require less electricity and don’t pose as many hazards, especially if they are being used around small children. A warm-mist humidifier requires barely any maintenance because the hot air fights off bacteria, so it’s considered much healthier. The added heat—especially if you don’t have a warm fire to sit in front of—takes the chill out of the room in the colder months.

But there are unexpected upsides of the cold weather

Cool climes aren’t all bad for your skin, though. Beauty perk #1: The colder temperatures can reduce inflammation and swelling and make your pores seem less visible. It’s kind of like a cryotherapy spa treatment—except it’s free. Beauty perk #2: You sleep better when it’s cooler, which leaves your skin looking more rejuvenated in the morning. When you’re sleep-deprived, your body pumps out more cortisol (a.k.a. the stress hormone). Cortisol can worsen inflammatory skin conditions like acne and psoriasis and also decreases your skin’s ability to produce skin-plumping collagen and hyaluronic acid. Beauty perk #3: Rosy cheeks. What’s not to love?

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