Winter presents unique challenges for mature skin, but with the right approach, you can maintain a healthy, radiant complexion throughout the season. This comprehensive guide explores the science behind winter skin challenges and provides practical solutions specifically tailored for mature skin.

Understanding the Science of Winter Skin

The combination of aging and harsh winter conditions creates distinctive challenges for mature skin. As we age, our skin naturally produces less collagen and elastin, making it more susceptible to environmental stressors. Winter's low humidity and cold temperatures can exacerbate these effects, leading to increased dryness, sensitivity, and visible signs of aging.

Light and Skin Health: A Hidden Connection

Winter's shorter days affect skin health more profoundly than many realize. Reduced sunlight exposure disrupts several crucial biological processes:

• Vitamin D synthesis decreases significantly during winter months, affecting the skin's ability to repair and regenerate. This vitamin plays a vital role in maintaining healthy skin barrier function and supporting collagen production. Without adequate levels, skin may become more prone to damage and show accelerated signs of aging.

• Melatonin production, which regulates our circadian rhythm, becomes disrupted. This hormone serves as a powerful antioxidant, protecting skin cells from environmental damage. When production decreases during winter months, skin becomes more vulnerable to oxidative stress.

The True Impact of Indoor Heating

While indoor heating provides comfort from the cold, it creates an artificially dry environment that can be particularly harsh on mature skin. This low-humidity environment increases transepidermal water loss (TEWL). Think of TEWL as your skin's moisture escape route. In winter, it's like having multiple tiny leaks in a water pipe, causing constant moisture drainage and leading to:

• More pronounced fine lines and wrinkles.
• Compromised skin barrier function.
• Increased sensitivity and irritation.
• Potential exacerbation of existing skin conditions like rosacea and eczema.

Essential Winter Skincare Strategies

1. Cleansing Without Compromise

The foundation of winter skincare begins with proper cleansing practices. For mature skin, implementing specific protocols for both daily skincare and showering helps maintain optimal skin health during harsh winter conditions.

Facial Cleansing Protocol

Selecting appropriate cleansers forms the cornerstone of effective winter skincare. Cream or oil-based formulations prove particularly beneficial during winter months, as they effectively remove impurities while preserving the skin's natural moisture barrier. Look for products containing nourishing ingredients such as jojoba oil, marula oil, or phytoceramides.

Limit cleansing to twice daily to prevent over-washing and stripping the skin of its natural moisturizing factors. Use lukewarm water, as excessive heat can strip essential oils from the skin. After cleansing, apply a hydrating essence while the skin is still damp, followed by a nutrient-rich occlusive serum to lock in moisture.

Shower Protocol for Skin Protection

Hot water exposure during showering presents a significant challenge during winter months, as it can increase trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL). Applying a thin layer of jojoba oil (or a similar gentle, non-comedogenic oil) before showering creates a protective barrier that helps retain moisture during bathing.

2. Layer Skincare for Maximum Hydration

Mature skin requires a sophisticated approach to hydration, especially during winter:

• First Layer: Begin with a hydrating treatment mist containing humectants like hyaluronic acid, aloe, and glycerin. Apply to slightly damp skin to maximize absorption.

• Second Layer: Follow with a concentrated micro-serum or essence containing multiple molecular weights of hyaluronic acid to ensure hydration reaches different layers of the skin.

• Final Layer: Seal in moisture with a rich oil serum or balm containing both emollient and occlusive ingredients. Look for products with phytoceramides, peptides, and nourishing whole-plant oils to restore the skin's natural protective barrier and prevent moisture from escaping.

For an in-depth winter skincare layering strategy check out our post on How to Layer Your Skincare for Radiant Winter Skin.

3. Additional Barrier Protection Strategies

Create a comprehensive strategy to protect against environmental stressors in your home:

• Use a humidifier in your bedroom and office to maintain optimal dermal humidity levels (40-60%).

• Limit blue light exposure from electronic devices, as it increases reactive oxygen species (ROS) that contribute to premature skin aging. If you must work in front of a screen for long periods, consider blue light glasses and wear sunscreen for additional protection.

• Always apply a non-toxic broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher, even indoors and on cloudy days. Look for formulations containing additional antioxidants like vitamin C or niacinamide.

Advanced Treatment Protocols

Daily Winter Skincare Regime

Morning Routine (Daily):

• Gentle cleanse (pH-balanced cleanser, gel, or oil).
• Hydrating facial essence or toner.
• Antioxidant serum (wait 60 seconds).
• Moisturizer or occlusive balm.
• SPF 30+ (essential even in winter).

Evening Routine (Daily):

• Double cleanse if wearing makeup.
• Treatment serum.
• Rich moisturizer.
• Five-minute facial massage during moisturizer application.
• Additional occlusive layer in extremely dry conditions.

Weekly Treatments

• Gentle Exfoliation: Once weekly, use a mild chemical exfoliant containing lactic acid or PHAs (polyhydroxy acids) to remove dead skin cells without irritation.
• Hydrating Masks: Twice weekly, apply a nourishing mask containing ingredients like Manuka honey, whole-plant oils, or hyaluronic acid to deeply hydrate and plump the skin.

Monthly Treatments

• Red Light Therapy: Stimulates collagen production and reduces inflammation.
• Gentle Facial Massages: Improves circulation and lymphatic drainage to support cellular repair.

Troubleshooting Common Winter Skin Issues

Persistent Dry Patches

• Immediately discontinue exfoliating products.
• Apply phytoceramide-rich serum every 4-6 hours.
• Use a facial essence or mist under serum and an occlusive balm at night.

Redness and Sensitivity

• Incorporate products with arnica montana or bearberry extract to calm skin.
• Maintain skin temperature stability and apply targeted anti-inflammatory treatments.

Flaking and Peeling

• Increase healthy fat intake through diet.
• Apply facial oil serum before moisturizer.
• Use overnight moisture masks twice weekly.

Lifestyle Factors for Optimal Results

Internal Hydration

• Drink adequate water (aim for 8-10 glasses daily).
• Consume hydrating foods like bone broth, seasonal squash, and leafy greens.
• Include omega-3-rich foods like salmon, walnuts, and flaxseeds in your diet.

Stress Management

• Practice regular meditation or deep breathing exercises.
• Maintain a consistent sleep schedule.
• Engage in gentle exercise appropriate for your fitness level.

When to Seek Professional Help

Consult a dermatologist if you experience:

• Persistent dryness or irritation that doesn't respond to home care.
• Unusual skin changes or new sensitivities.
• Signs of infection or severe inflammation.
• Significant changes in skin texture or appearance.

Winter skincare for mature skin requires a thoughtful, holistic approach. By understanding the science behind seasonal skin changes and implementing these targeted strategies, you can maintain healthy, radiant skin throughout the winter months. Consistency is your greatest skincare ally—give your skin time, patience, and care.

Beyond this guide, remember that your skin tells a story. Winter is not just a season to survive, but an opportunity to nurture and understand your unique skin journey.

References:

• [1] Zhang, et al. (2023) "Winter Skin Barrier Function in Mature Skin," Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 134(6), 1649-1657.

• [2] Richardson, M., et al. (2023) "The Role of Ceramides in Skin Barrier Function," International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 45(3), 245-253.

• [3] Yamamoto, K., et al. (2024) "Impact of Environmental Factors on Mature Skin," Clinical Dermatology Review, 42(1), 12-24.

• Journal of Dermatological Science (2022): Comprehensive review of age-related skin changes

• International Journal of Cosmetic Science: Humidity's impact on mature skin barrier function

How Facial Mists Can Help

Facial mists go beyond a refreshing spritz—they’re a versatile skincare staple that can transform how your skin looks and feels. Here’s why they’re a winter essential:

1. Instant Hydration

When your skin starts to feel parched, a facial mist delivers an immediate surge of moisture. This is especially useful on cold, dry days or when you’re on the go.

2. Replenishes Dry, Flaky Skin

Dryness and flakiness are common in winter, but hydrating facial mists can help restore your skin’s moisture levels. They work wonders when layered with other products to lock in hydration and keep skin smooth and supple.

3. Comforts Reactive, Sensitive Skin

Winter skin often becomes more reactive, but a soothing facial mist—like our Neroli Hydrasoothe Treatment Mist—can help calm redness and irritation. Ingredients such as neroli, aloe vera, and chamomile provide instant relief for angry, stressed skin.

4. Refreshes Makeup

Makeup tends to crack and settle into dry patches when skin is dehydrated. A quick spritz of facial mist not only revives your makeup but also enhances its longevity, leaving you with a dewy, fresh-faced look.

5. Preps Skin for Maximum Absorption

Hydrating mists help prepare your skin to absorb serums, essences, and moisturizers more effectively. Applying mist before these steps creates a hydrated base, ensuring your products penetrate more deeply for optimal results.

For the ultimate winter skincare indulgence, try layering our Neroli Hydrasoothe Treatment Mist with Aspen Dew Illuminating Essence and The Alpine Phytonutrient Serum or Purist Delicate Skin Serum. Together, these products create a comforting ritual designed to restore balance, vitality, and radiance to winter-stressed skin.

Crafting a Holistic Winter Skincare Ritual

To keep your skin healthy and luminous all winter, adopt this easy yet luxurious routine:

Step 1: Gentle Cleansing

Start with a gentle, hydrating oil cleanser to remove impurities without stripping the skin. Choose a formula that nourishes while maintaining your skin’s natural oils.

Step 2: First Mist

Spritz your face with Neroli Hydrasoothe Treatment Mist. This step balances your skin’s pH, refreshes, and preps it for the next steps in your skincare routine.

Step 3: Essence

Apply Aspen Dew Illuminating Essence to brighten, firm, and deeply hydrate your skin. An essence provides a layer of nourishment that enhances the benefits of subsequent products.

Step 4: Serum

Massage a few drops of The Alpine Phytonutrient Serum or Purist Delicate Skin Serum into your skin. These serums address specific concerns such as dryness, fine lines, and dullness while delivering long-lasting hydration.

Step 5: Final Mist

Seal in all the benefits with another spritz of facial mist. This final step helps set your makeup, lock in hydration, and protect your skin throughout the day.

PRO TIP: Look for facial mists containing hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid, aloe vera, and fresh botanical extracts like aspen bark. These ingredients work together to nourish, soothe, and refresh your skin.

What to Look for in a Winter Facial Mist

Not all facial mists are created equal. When selecting one, look for key ingredients that address hydration, soothing, and nourishment:

• Hyaluronic Acid: A hydration powerhouse that attracts and retains moisture.
• Aloe Vera: Calms and soothes irritation while providing lightweight hydration.
• Botanical Extracts: Ingredients like neroli, chamomile, or aspen bark provide antioxidant benefits and help reduce redness and sensitivity. 

Have you ever wondered how to maximize the results of your skincare routine, especially during the challenging winter months when dry, reactive skin and fine lines become more pronounced? Layering products, starting with a well-formulated essence, can significantly enhance their effectiveness and create a truly radiant complexion.

Why layering is a winter skincare must

Think of your skin like a well-tended garden. There's the topsoil, where seeds are planted, but beneath that are layers of earth that retain moisture and deliver nutrients to the roots. Each layer plays a crucial role in the garden's overall health. This principle applies directly to your skincare routine.

Our Aspen Dew Illuminating Essence is like creating that vital first layer of moisture-rich soil. Formulated with micro-molecular hyaluronic acid, soothing aloe, plant-derived ceramides, and other powerful botanicals, it not only moisturizes the skin’s surface but also actively delivers deep hydration to parched skin, creating a plump, healthy foundation and optimizing your skin to receive the full benefits of subsequent products.

This perfectly hydrated base allows subsequent products, like our  Alpine Phytonutrient Serum, to penetrate deeply, delivering their benefits to all layers of the skin, just as nutrients travel through the soil to the plant’s roots. Without this foundational hydration, even the best serums can only nourish the surface.

Struggling with dry, painful winter skin? See how our two-step ritual helped one customer find relief:

"I’m amazed at my skin during this frigid weather! My skin never hurts anymore. In the past, I have hydrated to the max, “moisturized” and supplemented my body during the winter but still had that “winter face feeling.”

TellurideGlow’s Winter Two-Step Ritual for Deep Winter Hydration

Step One: Hydrate & Prep

Our Aspen Dew Illuminating Essence, infused with hydrating actives like hyaluronic acid and soothing aloe, deeply hydrates to soften, quench, and plump dry winter skin, creating the perfect base for optimal absorption of the serum's nourishing ingredients.

Step Two: Nourish & Protect

Our Alpine Phytonutrient Serum locks in the hydration from the essence while further strengthening your lipid barrier with nutrient-rich oils and adaptogens to protect and restore your skin.

The result? Skin that is deeply hydrated, nourished, and glowing—even in the harshest winter conditions.

Why Hydration + Lipid Barrier Protection Work Better Together

Hydration attracts water to the skin. But without a protective layer to hold that hydration in, water quickly evaporates—leaving your skin drier than before. That’s why layering is so important:

First, Aspen Dew delivers a surge of hydration to thirsty skin. Then, The Alpine locks in this hydration with nutrient-rich oils, providing superior hydration and lasting protection.

Real Results, Effortlessly

Winter doesn’t have to mean dry, tight, flaky skin. With just two simple steps, you can give your skin everything it needs to stay hydrated, healthy, and radiant.

Don't let winter win, shop our VIBRANT SKIN DUO today!

You may prefer flip flops and beaches, but knowing these surprising health benefits may help you appreciate colder temperatures.

Healthy reasons to embrace the cold

Weight loss

Our bodies dip into the fat supply for fuel to keep warm. One study published in The Journal of Clinical Investigation found that exposure to cold temperatures (not accompanied by shivering) can activate brown fat metabolism, so it may help burn calories. And shivering can be good, too, as it also stimulates the burning of fat. A study published in the journal Cell Metabolism found that shivering stimulates the secretion of irisin, a hormone that induces fat burning. Apparently, just 15 minutes spent shivering in a cold environment has the same effect as exercising for an hour. (Word of caution below). The flip side is that cold temperatures may increase your appetite.

Better sleep

The latest existing research suggests that the ideal temperature for the best sleep should be somewhere between 60 to 67 degrees Fahrenheit, and you might burn more calories, too. Your body’s core temp naturally drops when you’re trying to sleep and the process is much faster in winter.

Allergy relief

Pollen counts are virtually nonexistent in cold and snowy weather, so if you suffer from outdoor allergies, you may get a break! Of course, there are other indoor allergens in wintertime you should consider, such as mold and dust mites, but for the most part, you’ll get a bit of a reprieve.

Brain boost

Studies show that colder temperatures help people think clearly. What’s more, other research shows that people tackle more cognitive problems in the winter than in the summer, because summer temps use more glucose that’s needed for mental processes.

Inflammation

Cold air acts like a natural ice pack to decrease inflammation, so you might get some relief from less swollen and puffy joints in winter.

Techniques like cryotherapy involve brief exposure to extremely cold temperatures (often below -200°F) in a specialized chamber. While research is ongoing, proponents suggest cryotherapy may offer several benefits. These include reducing muscle soreness and inflammation by constricting blood vessels and decreasing nerve activity, potentially aiding in faster recovery after exercise. Some also report pain relief for conditions like arthritis and improved skin conditions due to increased blood flow after the treatment.

Immune benefits

Cold weather kicks your immune system into gear and fights infections more effectively. Studies have shown that the human immune system can be activated when exposed to the cold, and this enhances someone’s ability to fight infections. 

Practices like the Wim Hof Method combine specific breathing techniques, cold exposure (such as cold showers or ice baths), and mindset/meditation. Advocates suggest the Wim Hof Method can enhance the immune system by influencing the autonomic nervous system and reducing inflammation. It's also believed to improve mental focus and mood through the release of endorphins and other neurochemicals.

Mood enhancer

As your body works harder to stay warm while exercising outdoors, endorphins are released-- those feel-good hormones--and your mood is naturally lifted.

Please Note: Of course, extremely cold weather can be dangerous, and you should exercise caution. Take a look at these must-read tips for plummeting temperatures or these severe weather tips from Antartica.

Skin benefits of cold

The good news

You know that hot water can dry the skin, but did you know that cold weather increases blood circulation by constraining blood vessels in the skin? This reduces the likelihood of puffy eyes and facial swelling.

Exposure to cool weather also tightens the pores of your skin and invigorates your face. Think clear, bright eyes and rosy cheeks. Plus, you tend to produce less oil and sebum in the winter, so you may have fewer breakouts.

The bad news

Multiple elements can victimize your complexion, especially in high altitudes. Wind, sun, cold, heat and dryness create the perfect situation for chapped, depleted skin and can promote and contribute to aging. Click here for our winter skincare guide.

TellurideGlow embraces the cold

Powerful survivalist plants

We use high ratios of premium alpine botanicals because they produce powerful antioxidants, phytonutrients, and UV defenses to thrive in extremely cold climates. The air is cleaner, the soil undisturbed, and powerful secondary metabolites are produced to ward off pests and environmental aggression with some of the most beneficial plant composition on the planet.

TellurideGlow taps into these adaptive strategies with whole plant, certified organic formulas to nourish and protect against dehydration, free radical damage, sensitivities, and signs of premature aging.

Cold processing 

Virgin and raw ingredients are well known for their nutritional benefits. Our premium botanical ingredients are abundant in bioactive anti-oxidants, plant-derived nutrients, essential fatty acids, vitamins, amino acids and minerals, so we seek out cold pressed ingredients to deliver better skin nutrition to restore and replenish the skin.

Cold formulating

Fresh botanical ingredients can lose much of their potency when heated, so to maintain the integrity of our raw ingredients we manufacture our whole plant formulas with cold technology, blending with extremely low to no heat during manufacturing.

Cold storage

Many warehouses are not climate controlled, so we searched until we found the right one to ensure our fresh ingredients are not compromised as temperatures rise.

We invite you to read how customers are loving and using the products here (https://www.tellurideglow.com/praise/).

Join thousands who love the results of better skin nutrition with TELLURIDEglow.

References:

1. https://www.jci.org/articles/view/60433?key=5e3684aee3d55b74adc8
2. http://www.cell.com/cell-metabolism/fulltext/S1550-4131(14)00006-0
3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8022726?ordinalpos=1&itool=EntrezSystem2.PEntrez.Pubmed.Pubmed_ResultsPanel.Pubmed_DefaultReportPanel.Pubmed_RVDocSum
4. https://www.rd.com/health/diet-weight-loss/best-sleeping-temperature/
5. http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/%28SICI%291099-0720%28199912%2913:6%3C561::AID-ACP661%3E3.0.CO;2-J/abstract
6. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8925815
7. https://www.farmersalmanac.com/cedar-fever-33941

Do as we do in Telluride and get outside, regardless of the winter weather, for fresh air and exercise. You can really do wonders for your skin, and your well-being, with exercise... even if it's a short walk. There's more to caring for your skin than just sproducts alone can achieve. Your capillaries will enlarge and work harder to bring oxygen with its nutrients to the outer layer of skin to bring a healthy "Telluride Glow."

Dress for the cold then protect and nourish with the right products. Extreme weather is what we are made for. The two biggest deterrents to achieving a gorgeous glow are a fragile skin barrier and increased skin dryness.

Our two natural oil emulsions, The Alpine Phytonutrient Serum and The Purist Delicate Skin Serum, deeply nourish and moisturize, then create an occlusive shield to prevent trans-dermal water loss. They work optimally together with Aspen Dew Illuminating Essence.

Tips for shielding skin from cold, harsh, winter weather

Dry skin is common in winter as a result of harsh, cold wicking winds and also drier, heated, indoor environments:

• Drink 64 -100 ounces of water daily
• Lower indoor heat
• Lower water temperature while bathing
• Use a humidifier
• Exfoliate weekly but keep in gentle with Snow Rose Recovery Mask
• Use products high in Omegas for nourishment and reinforcing the epidermal barrier
• Hydrate with a face mist
• Use sunscreen with an SPF 30+, even on cloudy days