Winter Skin Care 101: Holistic Tips to Nourish and Protect Your Skin

Winter invites us to slow down, cozy up, and embrace all things warm and nourishing. While snow-dusted mornings and chunky sweaters have their charm, the colder months can be tough on your skin. From dry air to indoor heating, winter is the perfect storm for parched, lackluster skin. But with a little care and attention, you can keep your glow intact all season long. Let’s talk about how to create a winter skin care routine rooted in both results and ritual.

Hydration is Your Best Friend

Cold air holds less moisture, which is why your skin might feel tight, dry, and even flaky in the winter. The solution? Hydration—inside and out.

Skin Care Tips:

• Switch to a richer moisturizer. Look for creams or balms with ceramides, shea butter, or hyaluronic acid. These ingredients help repair your skin’s barrier and lock in moisture. A great choice? The ISUN Soothing Relief Balm, Dana’s go-to winter pick, is packed with antioxidants and provides extra protection for both face and body.

• Layer hydration. Start with a hydrating serum that contains hyaluronic acid or glycerin before applying your moisturizer. Give the Hale & Hush Soothe Essence Serum a try. It'll help add an extra dose of plumpness your skin will thank you for.

At-Home Ritual: Sip on warm herbal teas like chamomile or peppermint throughout the day to stay hydrated from within. Not only will this support your skin, but it’s also a soothing way to combat the winter chill.

Exfoliation: Gentle, Not Harsh

Exfoliation is crucial year-round, but winter calls for a gentler touch. Over-exfoliating can strip your skin of its natural oils, leaving it even more vulnerable to the elements.

Skin Care Tips:

• Swap harsh scrubs for chemical exfoliants. AHAs (like lactic acid) or BHAs (like salicylic acid) can gently remove dead skin cells without causing irritation. Methods & Rituals’ facials often include customized exfoliation to reveal fresh, glowing skin while keeping things balanced.

• Limit exfoliation. Stick to 1-2 times per week, depending on your skin type, to avoid overdoing it.

At-Home Ritual: Make exfoliation part of a self-care evening. Light a candle, play calming music, and gently apply your exfoliant while envisioning the stress of the week melting away. Holistic skin care is as much about the process as it is the results.

Protect Your Glow with SPF

It’s tempting to skip sunscreen in the winter, especially when the sun is playing hide-and-seek. But UV rays are still present and can cause cumulative damage—even on cloudy days.

Skin Care Tips:

• Opt for a hydrating sunscreen that includes ingredients like squalane or aloe vera to double as a moisturizer. Reapply if you’re outside enjoying winter hikes or snow sports.

Pro Tip from Dana: The final step of every Methods & Rituals facial includes the Verabella Cucumber Aloe MoistureScreen SPF. Sunscreen is a non-negotiable, no matter the season.

Nourishing Treatments to Try

Winter is an ideal time to lean into restorative treatments that support your skin from the inside out.

• Facials with a holistic twist. Methods & Rituals offers deeply hydrating treatments combined with sound healing for the ultimate renewal.

• Gua Sha or facial massage. These techniques help boost circulation and reduce puffiness, which can be more pronounced in the winter months.

• Hydrating masks. At home, treat yourself to a weekly mask with ingredients like honey, aloe, or oat to replenish your skin’s moisture levels.

Mind-Body-Skin Connection

Winter skin care isn’t just about what you put on your skin; it’s also about how you nurture your body and mind. Stress, lack of sleep, and poor nutrition can show up on your face. Here are a few holistic practices to support your winter glow:

• Infrared sauna sessions to boost circulation and detoxify. Bonus: it’s a cozy way to warm up on a cold day.

• Daily breathwork to reduce stress and bring oxygen to your skin. That's why we incorporate breathwork into every single treatment.

• Skin-loving foods. Incorporate omega-3s (found in salmon, walnuts, and flaxseeds) and vitamin C-rich foods (like citrus fruits and bell peppers) to nourish your skin from the inside.

Your Winter Skin Care Reset

Winter is an opportunity to treat your skin—and yourself—with a little extra love. Whether it’s layering hydration, indulging in a hydrating facial, or simply savoring a warm tea as part of your routine, every small act adds up. If you’re local to Joshua Tree, stop by Methods & Rituals for a personalized consultation. And if not, consider these tips your winter skin care guide to glowing all season long.