Winter Wonderland: The Ultimate Skin Care Packing Guide For Cold Climates

If this season has you packing your bags in search of snow and holiday spirit, ensure that your skin is well prepared for the weather ahead. Cold climates come with a host of skin care concerns that, with the proper skin care routine, can be avoided. From rich creams to hydrating masks, keep reading to discover our ultimate packing guide for cold climates this winter.

Cold Climates 101

Before heading out to your own personal winter wonderland it’s important to note a few things about cold climates. During the winter months the moisture is all but sucked out of the air in many areas and this low-humidity can subsequently lead to dehydrated, dry skin from head to toe. This dryness can lead to a number of skin care concerns including a lack of radiance, a buildup of dead skin cells, and even more apparent wrinkles and fine lines. Other factors that can contribute to this dryness include frigid temperatures, blustering winds, and the artificial heating in buildings and transportation.

Skin Care Swaps for Cold Climates

Since dryness is the main concern in colder climates, hydration is going to need to be the number one focus of your skin care routine. But, as we all know, finding the room to pack up our beauty products for a chilly destination isn’t always as easy as say…a beach destination. You’ll need to at least make room among the sweaters and socks for a few basics.

Cleanser: No skin care routine can begin without a clean canvas, making cleanser a non-negotiable in your luggage. Look for formulas that not only help remove dirt, makeup, and other impurities from the skin’s surface, but also hydrate the skin and don’t compromise its moisture barrier. One option we love is Biotherm BioSource Balm-to-Oil. This deep cleanser and makeup remover is a hard balm which means you can throw it into your carry on and not take up space in the solitary plastic quart bag you’re allowed by TSA. This three-phase cleanser starts as a balm, transforms into a silky oil on contact with water, and finally changes into a comforting milk before being rinsed away. To use: warm up a small amount of the balm in the palms of your hands and massage onto dry skin. Emulsify with water to active the remaining stages of the cleanser and then rinse with lukewarm water.

Moisturizer: After washing your face you must moisturize—especially in dry, cold climates. During the daytime reach for a double-duty cream that not only hydrates skin but also protects it with broad-spectrum SPF. Try Lancôme Bienfait Multi-Vital SPF Lotion. Formulated with SPF 30 and antioxidants, this lotion protects skin from harsh UV rays and environmental aggressors and leaves it feeling touchably soft. At night, you’ll want a rich cream that can envelop your skin in moisture and hydrate it all night long. We love Lancôme Visionnaire Nuit. This lightweight gel-to-oil overnight product—formulated with glycerin, ceramides, and four plant-based oils—helps to visibly nourish skin, refine the look of pores and skin texture, and can leave the skin looking smoother and softer upon waking.

Skin Care Addition for Cold Climates

Now that you’ve swapped out your regular cleanser and moisturizers, it’s time to add a little something special into your routine.

Hand Cream: If it isn’t already, it’s time to make hand cream a part of your routine. While you’re vacationing keep a tube in your purse to apply right before you put your gloves on and head outdoors. One formula we love is Kiehl’s Ultimate Strength Hand Salve. This travel-sized salve is formulated for the driest, most active hands, making it great for use in super cold climates, especially if you plan to spend lots of time outside. The blend of select ingredients allows the skin to draw in and absorb water from the air, helping to form a glove-like protective barrier against moisture loss. Whether you’re headed to the slopes or for a winter trip to the Big Apple, this hand cream is a must-have!