Ultimate Winter Skincare Guide for Sensitive Skin | NAYA

Winter Has Arrived

The autumn leaves are getting fewer and fewer, and winter is slowly setting in. Normally I expect snow and cold soon. I also don't give up hope of a white Christmas until the 24th itself. And that's despite the fact that I can't even remember the last time we had a real Norwegian winter wonderland at this time of year. HELLO TEMPERATURE FLUCTUATIONS! So we're exchanging gifts at 18 degrees (and yes, that's in Germany), complaining about the warm temperatures and still enjoying the sun's rays on our faces. Then, all of a sudden, comes the onset of winter. It gets cold, wet and uncomfortable. Thermals come out, heaters are turned up and we swing back and forth between bone-chilling cold and cosy warmth.

But one thing in particular suffers from these irregular temperatures: our skin.

• Winter skin, rough spots - the right care
• Winter skin 101: Protect your skin barrier
• Winter care: Your routine for soft skin
• Winter body care

1. WINTER SKIN, ROUGH SPOTS - THE RIGHT CARE

While we catch snowflakes, marvel at icicles and slide around on white slopes, our skin often reacts in a huff. Dry, flaky patches, cracked backs of hands and itchy legs. No, our skin really doesn't like this time of year.

So what can you do to care for your skin properly in winter? The first step is definitely to know and understand your skin's needs. Your skin reactions are really cries for help and the need for attention.

So the question is, why does my skin struggle in the cold? The skin is actually a pretty clever organ. It has its own protective barrier - a protective acid mantle that keeps it from drying out, but also fends off external influences and bacteria. The prerequisite for this barrier is that our skin is healthy. That we eat healthy, are relaxed and take enough care of ourselves. But most of the time we don't take the time for that! I catch myself doing it often enough. In the morning it has to be done quickly, in the evening something is planned and the day is already over.

But especially in winter it is so important that we give our body and skin the attention they so urgently need. Because the skin loses some of its protection in winter. It releases moisture into the dry air around it and its blood circulation decreases.

The cold causes the fine blood vessels of the skin to contract, our body sends all its blood to the important organs in order to continue to supply them optimally. And it is precisely this supply that is then lacking elsewhere: oxygen and essential nutrients are no longer transported as easily and your skin suffers. Irritations, redness and feelings of tightness are not far away.

In addition, the skin's own sebum and oil production is reduced at temperatures below 8 degrees. This means: less moisture, less lipids, less nutrients. Really anything but rosy times (except for our cheeks).

We already know the reasons for stressed winter skin. But what can you do to keep your skin healthy and well nourished during the cold season?

2. WINTER SKIN 101: PROTECT YOUR SKIN BARRIER

Just like with your clothes in winter, you can use the onion approach to your skincare. Simply layer different products - from thin to thick. It's important to remember that if you plan to be out in the cold for a really long time, cut back on moisturisers and gels as much as possible. In sub-zero temperatures, moisture can freeze in the outer layers of your skin and further damage your skin.

So weigh it up - what are you going to do? Do you go for a snow hike in freezing temperatures or do you just go for a walk? Maybe you'll just sit at home next to the cosy heater?

3. WINTER CARE: YOUR ROUTINE FOR SOFT SKIN

Everyday Morning routine

Step 1: Cleansing

Start by cleansing your face. If you want to cleanse your face with more than water in the morning, you can use cleansing oil. Pay special attention to mild cleansers - they should not foam or be soapy. This dries out the skin even more. Our cleansing oil is a great alternative for this and provides the skin with nutrients at the same time! With organic bisabolol, it soothes your skin. The plant-based surfactants contained in the gel ensure gentle but thorough cleansing.

Step 3: Serum/ essences

After cleansing, you can apply a layer of a hydration essence. For example, our Aura Essence. Use it sparingly and never use it alone. Attention: Danger of frost! To successfully strengthen your skin's protective barrier, use it in combination with the Antioxidant Defence Booster which is rich in Niacinamide and Vitamin C Serum to support your barrier. 

Step 4: Day cream & oil

Afterwards, I advise you to care with lipids. Pure oils and moisturising creams are best suited for this. They close the protective barrier and thus prevent the skin from losing water. For example, you can apply NAYA's Everyday Day Cream and finally massage in a few drops of Cacay Beauty oil

Step 5: Sun cream

The sun's rays are often underestimated in winter. Even on dull days, our skin can make good use of the additional sun protection factor. After all, UV radiation is one of the main factors in skin ageing. And who wants that? Get the extra UV protection you need.

Everyday Evening routine

Step 1: Cleansing

In the evening, a thorough cleansing is one of the most important things. The smog of the city, sweat or make-up prevent your skin from breathing. So rid your face of the pollution of everyday life. We have our cleansing oil for you. It gently cleanses without stripping the skin of its moisture and important lipids. This keeps the skin's protective barrier intact, which is especially necessary in the cold winter days to retain nutrients and moisture. 

 Step 2: Peeling & Deep Hydration

The Hydration Mask gently removes dead skin cells and moisturises the skin down to every skin layer. You can use our Hydration Mask 2-3 times a week to get the deep hydration your skin requires during this period. 

Step 3: Essence/serum

If you don't want to use a Mask. You can also skip the previous step and reach for an essence. And then: Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! The constant temperatures of the night help you to bring your skin's water balance back into equilibrium. Thanks to the different molecule sizes, the Aura Hydration penetrates deep into the skin layers and supplies them with lasting hydration and balances the sensible microbiome on your skin.

Step 4: Night care

The Day cream gives your skin enough richness and can be used day and night. The Retinol Face Oil cares for mature skin, but also for blemished skin. All three products provide your skin with optimal moisture and noticeably support its own regeneration. You can find out more about retinol here.

Step 5: Oil

Our Cacay seed oil supports the renewal of the skin and the building of the skin's protective barrier in its regenerative phase: at night. It gives you richness and provides cold-stressed skin with important nutrients. You can also simplify the application by mixing a few drops of cacay seed oil with your night cream on the back of your hand and then applying it together.

For in between

Our Hydration Mask soothes your skin and relieves inflammation after a day out in the cold. It also gives your skin a boost of moisture and helps your skin's protective barrier to regenerate. For a few relaxing minutes for your skin and your soul.

4. BODY CARE IN WINTER

And sure, skin care goes far beyond our face. Because the rest of our body wants to be cared for with at least as much attention. Here, in addition to body lotion, you can reach for natural and valuable oils. Cacay oil is also excellent to take care of your body. My special tip: Spray your skin with some water before you apply an oil or the body lotion mixed with oil. If you apply the oils to damp skin, they are absorbed more quickly and do not leave a greasy film.

Why apply oils to damp skin, you ask? As the saying goes, like dissolves in like. And the mixture of water and oil corresponds exactly to the composition of the outer skin layer. Its own fats and water in the form of sweat. So in order to absorb the fatty acids of the oils well, your skin needs the combination with water.

I personally love cacay oil and it can be a perfect addition to any body lotion. I mix the oil with a little water in my hands and then apply it to the body. Because putting the oil on wet skin right after a shower is too much water for me personally.

I also make sure not to shower too hot. This protects the skin and prevents it from becoming even more irritated and dry. A little tip: Towards the end of the shower, take a cold shower from head to toe! This stimulates the skin's circulation, wakes you up and strengthens your immune system. It doesn't get any better than this!

In exceptional situations, in the mountains and in extremely cold temperatures, a few additional rules apply: Cover as much skin as possible with warm clothing! Areas of the body that are inevitably exposed to the cold and the sun should be protected with high SPF of 50+ and occlusives.

Build these care routines into your daily routine. Take time for yourself. Think of it as something you do for yourself! Give yourself, your body and your skin the attention they deserve. Don't expect miracles (because it is and always will be winter), but small habits can not only strengthen your skin, but also light up your mind on those days when the sun sets all too quickly.

Here's to a beautiful and conscious winter season!