Winter Skincare: Ingredients to Avoid and What to Use Instead

Ever notice how your skin changes as soon as winter hits? Suddenly, what worked all summer feels too harsh, leaving your skin parched and craving moisture. Cold air, indoor heating, and low humidity rob our skin of hydration, making certain skincare ingredients less ideal for winter. But worry not—by making a few swaps, you can keep your skin soft, hydrated, and resilient all season long. Let’s explore the ingredients to set aside in winter and the nourishing alternatives that are essential for a winter-ready glow.

Ingredients to Skip in Winter—and What to Use Instead

1. Ditch: Foaming Cleansers

• Why They’re Problematic in Winter: Many foaming cleansers contain sulfates, which strip away oils necessary to keep skin hydrated. When skin loses these oils, it becomes more prone to dryness and irritation—a recipe for tight, uncomfortable winter skin.
• Switch to: Hydrating Cleansers
• Alternative Ingredient: Cream-based or oil-based cleansers gently cleanse while preserving the skin's natural moisture barrier. Consider incorporating the Leovard Multi Cleanser in your routine. This versatile, sulfate-free cleanser is perfect for winter. It removes impurities without stripping, and its nourishing ingredients help the skin retain moisture. Use it morning and night to keep your skin balanced and hydrated, even in the driest weather.

2. Ditch: Harsh Exfoliants

• Why They’re Problematic in Winter: During winter, our skin barrier is naturally weakened by dry air, wind, and indoor heating, making it more vulnerable to irritation. Harsh exfoliants like high-strength AHAs and BHAs can strip away this protective barrier, leading to redness, peeling, and sensitivity.
• Switch to: Gentle Chemical Exfoliants
• Alternative Ingredients: Opt for milder exfoliants, like lactic acid (found in the Leovard Multi cleanser) or PHA (polyhydroxy acid). These gently exfoliate without compromising the skin barrier, promoting a fresh complexion without the dryness.
• Pro Tip: Use a gentle exfoliant only once or twice a week during winter to maintain smoothness without overdoing it.

3. Ditch: Alcohol-Based Toners

• Why They’re Problematic in Winter: Toners that contain alcohol or astringent ingredients are effective at reducing oil, but in winter, they can dry out the skin and disrupt its natural barrier. This is especially problematic when cold air is already pulling moisture away from the skin.
• Switch to: Hydrating Toners
• Alternative Ingredients: Look for hydrating toners with ingredients like glycerin, hyaluronic acid, or aloe vera, which attract moisture to the skin, keeping it plump and hydrated. The Leovard Tonic is a great pick. A refreshing, alcohol-free formula that calms and soothes, the Leovard Tonic replenishes moisture and balances the skin’s pH. Apply it after cleansing to prep your skin for serums and creams, providing a protective layer of hydration that winter skin craves.

4. Ditch: Lightweight Moisturizers

• Why They’re Problematic in Winter: Gel-based or lightweight moisturizers are great for warmer months, but they often lack the nourishing oils and occlusives that winter skin needs. When skin is exposed to harsh conditions, it loses moisture rapidly, and these light formulas can fall short.
• Switch to: Rich, Barrier-Boosting Moisturizers
• Alternative Ingredients: Look for creams with ingredients like, shea butter and aloevera, which deeply hydrate and lock in moisture to prevent transepidermal water loss (TEWL). The Leovard Multi Cream is a richly hydrating cream that is ideal for winter. With ingredients that strengthen the skin barrier and provide lasting moisture, it helps keep skin soft, smooth, and protected all day. Use it morning and night as the final step to lock in hydration and combat winter dryness.

5. Ditch: Fragrance and Essential Oils (If You Have Sensitive Skin)

• Why They’re Problematic in Winter: Fragrances and essential oils can irritate sensitive skin, especially when it’s already compromised by dry winter air. These ingredients may cause redness, itchiness, and flare-ups, especially if your skin is prone to sensitivity.
• Switch to: Fragrance-Free, Soothing Formulas
• Alternative Ingredients: Look for products with soothing ingredients like oat extract, chamomile, and allantoin, which calm irritation and strengthen the skin barrier without added fragrance. All of Leovard’s products are fragrance free and a must have from the line during winters is the Leovard Elixir. With its roll-on application, it’s perfect for targeting dryness and irritation, providing a concentrated dose of soothing hydration wherever you need it.

Tips to Enhance Your Winter Skincare Routine

1. Layer Hydration with Serums and Oils
   Instead of relying solely on a moisturizer, layer a hydrating serum with hyaluronic acid under your cream for maximum moisture retention. You can also add a few drops of facial oil on top of your moisturizer to lock in hydration, especially at night.
2. Adjust Your Routine Based on Skin’s Needs
   Winter skin may require less exfoliation and more hydration-focused steps. Pay attention to how your skin feels each day, and adjust accordingly. If your skin is feeling particularly dry or irritated, simplify your routine to just a cleanser, hydrating toner, serum, and moisturizer.
3. Use a Humidifier Indoors
   Indoor heating dries out the air, which can dehydrate your skin. A humidifier can help maintain moisture levels in the air, preventing your skin from drying out as much. Place it in your bedroom for an overnight hydration boost.
4. Protect Your Skin Barrier
   Winter weather can weaken the skin barrier, making it more susceptible to irritation. Reinforce it with ingredients like ceramides, fatty acids, and antioxidants. Consistently using products like the Leovard Serum and Multi Cream, which are rich in these supportive ingredients, will help maintain a resilient barrier throughout winter.
5. Drink Plenty of Water
   Internal hydration matters just as much as external hydration. Drinking enough water helps keep your skin cells plump and nourished, aiding in overall skin health.

Conclusion: Your Winter Skincare Swap Cheat Sheet

Winter demands a different approach to skincare, one that prioritizes hydration and gentleness over harsh, stripping ingredients. By making a few strategic swaps—opting for barrier-boosting moisturizers, gentle cleansers, and soothing serums like those from Leovard—you can keep your skin healthy, hydrated, and radiant throughout the colder months. So go ahead and update your winter routine; your skin will thank you!