In a perfect world, everyone’s skin would magically have a California beach sunset “magic hour” glow 24/7 all year round. In reality, as the seasons change, so should your rituals and routines. Winter can be harsh on the skin, with heaters drying out indoor air, and with cold and wind and rain and who knows what attacking your pores whenever you venture outside. It’s important to take care of your skin all over the body, but your face and neck need the most love, as they are exposed the most. 

Whether you’ve been mostly hibernating or working harder than ever during the cozy season, your skin likely needs a little extra TLC right about now, before spring is here.

So many factors contribute to your skin’s hydration and health during the winter months. If you’re in Chicago, the winds of Lake Michigan will certainly take a toll on any exposed skin, and even in Southern California, while not as extreme, lower temperatures can affect the appearance of your skin. Empower yourself with healthy, glowing skin that highlights your inner beauty, no matter your latitude! 

Because our skin tends to need even more product in winter months to combat dryness, it’s especially important to find clean, non-toxic products that you can trust to protect you, not hurt you. Here are 5 tried-and-true methods you can use as a reminder of how to protect your skin from the winter elements.

1. Hydrate, moisturize, replenish

Not only do you need to drink more water during dry months; your skin needs a healthy touch of hydration daily to retain its collagen and tone. Wash your face before bed and moisturize with lotion immediately after so all the healthy minerals, ingredients and the formulas that protect your skin activates and works while you sleep. Rinse and repeat in the morning. Try Green Bee’s Quench Moisturizer for a luxurious treat for dry skin. It is a lightweight, but creamy, dreamy, potent emulsion concentrated with CBD, CBG, hyaluronic acid and phytonutrients that hydrate, not irritate. Highly concentrated spa-quality cream ingredients that can both protect from the elements and prevent further dryness – a primary cause of fine lines. It’s all about the antioxidants!

2. Use sunscreen

A lot of us have to learn the hard way that you can actually tan or even sunburn on cloudy and foggy days. So no matter what, don’t forget your sunscreen whenever you’re outdoors. In California, the sun is a pretty constant companion, and the UV index is harsh. So even if the temperatures dip, it’s important to add sunscreen to your skincare routine so you protect your delicate skin from UV rays. And to soothe your skin at the end of the day, a good calming toner like our Fresh Face Toner contains oats and cucumber for battling the elements.

3.Think head-to-toe

Don’t just focus on your face. Skin all over tends to get drier in colder months so it’s important to protect your whole body, not just the parts that peek out of your parka. To deeply moisturize extra dry, chapped skin; slather on that body oil, or balm. If you’re in California and over 21, you can treat your tired body with Green Bee’s Deep Calm Massage & Body Oil. Delicate enough to reduce the appearance of fine lines (hello knees), yet potent enough for whole body relief. Our body oil is jam-packed with nature’s best anti-inflammatories and antioxidants, including full-spectrum cannabis with THC, as well as vitamin E, calendula, comfrey, and chamomile. 

4. Protect and prevent, then exfoliate

Take care of your skin because it feels good and gives you confidence — that is the wisdom of true skin health. It’s a great idea to exfoliate and prepare for the colder months of winter when skin is drier and the temperature is lower. 

Toner is a crucial step many people skip. It is an important step after cleansing, gets rid of all the remaining gunk. Our 3-in-1 toner is gentle: it’s alcohol-free, with willow bark to gently exfoliate. Powerful boost of antioxidants combines potent Sonoma Hills Farm full-spectrum CBD with lemon balm. Hydrolyzed oats and cucumber balance, and hydrate.

Result with daily use: clearer, smoother, plumper looking skin come spring.

5. Stay active even during cozy hygge times

Breaking a sweat is the best way to give your skin a workout. Circulating oxygen through your skin cells with exercise and increasing your heart rate is something internal that gives your skin a healthy glow – not to mention increasing endorphins in the brain. Add any Green Bee product to your post-workout skincare routine and retain proper moisture. 

Winter may feel never ending some days, and that’s even more reason to prepare your skin to look and feel its best for those sunnier days ahead. Take the time now to switch up your rituals and give your complexion a natural defense against the elements. Choose clean, non-toxic products that are effective, organic and plant-based to achieve a natural, beautiful and healthy look, all year round.