What is happening with our skin in winter?

As if the transition from the warmth of summer and the beautiful colors of fall to the cold and darkness of winter isn't tough enough, we've got to contend with what this season does to our skin. Cold, dry winter weather tends to be challenging for all skin types for a number of reasons: 

Low Humidity

Cold air holds less moisture than warm air, and indoor heating makes it even drier. This lack of humidity pulls water out of your skin, leading to dehydration and flaking.

Weakened Skin Barrier

Cold temperatures and wind can damage the outer layer of your skin (the stratum corneum). When this barrier weakens, your skin loses moisture more easily and becomes more sensitive to irritants.

Reduced Oil Production

Your oil glands produce less sebum in cold weather. While that might sound good for oily skin, it actually means your skin loses its natural protection and can become dry and itchy.

Hot Showers & Indoor Heating

Long, hot showers and central heating feel great when it’s cold, but they strip away your skin’s natural oils and further dry it out.

Blood Flow Changes

In cold weather, blood vessels constrict to keep your body warm, reducing circulation to the skin. This can make skin look dull and slow its ability to repair itself.

With that, thankfully, there are solutions! First, we recommend hydration from the inside out. This means drinking plenty of water, which can be easy to neglect in winter when we may not get the same thirst cues as summer. Carry around a water bottle, find a solid electrolyte you like, and be sure to get enough water. Second, humidifiers are a game changer! If you don't humidify your whole house, at least put a small one in your bedroom at night. You can also keep a pot of water boiling on your stove to get moisture into the air.

Finally, you can address dry skin at the source using skincare.

Here are our top 5 picks for protecting your skin this winter: 

1) Magic Mushroom Moisture Cream

Our Magic Mushroom Moisture Cream is one of our customer's favorites for dry skin. This rich moisturizer features adaptogenic mushrooms (cordyceps & maitake), jojoba & evening primrose oils, and shea butter. 

Winter-worthy features:

• The featured mushrooms help protect against environmental stressors (wind, cold) and support elasticity.

• Water-containing so it is truly hydrating. You can't actually hydrate the skin without water, so creams are better for extra-dry skin than anhydrous serums or balms.
  

Tip: Use this morning and night after cleansing and toning. You can layer a facial balm or serum on top of it. The cream's richer nature means even a pea-sized amount will do, and it works under makeup without feeling heavy.

2) Woodland Dream Body Cream

This luscious body moisturizer is built for full-body nourishment. Shea butter delivers deep moisturizing properties, while our olive oil slow-infused with farm-grown herbs of calendula, plantain, and comfrey offer skin repair and anti-inflammatory properties. 

Winter-worthy features:

• Dry legs, arms, and elbows? This cream gets to the root of any and all dry skin by delivering water in the form of Douglas fir hydrosol deep into the skin. 

• Its woodsy scent is reminiscent of the pines that inspire us here in northern Wisconsin, and is a grounding, calming scent

Tip: After showering (while skin is still slightly damp), apply this cream head to toe. Pay special attention to notoriously dry areas like heels, elbows, and hands.

3) Calendula Rose Salve

Our Calendula Rose Salve is a versatile treatment that handles the “problem child” spots of winter: hands, cuticles, feet, elbows, even lips. We infuse olive oil with  calendula and rose flowers to harness the sunshine and enjoy all winter in the form of a deeply healing and moisturizing salves.

Winter-worthy features:

• Beeswax acts as a protective barrier on the skin, helping the benefits from the salve to penetrate while protecting against the elements.

• Our farm-grown calendula offers anti-inflammatory benefits and delivers antioxidants to the skin.

Tip: Keep one in your bag or by your bedside so you can apply when you feel any dryness or discomfort. A little goes a long way.

4) Lavender Botanical Body Oil

For a truly spa-like experience in winter, go ahead and absolutely slather yourself in our Lavender Body Oil. This simple essential-oil free formula is incredibly gentle but deeply nourishing for dry skin. It is also a less dense/heavy option than a cream for those with less dry skin.

Winter-worthy features:

• The trio of all organic sunflower oil, apricot kernel oil, and hemp seed oil are especially beneficial for locking in moisture. These oils also form a barrier against the dry & cold air.

• The subtle lavender scent adds a calming feel, promoting relaxation and inviting you into the ritual of body oiling, which goes back thousands of years.

Tip: Apply right after showering while skin is damp. Pump a few drops and massage all over, giving yourself a lymphatic massage and delivering herbal benefits through your largest organ.

5) Our Lip Balms 

Lip balms are definitely a must-have in winter. It feels like our lips are often the first casualty in the transition to colder, dryer weather. So, we stand by the advice that the best defense is a good offense. With that, our lip balms are great to have on hand before your lips get to the point where you're experiencing chapping and cracking.

Winter-worthy features:

• Shea butter and coconut oil moisturize, while beeswax provides a protective barrier against the elements.
  
  

• Our formula melts into skin upon application, even if its been stored in a cold space. Just warm between hands and apply, and you'll feel immediate relief.

Tip: Keep a lip balm in your coat pocket, beside your bed, in your car, and ... everywhere really! Reapply throughout the day and especially before heading out into the elements. Bonus: they're housed in biodegradable plastic-free tubes and hold 2x the amount of lip balm as standard ones on the market.

We also have exclusive limited edition holiday flavors! 

Crafting a Winter Skincare Routine:

Here’s a suggested routine with these five favorites:

• Morning: Cleanse (whatever is your fave of our 3 cleansers). Apply Magic Mushroom Moisture Cream on face and neck. Slather Lavender Body Oil on more damp skin or Woodland Dream Body Cream if you're starting from dry skin. Apply your fave GFF lip balm.

• During the day: Reapply lip balm as needed. If you’re outdoors a lot, a quick layer of the body cream or Calendula Rose Salve on your hands can help protect your skin.

• Night: After your shower/bath or during your nightly bedtime ritual: While skin is still slightly damp, gently work the Woodland Dream Body Cream (or Lavender Body Oil) all over body. On trouble zones (feet, cuticles, dry hands, elbows) apply the Calendula Rose Salve. On lips: you got it, lip balm again. On face: Magic Mushroom Moisture Cream and you can top it with one of our facial serums or balms.

Winter doesn’t have to mean dull, flaky, uncomfortable skin. By choosing products that are rich, protective and formulated with clean/plant-based ingredients, you’ll stay comfortable, nourished and glowing.