Combat Dry Skin: Your Complete Guide to Hydrated, Healthy Skin in Kelowna’s Winter Months

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by | Feb 5, 2025 | Skincare, Treatments, Uncategorized

Anyone who knows us knows we love the winter and snow. After all, Onyx Beauty Lab’s name was inspired by the black diamond ski runs because they’re advanced and require expert-level skill and art, just like our injection techniques! But the challenge with winter weather is its conditions and how harsh they can be on our skin, lips, and overall wellbeing.

This time of year requires meticulous attention and care, especially as the temperatures drop and indoor heating ramps up. To combat dehydration, flakiness, irritation, and discomfort in the skin and lips, we’ve compiled this complete guide to give you the ultimate protection and revitalization from Kelowna’s winter weather.

Understanding Winter Skin Challenges

First, let’s understand what happens this time of year in Kelowna. During winter, the combination of cold outdoor air and indoor heating strips moisture from our skin. Our natural skin barrier becomes compromised, leading to increased transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and decreased protection against environmental stressors. This is why a targeted, holistic skincare routine that focuses on barrier repair and hydration is necessary.


The Winter Skin Health Essentials

Let’s dive into the ways you can start transforming your winter skincare routine.

CLEANSING WITHOUT COMPROMISE
Start with one of our favourites: Colorescience Barrier Pro Cleanser. This gentle yet effective cleanser removes impurities without disrupting your skin barrier. Its thoughtfully formulated ingredients come together to maintain your skin’s natural moisture balance while preparing it for the hydrating steps ahead.

POWER-PACKED SERUMS
For intense hydration and pro-aging benefits, try Alumier Ultimate Boost or A.G.E serum. These serums deliver deep hydration while addressing other skin concerns. Their lightweight formulas are especially helpful for layering with other products.

BARRIER REPAIR AND HYDRATION
Kelowna’s dry weather loves to strip away moisture from the skin so it’s important to bring it back. Dermamade Ceramide Barrier Cream is a standout product for repairing and strengthening your skin’s barrier. It is rich in essential ceramides and helps lock in moisture while protecting against environmental stressors. Another options is Alumier Hydrarich which gives you an extra boost of hydration that keeps your skin supple throughout the day. 

MOISTURE-RICH PRODUCTS AND TREATMENT
While it might seem counterintuitive, maintaining gentle exfoliation during winter is crucial for optimal skin health because it removes dead skin cells that prevent proper absorption of moisturization. A product we love for at-home care is Alumier Microderm Polish. Next, use Alumier’s Aqua Infusion Mask, followed by Skinbetter Trio Moisture Treatment to seal in the moisture. For the extra dry days or simply to pamper yourself (it is Valentine’s Day this month after all!), an Aquafirme Facial with Exosomes is the ultimate treatment! It infuses stem cells and uses vibration and CO2 microdermabrasion to create CO2 gas bubbles on the skin and exfoliates, hydrates and nourishes skin.

DON’T FORGET YOUR LIPS
It’s so easy to forget the lips and be stuck with chapped lips that hurt far more than expected (we’ve all been there). We encourage carrying your lip products in each bag you own or tucked away into pockets of all your favourite coats. Our go-to lip product is Teoxane Lip because it provides specialized care for this delicate area, prevents lips from chapping and maintains soft, hydrated lips throughout the season.

SUN PROTECTION IS STILL CRUCIAL
Even in winter, UV protection remains essential. Alumier Sheer Hydration SPF offers the perfect solution, providing both sun protection and hydration together. (Bonus points for beautility!)

Extra Tips for Maximum Benefits

  • Layer products from thinnest to thickest in consistency
  • Use a humidifier in your bedroom to maintain optimal air moisture
  • Don’t forget to hydrate from within by drinking plenty of water
  • Don’t forget your entire body of skin as well!

Winter skincare doesn’t need to be complicated but it does require consistency, the right products, and a holistic approach. Remember, everyone’s skin is unique and does not respond well to a one-size-fits-all solution. For the most optimal approach to your skincare routine and rituals, see one of our skin specialists here in Kelowna, BC for a consultation and experience the most of your medical aesthetics journey today.

To purchase Alumier products you will need to be associated with a clinic. Please select Onyx Beauty Lab or shop with this link for purchase: https://ca.alumiermd.com/?code=RXABWTZY