Winter Wedding Skin Care Must-Haves

While snowy landscapes and the joyousness of the holidays make winter a totally romantic time to get married, it’s no secret this chilly season can wreak havoc on your skin. Cold, dry air can lead to a dull complexion, and chances are, that probably isn’t the look you’re going for in your wedding photos. If you’re having a winter wedding (or even a spring wedding right after the winter months), we’ve got the answers to your skin care dilemmas. By adding just a few new products to your daily regimen, you can restore your skin’s natural radiance and look perfectly dewy for your “I dos.”

Swap out your bubbly face soap for a milkier one with nourishing oils during colder months. Cleansing oils are having a serious moment right now, thanks to their ability to dissolve dirt without drying out your skin.

Elizabeth Arden Ceramide cleansing oil, $36, ElizabethArden.com

You might think exfoliating dry skin in winter will leave your face feeling rough, but a gentle scrub (read: one with sugar instead of sea salt or harsh seeds) will moisturize while it sloughs away dead skin. This one with pure brown sugar and fruit extracts will leave your face soft and hydrated.

Fresh Sugar face polish, $62,
Sephora.com

A little known fact about toners: One without alcohol or fragrance can actually hydrate your skin while tightening your pores. This aloe vera–based toner also restores your skin’s natural pH, helping moisturizers and serums sink in better.

Peter Thomas Roth Aloe tonic mist, $38, PeterThomasRoth.com

The delicate skin around your eyes deserves special treatment in cold weather. This heavy-duty eye cream by La Mer is a splurge, but it’s our go-to for a reason: Its mineral-rich formula deep conditions skin and brightens dark circles at once.

La Mer The Eye Concentrate, $195, CremedeLaMer.com

What’s better than a serum that prevents wrinkles and keeps your skin from sagging? One that also replenishes its moisture from beneath the surface. This unique skin-saver promises to deliver a powerful dose of ceramides (waxy molecules that seal in skin’s moisture), hydrating your face from the inside out.

Dr. Jart+ Ceramidin Liquid, $39, Birchbox.com

The newest K-beauty craze, an aqua veil creates a light layer of moisturizing droplets that deliver an instant surge of moisture. This one uses cucumber-infused gel that leaves skin feeling cool and tingly.

Amarte Aqua Veil hydrator, $57, AmarteSkinCare.com

Even on cloudy days, UV rays can cause sun damage and premature signs of aging. Apply a moisturizer with SPF 15 or higher to protect your skin. This day moisturizer has the added bonus of also working as a nifty primer.

Cle de Peau Gentle Protective Emulsion SPF 22, $130, CledePeauBeaute.com

A 10-minute mask is a quick fix when your skin is feeling scaly. This one uses olive, almond and macadamia oils to keep your complexion smooth and supple. The best part? It also leaves your skin smelling like fresh nectarines.

Korres Nectarine Velvet moisturizing mask, $18, Sephora.com

If your skin is cracked or easily irritated, it can be tough to find an antiaging cream that won’t leave you looking red and inflamed. Fortunately, we’ve got you covered. This hybrid of intense moisturizer and wrinkle-defyer uses a blend of natural extracts from camellia and Calabrian oranges to keep skin firm and hydrated.

REN V-Cense Revitalising night cream, $49, RenSkinCare.com

Don’t forget about the rest of your body in winter! Keep your limbs smooth and happy with a rich body lotion packed with olive oil. Pro tip: Slather on after a shower when your skin is slightly damp for an extra-soft effect.

Mario Badescu Super Rich Olive body lotion, $10, Nordstorm.com