Sacred rituals for surviving winter’s coldest conditions have long existed. Around the globe, raw ingredients like honey, marigold and olive oil are revered as natural healers, while centuries-old traditions like dry brushing, body wrapping and hot spring soaks continue to be practiced today.

The universal truth behind these rituals? During the coldest months, we must take special care to hydrate and moisturize from the inside out.

This season, we consider the science of winter skin, and explore how simple routines and ingredients — particularly full flower cannabis — can restore a more natural radiance and glow. 

First up, we wanted to learn why our skin reacts to winter and what it typically presents as on the surface:

HOW DOES SKIN REACT TO COLDER TEMPERATURES?  

Cold weather signals a drop in humidity and a rise in dry air that draws moisture away from the skin. Skin cells on the outermost layer react by shrinking, making them less capable of retaining the protein that regulates our natural moisture functioning.

WHAT ARE SUBTLE SIGNS OF EVERYDAY DRYNESS?  

Start with what your skin feels like. While extreme reactions to colder temperatures can present visually through eczema or psoriasis, even light sensitivities and irritation can indicate dry skin. 

Now that we know why dryness increases during the winter, what ingredients, products and home rituals are most therapeutic for skin combatting the effects of winter?

WHAT DOES DRY AND THIRSTY SKIN CRAVE DURING WINTER?  

Parched skin craves immediate relief and replenishment. Look for a combination of ingredients that repair the skin barrier's capacity to retain moisture, as well as those that make up for the loss of moisture in the air during winter. Some of the most effective and time-tested ingredients for combatting dry skin? Plant extracts and oils are derm-favorites, especially potent and proven ones like aloe, plant-derived squalane, coconut, rosehip, marula oil, and pomegranate. 

AND WHAT ABOUT FULL FLOWER CANNABIS? 

The ingredient that's always top of our list offers its own unique protection against drying conditions: unmatched anti-inflammatory benefits. Cannabidol (CBD) is especially known to help skin become more resilient to environmental triggers. Those shrinking skin cells we learned about earlier? With consistent topical application of cannabis-derived ingredients, skin becomes less sensitive to the irritation that cold temps cause.  

HOW TO RESTRUCTURE A SKINCARE ROUTINE FOR WINTER? 

More is less when dealing with dry skin — instead of adding a host of new products, focus instead on hydration-boosting ingredients to protect during the day and nourishing ingredients to replenish at night. Occlusive agents that lock moisture in to the skin barrier are top on the list too. 

Here are a few easy swaps and good habits to build into your daily skincare rituals: 

1. Opt for oil-based cleansers that moisturize while removing impurities. 
2. Layer in an intensive cream or oil, especially at night, for recovery. 
3. Avoid longer hot showers (even though they're tempting in the cold) because they strip skin of its natural moisturizing qualities 
4. Try something new: dry brushing sloughs off dead cells, improving skin's appearance and overall feel

"My favorite product for January is the Muri Lelu Sativa Serum. The aloe, squalane and fruit extracts absorb quickly into my skin, keeping me moisturized throughout the day."
- Janelle Freeman, VP of Beauty Merchandising at Thirteen Lune

Our Full Flower Ritual was specifically formulated for effortless and optimal skin health during all seasons, but especially harsh winters. Bloomrise Sativa Serum quenches thirsty skin by day with triple-hydration, and Mauvaise Herbe Indica Oil locks in moisture and restores softness and glow.