Combat Boise Winter Weathered Skin
If you have stepped outside lately and felt your skin instantly tighten, you’re not imagining it. Boise’s cold dry winters plus indoor heating create the perfect storm for dehydration, redness and that tight uncomfortable feeling that never seems to go away. A few smart winter upgrades will make a huge difference in the health and happiness of your skin this winter!
Here is how to protect your skin along with product recommendations you can find right here at Graeber!
1. Start with a gentler cleanse
In winter, the goal is to cleanse without stripping your skin.
Try this
Aveda botanical kinetics purifying creme cleanser
A rich cream cleanser that removes makeup and impurities while plant based oils leave your skin soft and comfortable. Perfect for normal to dry winter skin.
2. Layer hydration, then lock it in!
Winter air in Boise loves to steal moisture from your skin. Apply hydration to damp skin, then seal it in with something richer.
- Epicutis Lipid Serum
A silky serum that calms stressed sensitive or post treatment skin and supports a healthy barrier. - Epicutis Hyvia Creme
A balanced treatment creme powered by Hyvia (a moisturizing agent from organic non GMO chia seed oil). It covers the skin in long lastinghydration and helps shield against environmental stressors. - Epicutis Lipid Recovery Mask
Your winter skin rescue! This mask delivers concentrated lipids and calming ingredients to soothe, hydrate and smooth in about 10 to 15 minutes. Use it when your skin feels extra dry tight or flaky.
We’ll let you in on a secret. The WHOLE Epicutis lineup is perfect for the challenges our skin faces during the winter.
3. Upgrade to a richer moisturizer and never skip SPF
Winter is not the time to put sunscreen away. UV rays are still present and snow can reflect them back onto your skin.
Your daily protection duo:
Epicutis Hyvia Creme
Use morning and night to keep your barrier cushioned and comfortable.
Aveda daily light guard defense fluid broad spectrum SPF 30
A sheer mineral sunscreen fluid with plant-based antioxidants. It wears beautifully under makeup and gives you everyday protection from UVA and UVB rays. Apply Daily Light Guard as the last step in your morning skincare routine even on cloudy days.
But… Don’t forget your scalp and hands
Winter affects not only your face. Your scalp and hands take a big hit too.
For a dry, tight or flaky scalp
Oribe Serene Scalp Soothing Leave On Treatment
A lightweight leave on treatment that gently exfoliates while peppermint chamomile aloe and hydrating botanicals soothe and comfort your scalp.
For chapped over washed hands
- Aveda hand relief moisturizing cremeA luxuriously rich hand creme that provides intense long-lasting moisture. Perfect for hands that are constantly exposed to cold air andfrequent washing.
Keep one at your sink, one in your bag and one on your nightstand so you always have it within reach.
Ready for a customized winter routine?
If your skin feels
- Persistently tight or flaky
- More red and reactive than usual
- Overwhelmed by all the product options
Our estheticians at Graeber and Company are here to help.
We can:
- Map out a winter routine using Epicutis Aveda and Oribe that fits your skin type and lifestyle
- Recommend in salon treatments focused on hydration and barrier repair
- Match you with exactly what your skin needs without overcomplicating your routine
Book a winter skin consult or facial at Graeber or stop by the salon and let our team help you build your Winter Glow lineup.
Your skin scalp and hands deserve a little extra love this season and we are so happy to be your Boise beauty home for it!
FAQ’s About Winter Skincare:
Why does my skin get so dry in Boise winter?
Cold, dry outdoor air + indoor heating can pull moisture from your skin and weaken your skin barrier (the “shield” that keeps moisture in and irritants out). When that barrier is compromised, you’ll notice tightness, flaking, redness, and extra sensitivity.
What’s the best cleanser for dry winter skin?
In winter, choose a cleanser that’s gentle and moisturizing, not “squeaky clean.” Harsh or stripping cleansers can make dryness worse.
Graeber pick: Aveda Botanical Kinetics Purifying Crème Cleanser.
How do I layer hydration so it actually lasts?
Apply your hydrating steps to slightly damp skin, then seal everything in with a richer moisturizer. Dermatologists recommend moisturizing when skin is still damp to help lock in moisture.
Graeber picks: Epicutis Lipid Serum → Epicutis Hyvia Crème.
How often should I use a lipid mask in winter?
For most people: 1–3x per week, and bump it up during extra-dry stretches (after skiing, travel, windy weeks, or when you feel tight/flaky).
Graeber pick: Epicutis Lipid Recovery Mask (10–15 minutes when your skin needs a reset).
Do I really need SPF in winter (even when it’s cloudy)?
Yes. UV damage happens year-round, and snow can reflect UV back onto your skin—some sources note up to ~80% reflection, meaning you can get hit from above and below.
Graeber pick: Aveda Daily Light Guard SPF 30 (last step every morning).
What helps a dry, tight, or flaky scalp in winter?
Dry scalp and dandruff can look similar, but a simple first step is switching to a gentle option and adjusting your routine if OTC options aren’t helping. If it persists, it’s worth getting a professional opinion.
Graeber pick: Oribe Serene Scalp Soothing Leave-On Treatment.
My hands are wrecked from washing + cold air—what should I do?
Moisturize after every wash and keep a rich hand cream where you’ll actually use it (sink, bag, nightstand). Dermatologists also recommend moisturizing after washing hands.
Graeber pick: Aveda Hand Relief