The best skincare products for Canadian winter

West Coast

The West Coast has the mildest winters, which means people can often be found outdoors. Make sure your daily moisturizer contains at least an SPF 30, says Charmaine Cooper, education manager at Dermalogica Canada, and choose a serum with vitamins A, C and E to repair and protect against sun damage. To purge the skin of pollutants every now and then, incorporate a specialized treatment, like a peel or mask to target the buildup.

Try: Dr Roebuck’s Ultimate Hydrating Serum, $80, Beauty Boutique. Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream SPF 30, $39. StriVectin Silver Peel-Off Purifier, $72, Beauty Boutique.

Territories

Brutally cold temperatures and fierce winds: Welcome to winter in Canada’s North. “Wind is a powerful skin irritant,” says Julie Clark, owner of holistic skincare brand Province Apothecary. “The skin becomes dull, dry and thick.” Use a heavy-duty balm that contains soothing ingredients like calendula to spot-treat particularly dry, flaky patches. Add an oil-based cleanser and a moisture-charged cream with ingredients like hyaluronic acid for all-day hydration.

Try: Fresh Rose Deep Hydration Face Cream, $50, Sephora. Province Apothecary Protecting & Restoring Face Balm, $26. Estée Lauder Advanced Night Micro Cleansing Balm, $50, Hudson’s Bay.

Prairies

Prairie dwellers are used to the arid climate and the tight, flaky skin that comes with it. “There’s often a lack of oil in the skin here,” says Cooper, “and that opens the door for all manner of concerns.” Deeply moisturize your skin by using a hydrating essence after cleansing. Healthy fats are essential, so apply an oil on its own or add a few drops to your moisturizer or foundation. Finally, a rich cream with ingredients like honey and shea butter will nourish the skin.

Try: Guerlain Abeille Royale Day Cream, $177, Hudson’s Bay. Jurlique Activating Water Essence, $69, Sephora. Dermalogica Phyto Replenish Oil, $103.

Central Canada

Citizens of Toronto, Ottawa and Montreal, take note: Pollution is one of the main culprits of a dull, lacklustre complexion — and it causes breakouts too. Clark recommends dry-brushing the face to activate the lymphatic system and detoxify skin. Or try adding a booster to your regular moisturizer or foundation that’s specifically formulated to purge stressed-out skin of an excess of pollutants. For total protection, try an all-in-one product that contains antioxidants, hydration and an SPF.

Try: Aveda Tulasara Radiant Facial Dry Brush, $50. Clarins Booster Detox, $40. Elizabeth Arden Prevage City Smart, $85, Hudson’s Bay.

East Coast

Intense weather systems travel up the eastern seaboard, resulting in snow and more snow. It’s wet and windy, which can cause serious skin flare-ups, especially for those with sensitive complexions. Cooper recommends products with calming ingredients like camomile and oat to target inflammation and redness. To conquer dullness, carry a hydrating mist for a quick pick-me-up.

Try: Origins GinZing Energy-Boosting Treatment Lotion Mist, $26. Alumier MD HydraCalm Night Moisturizer, $64. Darphin Intral Redness Relief Soothing Serum, $105, Sephora.

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