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As the seasons change and the weather gets colder, our skin
can become drier. To tackle this, many people end up changing their entire
winter skincare routine. While your skin may need a little extra help, your
skin type hasn't changed. So, effective winter skincare simply means adding one
or two products into your routine to provide extra hydration and nourishment..
What
causes dry skin in winter?
Winter brings cold temperatures, low humidity and harsh
winds that strip moisture from the skin. Indoors, heated air exacerbates the
dryness, creating a challenging environment for the skin. These conditions can
make skin feel tight, red, flaky and dehydrated. Even oily and combination skin
types are not exempt, often experiencing sensitivity & dehydration in colder
months.
1. Why
skin becomes dry in winter
Our skin feels dry & tight because the warm heating
inside contrasts with the low temperatures and strong winds outside. Not to
mention that enjoying extra hot showers and baths during the cold winter months
can actually strip moisture from the skin. Common symptoms of dry skin in
winter include:
Dehydration
Tightness
Flaking
Continuous discomfort
But don't
worry, this doesn’t mean you need a completely new winter skincare routine each
time the season comes around. All you need to do is simply alter the textures
of your current products (opt for a thicker moisturiser or creamier cleanser)
or add a very hydrating product for dry skin in winter. Keep your skin
comforted and smooth with winter skincare essentials that lock in moisture,
nourish the skin & keep the cold environment from dimming your natural
radiance.
2. Essential
skin products for winter: What do you need?
The #1
winter skincare tip is that a winter skincare routine doesn't mean a complete
change of products. Instead, it is best to listen to your skin & tailor
your routine by adding one or two products. It’s important to stay consistent
with your skincare routine.
Your revised
routine could look like this: Use a cleanser to get rid of built-up dirt,
impurities & pollutants. Follow your cleanser with a Salicylic Acid (BHA)
or Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA) exfoliant to remove dead skin cells and
give your skin a natural glow. Exfoliants also help to calm redness, a common
concern at this time of year. And lastly, don't forget to hydrate with your
best moisturiser for dry skin in winter.
Remember
that UV rays are harmful all year round, especially when reflected on snowy
surfaces, so never leave home without applying an SPF of 30 or higher.
3. Winter
skincare essentials for body
The skin on
our bodies needs love and attention too, even though most of it is covered up
at this time of year. Neglecting it can lead to extremely dry, dull and flaky
skin due to the build-up of dead skin cells. To avoid this, try using a 10% AHA Body
Lotion, which gently exfoliates away dry skin in winter, leaving you
with super-smooth skin. It also works well on dry hands, heels and elbows. If
you experience little red bumps AKA Keratosis Pilaris or ‘bacne’, a 2% BHA Body
Spot Exfoliant is a great option.
The active
5% Niacinamide Body Serum will keep your skin smooth & soft by effectively
hydrating the skin and restoring the skin barrier. Follow these products with
either an Ultra-Rich Soothing Body Butter or body lotion to
nourish and protect the skin even more.
4. What
serums to use in winter
If you
experience a lot of dryness during winter, it is important to protect and
restore the skin's natural barrier. Opting for a toner is a great way to
replenish the skin's surface. Serums also restore hydration, such as those
packed with nourishing omega fatty acids, providing intense hydration and
helping to avoid moisture loss. Look for serums with natural ingredients that
repair, revitalise & hydrate the skin while still protecting it from
environmental damage. An ultra-hydrating moisturiser added to your routine will
also help restore your skin, replenishing the water content of your skin.
5. Is
exfoliation in winter necessary?
If you are dealing with winter skin rash or dry, flaky skin during the winter months, it can be tempting to use a scrub to get rid of all those dead skin cells. Unfortunately harsh, abrasive scrubs can damage your skin, causing moisture loss and ironically even more dryness. Instead, it's best to remove dead skin cells with an AHA or BHA leave-on exfoliant. If you normally use a gel or liquid exfoliant, try switching to a lotion during the winter. Adding a Hyaluronic Acid Booster straight after exfoliating can relieve dry skin and give your skin a little plump
6. How to
stop dry lips in winter
Lips are
sensitive to cold weather because they produce less oil than the rest of the
face, so it's important to take extra care of them during winter. Protect and
nourish them during the day with a lip balm with SPF or for dry lips dry
lips in winter, apply a lip & body balm. Bonus tip: massage a bit of oil
booster on your lips, then seal with the lip & body balm as an overnight
lip mask and say hello to luscious lips!
7. How to
help dry hands in winter
Cold, windy
and wet weather can cause hands to become dry and painful with brittle nails
and frayed cuticles. Use a rich body butter to hydrate the skin in winter,
repeating as often as needed and always after hand-washing. A good lip &
body balm is a true multi-tasker that takes care of cuticles. To exfoliate dry
hands, use a 10% AHA Body Lotion. A skin recovery mask can double as an
ultra-rich hand cream for extra nourishment.
8. How to
soothe dry eyes
Winter also
means the delicate skin around your eyes can get drier. To deeply nourish
dehydrated skin in the eye area, turn to creams packed with shea butter,
peptides, and hydrating ingredients. Products specifically formulated for the
eye area can also help strengthen the skin's natural resilience and calm
irritation.
9. How to
relieve redness in cold weather
Low
temperatures and harsh winds can cause skin to become more sensitive, irritated
or red. Pamper your skin with calming ingredients to relieve redness and soothe
the skin. Look for products that help the skin retain moisture and get rid of
dryness, making them perfect for sensitive skin types. Use serums that hydrate
skin and calm redness at the same time. An overnight mask can also reduce
redness, soothe the skin and deliver long-lasting hydration while you sleep.
10. How
to keep skin hydrated in winter
Adding a
hydrating serum or changing your exfoliant from a liquid or gel formula to a
lotion is great for dry skin during the colder months. Indulging in a little
extra pampering will work wonders on your skin – and spirits! Using an
overnight mask once a week saves time and will ensure you wake up to healthy, glowing
skin. For an extra boost of hydration, opt for ultra-hydrating moisturisers or
masks with radiance-restoring properties.