Oh you haven’t brought out the big, hydrating guns to keep your skin thoroughly protected from all of the delightful dryness that comes with the winter season? What are you doing?
To help, we’ve pulled together all you need to know to make the perfect hot chocolate. Wait, no. We've pulled together all you need to know about these very important seasonal skincare switches below.
Why You Should Change Your Skincare Routine In Winter
Harsh winds, heavy heater use, a rapid decrease in humidity which results in your skin drying out faster, and scorchy showers. All of which are a) incredibly common - some, completely unavoidable - in winter and b) potential causes of dehydrated, flaky, irritated, and tight skin. Because of this it makes sense that you would adjust your skincare accordingly to ward off Winter Skin.
That’s not to say you need to completely overhaul your routine the second the temperature drops. But a few key additions or switches to offer your skin a little extra boost, and some protection against dryness, flakiness, and dehydration are a very clever idea.
The Best Skincare Products and Ingredients To Use In Winter
The drop in temperature and rise in heater usage and hot showers means that occlusive ingredients are an excellent idea. Occlusives (things like: shea butter, lanolin, beeswax, etc.) seal in moisture and stop water from evaporating which make them perfect for combatting winter dryness. Adding in a humectant (glycerin or hyaluronic acid) will also go a long way in fighting off dehydration, despite your newfound heater habit.
Five of the best skin care products for Winter:
1. A nourishing cleanser.
Winter skincare is all about squeezing as much hydration into your skin as (super)humanly possible. Switching over to a cleanser that replenishes as it removes is a simple and effective way to give your routine an extra boost of moisture.
2. A hydrating serum.
These are especially crucial in winter when you’re slamming the air conditioner and your skin feels a little tight and dry. Keep an eye out for hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and glycerin which are widely recognised as hydration powerhouses.
3. A chemical exfoliant.
All those lush creams you’re slathering on need to be removed properly. If they’re not, all that product (plus all your dead skin cells, plus other grime and gross stuff) can lead to breakouts, congestion, and dullness. A chemical exfoliant is able to give your pores a real thorough clear out and prevent any of that annoying build-up business.
4. A lush moisturiser.
Leave your lightweight gels and lotions in summer. You’re going to need something rich or replenishing to combat Winter Skin. All the better if it’s loaded with lush, occlusive ingredients like shea butter that will really lock all that hydration and moisture from your serums into your skin.
5. A replenishing lip balm.
For everyday use, you’ll want something loaded with ingredients that hydrate, to condition and moisturise your lips, and prevent dry spots or flaking. If you’re hitting the snow, on the other hand, you’ll want to call on something thicker and occlusive to act as a barrier and protect your lips.
How To Prepare Your Skin For Spring
Switch out your lush face creams for something more lightweight (such as a water cream or lotion), sub in a cleansing mousse or gel for your everyday cleansing needs (and keep the cleansing balm/oil for when you’re wearing lots of SPF or makeup), and buy it a new pair of sandals.
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