Is the cold weather doing a number on your skin? Here’s what those in the know recommend to get back on track and stay there.
Our skin really gets put through the wringer during winter. One minute it’s battling icy winds and freezing temperatures outside – the next, it’s exposed to the relentless dryness of central heating, hot showers and recycled office air. It’s a constant state of environmental whiplash and our complexions are usually the first to show it.
The result? Tightness, dullness, redness, flakiness and a general sense that your usual routine just isn’t cutting it anymore. Products that felt perfectly fine in summer can suddenly feel insufficient, while skin that’s normally well-behaved may start reacting in ways it never has before. Winter skin isn’t necessarily problem skin – it’s simply skin that needs a different approach.
That’s why the beauty experts over at Fresha have shared their top winter skincare tips, from what kind of cleanser to use to how strong your SPF should be (yes, even in winter). Here’s what you need to know…
Opt for gentle cleansing
The experts say: “During this cold season, our skin can become more susceptible to dryness and sensitivity, so it’s crucial to use gentle, non-harsh products to maintain a healthy skin barrier. We recommend using creamy cleansers instead of foaming ones, as well as washing your face with lukewarm water instead of hot water. Implementing these small changes will ensure that your skin’s natural oils are not being stripped away and that your skin barrier is protected to retain moisture.”
Garnier Skin Active - Hyaluronic Aloe Soothing Cream Cleanser
Try a vitamin C serum
The experts say: “Introducing vitamin C to your skincare routine can hydrate and brighten your skin, as well as reduce hyperpigmentation and promote the production of collagen. However, it’s incredibly important to gradually introduce vitamin C to your routine, as it may not be suitable for your skin type. Some vitamin C products may have high concentration, so it could cause minor skin irritation, and in these cases, should be dropped from your routine immediately. Therefore, do a patch test to assess your skin’s reaction by applying a small amount of serum or oil to the back of your hand. If you develop any redness or rashes, then this product is not suitable for your skin.”
No, SPF is not just for summer
The experts say: “Perhaps the most important tip on the list, SPF should be incorporated into your daily winter skincare routine. Despite the lack of visible sunshine and warmth in these colder months, the UV rays from the sun can seep through clouds, and age and damage your skin. We recommend applying a high SPF, such as SPF 30 or 50, after you cleanse but before you moisturise to fully protect your skin; even SPF 15 is too low in the winter season.”
La Roche-Posay Anti-Ageing Skin Glow & Protection Routine with SPF
Don’t forget to protect your hands and lips
The experts say: “It’s not just your face that needs protecting this winter, as the skin on your hands and lips is thinner and more vulnerable to dryness – hence why we lick our lips and suffer from ‘lick eczema’. To prevent this, applying a good quality lip balm and a rich layer of hand cream in between hand washing, going outside, eating, and drinking is necessary.”
Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Intensive Lip Repair Balm
Hydrate from the inside out
The experts say: “The harshness of the cold air can be seriously drying to your skin, so using a daily hydrating moisturiser twice a day is a must to lock in moisture and prevent a dry, flaky face. Hydration should also be prioritised from the inside out, so ensure that you’re drinking plenty of water and eating water-rich foods, such as fresh fruits like oranges, vegetables like cucumbers, as well as broths and soups.”
Don’t overload your skin with new products
The experts say: “It is important to bear in mind that the change in temperature does not require a complete change in your usual skincare routine. Overloading the skin with too many products, especially new ones, can exacerbate or evoke skincare issues. It is recommended to trial new products and carefully monitor how your skin responds to them on a day-by-day basis. As well as this, trying one product at time allows you to see the true results with no other factors affecting them, rather than using too many at once and trying to figure out which one isn’t working for you. Taking these steps will ensure that your skincare routine is suitable for your needs, particularly in this cold weather.”
Image: Getty