When the temperature plummets we start talking winter skin as quickly as we bring out the knitwear, hats, and cosy coats. There’s no magic wand that will solve winter skin issues, it’s more complex and intricate than just adding a thick moisturiser to your daily skincare routine. Let us explain . . .
Understanding how the changing environment impacts the skin’s function and how skincare ingredients work to combat issues is the key. For example, hyaluronic acid is a humectant, meaning it draws water from the environment to plump and hydrate the skin. Great when the air is full of moisture in the summer, but when the humidity drops in the cooler months, hyaluronic acid just doesn’t have access to as much water to pull into the skin. Hence the skincare you’ve used all summer might not be able to do the same job come winter.
This same lack of humidity in the air can lead to water actively leaving your skin during the day and that is the biggest skin change in the winter and why our skin behaves so differently. You might see and feel signs like drier skin with accentuated lines because there’s a lack of plumping water. The skin barrier can quickly become compromised too which will then lead to sensitivity and redness. So, tweaks to your skincare routine might be needed. Luckily, you can contact your pro anytime for a seasonal skincare review. You’ll get personalised advice that’s tailored to exactly what your skin needs and you can find out which of these winter skin tips applies to you!
Skincare Tips for Winter
- If you’ve been using a light cleanser like a gel wash during the summer, switching to a more hydrating cleanser like our creamy HydraBoost can help to soothe skin at the first step in your winter skin routine.
- Double up on your hydrating serum, for example if you usually use two pumps of Ultimate Boost Serum, try applying three pumps or even four to give your skin more of the hydration it’s craving.
- Don’t necessarily turn to a thick moisturiser for the season, temporarily adding a moisturiser to your routine is always an option but, it doesn’t have to be rich. You may prefer HydraLight which will do a great job while feeling light as air. If you prefer a luxuriously textured moisturiser, then reach for the nourishing HydraRich.
- Use a hydrating sunscreen, it might be cold, but the UVA and UVB rays are still there attacking your skin, sunscreen is essential all year round. If you’ve been using a lightweight formula throughout the summer like Clear Shield Broad Spectrum SPF 30 , you might find a more moisturising formula like Sheer Hydration Broad Spectrum SPF 30 is a comforting choice for the winter.
- Give your skin an extra hydrating boost once or twice a week and apply Aqua Infusion Mask which provides intense hydration and helps to improve the skin barrier function. Pair it with Eye Rescue Pads to help restore the delicate eye area, that may also suffer in the winter months.
Lifestyle tips that will boost your skin this winter:
- Drink more water – when your skin is at risk of dehydration and sensitivity, you can help by staying hydrated on the inside.
- Eating more fruit and veg with a high-water content like watermelon, broccoli and spinach will help to hydrate skin from the inside out.
- Use a humidifier to restore moisture to the air around you and give your skin the chance to soak it all up.
- Try not to turn the heating up too high as central heating can make the air even drier than outside and the contrast when you come inside can really affect the skin.
- Avoid hot water for showers, baths and even hand washing and stick to warm instead. Hot water might feel great, but it strips skin of essential oils and can leave it red and vulnerable.
Prevention is always better than cure and treating winter skin symptoms like sensitivity, dryness and dehydration is usually easier if you react to the first signs or even adjust your skin routine now!