Should your winter skincare really be any different to the rest of the year?
Picture this: there’s a brutal chill in the air, the heating is on full and you’re wrapped in 5 layers of fabric. The result? Sadly it’s often dull, dry and damaged skin – not just on your face, but on your body, too.
Your skin has a lot to deal with at this time of year. Central heating and rapid temperature changes as you move from indoors to outdoors can cause damage and dehydration. Not to mention that biting winter wind chill – your skin hates it too! Harsh winds can damage the skin’s natural barrier, leaving cracks and rough patches that might even become sore. If you have a skin condition such as eczema, chances are you’ll find it gets worse in winter as well.
Cold temperatures, combined with lower humidity levels in winter tend to pull moisture away from the skin, and covering your face can do even more damage (read my post on Maskne here). Sometimes it can feel like a no-win situation! And it’s not just your pretty face struggling either; your body is going to need some extra TLC too!
Don’t panic though, there are ways to work around the cold weather and I’m going to share them with you. Keep reading to find out which winter skincare essentials I add to my routine for soft, hydrated skin in the colder months.
Winter Skincare Essentials: Face
Replenishing Mask
It stands to reason that if we’re losing moisture from the skin then we want to replace it, and fast! There are lots of ways to do this but a great treat is a thick hydrating mask. There’s loads on the market but choose one with additional repairing qualities, like GlamGlow Berry Glow Probiotic Recovery Mask. When your skin is dry the body struggles to deliver nutrients to it, so it’s worth replacing them too.
Hyaluronic Acid
Hyaluronic acid has been in the skincare spotlight for some time now and there’s no sign of that changing. It’s an ideal winter skincare product, because this particular acid naturally draws moisture towards it and holds it in the skin. Generally, acids should be used after cleansing and before serums to get the best results. The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% is favourite of mine that is also very purse-friendly!
Facial Oil
Switching up your regular moisturiser for a thicker version is a great idea at this time of year, but you could go a step further and add in a facial oil too. My all time favourite is Guerlain Abeille Royale Youth Watery Oil.
Pro Tip: If you’re using moisturiser and face oil together, try to wait 10-30 minutes in between to allow the moisturiser to fully absorb first. This will prevent ‘pilling’ on the surface of the skin. You can also watch how I perform a facial massage routine with oil here.
SPF
If you don’t know why SPF should be part of your winter skincare routine by now, WHY? The sun’s rays still penetrate gloomy winter skies and if there’s snow on the ground, they reflect up from that too. The last thing you need on top of cold weather skin damage is sun damage, so lather up and protect your damn self already! No excuses!
Dermalogica Clear Start Clearing Defence SPF30 has all the benefits of a professional product at a cheaper price point. I find that some SPFs break me out but this range is designed for blemish-prone skin and has worked a treat for me!
Winter Skincare Essentials: Body
Dry Brushing
The word ‘dry’ might put you off here, but the process of dry brushing has multiple benefits and really is an essential for winter skincare. If you’re not exfoliating regularly, you can expect a build-up of dead skin that can lead to dullness and ingrown hairs.
Not only is it a great, natural way to remove dead skin cells, but the process also stimulates circulation. This means your body can deliver more repairing and hydrating nutrients to the skin via the blood flow. The Mio Body Brush has stimulating bobbles amongst the bristles to enhance this effect. Use your dry brush before your bath or shower in the evenings , and sweep in circular motions towards the heart.
Oil Rich Body Scrub
Another way to exfoliate that also doubles as a moisturiser is with an oil-rich body scrub. My favourite by far is Elemis Frangipani Monoi Salt Glow. Fine sea salt polishes the body whilst rich oils coat the skin to lock in moisture and provide an additional barrier to the elements. I challenge you not to fall in love its luxurious scent!
A Big Ol’ Tub of Moisturiser
A giant tub of quality all-round moisturiser is an essential for winter skincare, as you might find you need to baste yourself a little more often than normal! My pick is Embryolisse Last-Creme Fluid – it comes in various sizes up to 500ml, has a handy pump and is renowned worldwide with celebritites and skincare experts alike.
Want more skincare tips? Read related posts: Maskne – Treatment & Prevention Tips from a Pro / My 8-Step Flawless Skincare Routine
Watch my Facial Massage Routine on Youtube and SUBSCRIBE to my channel for more fashion and beauty tips!
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Love,
Brilliant. Have a good routine but think ill get a few of these products to try x
I know you’ll enjoy the scrub!