How to care for winter skin

It can be hard to say goodbye to the beautiful summer sunshine and think about getting your winter coats from the back of the wardrobe when the seasons change.  

As the mercury begins to drop down to scarf, gloves, and open fire territory, adding a few extra layers to your wardrobe isn’t the only change you need to consider, you should also be thinking about wrapping up your skin in comfort and repair ready for the harsh changes in environment. 

What skin concerns could you be facing during the winter months? 

Cooler temperatures mean reduced humidity and increased dryness in the air, which can greatly affect your skin’s moisture levels and cause dehydration.  

Decreased barrier function at lower temperatures accelerates penetration of irritants like pollution; add to this harsh winds causing enhanced evaporation of moisture from the skin, and fluctuations in temperature like extra hot water in the shower and you’ve got yourself some redness, itching and potential flaking of surface layers. 

And of course, your first line of defence against the cold is to ramp up the heating, blasting hot air and water at every possible opportunity. Walking in from the cold to direct blowing heat throughout your home is a huge contrast in temperature for your skin to deal with, and it’s a dry heat which will remove what little moisture there is left in the winter-dry air.  

So, where do you start with skincare as we enter the cold? 

No need to panic! A few small tweaks are all it takes to get your skin prepared and able to maintain that summer glow all year round. 

1. It all starts with your cleanser: 

With enough environmental changes to keep us busy, we don’t need to add to skin stress with harsh, stripping cleansers. Turn down the water temperature and be sure to start your routine with a pH balanced, non-foaming cleanser like Balancing Cleanser, to respect the skin’s natural pH and support the delicate Acid Mantle. With calming Aloe Vera and Vitamin E to soothe away winter skin stress. 

2. Turn up the moisture factor: 

Now is the time to layer and lock in hydration and fall back in love with richer creams to build your skin’s moisture reserves - a well hydrated skin is a healthy skin! Hyaluronic 8 Serum offers 8 multi-weighted ingredients to plump, hydrate, and smooth, while Essential Hydration Cream works to lock in moisture as well as calm dry, cracked, or irritated skin.  

3. Move away from the physical: 

Chemical exfoliants can actually be gentler on a dry or dehydrated complexion over physical exfoliants, which could be scrubbing at potentially compromised skin making it subject to further damage. Liquid Gold with 5% Glycolic Acid works to break down the bonds holding dead, dull skin to the surface revealing fresh, radiant cells underneath. Already using Liquid Gold regularly? Try adding in Liquid Gold Midnight Reboot Serum twice per week on non-Liquid Gold evenings to boost skin renewal and level up that glow. 

4. Boost the antioxidants: 

Vitamins are a great way to help your skin through a season change, and protect your skin’s Acid Mantle against environmental stressors. Add Vitamin B Serum to your morning routine to support barrier function and boost hydration, and include Vitamin E Serum to your evening routine for a hit of soothing repair. 

5. Don’t dismiss the SPF: 

Never let the mild winter sun lure you into a false sense of security – your skin is potentially even more vulnerable during winter with the stressful environment, so sun damage is still a threat. For an added hit of hydration with a dewy finish, Daily Essential Moisturiser SPF50+ is your broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection, moisturiser, and primer in one. If you prefer a more matte finish, Protection Plus Daily SPF50+ has you covered. 

Still not sure which products are best suited to your unique skin needs? Request a live Virtual Skin Consultation here with one of our qualified Skin Specialists.