Your Winter Care Routine: Skin

As the months get colder, you’ll notice a change in your skin. It may start to feel drier and tighter; this is usually down to the colder temperature, dry heat from the indoor heating and windier weather. When it comes to skincare, it may seem like we go on and on about hydration, but it is key as we transition into Autumn/Winter. Working towards hydrated skin is the secret to great skin in the colder months. You can keep your winter routine super simple with a mild cleanser, hydrating serum, moisturiser and SPF.

A cleansing cream, balm or oil will be more effective at cleaning the skin and keeping the skin barrier intact compared to a foaming or salicylic-based cleanser. Foaming and salicylic-based cleansers are great at cleaning the skin but contain properties that can be quite drying.

KEM Soothing Cleansing Oil

This lightweight oil cleanser also improves skin texture and brightness. – Shopkem.co

Hydrating serums are humectants which will extract water from the air and pull them into the skin. The aim is to retain hydration within the skin barrier. Hydrating serums work best under your moisturiser, SPF and oil.

CosRx Snail Mucin Essence

Infused with 96% Snail Secretion Filtrate the essence is an ultra-hydrating treatment.

You need a moisturiser that locks in the hydrating serum, preventing water loss from the skin’s surface. You can look for moisturisers that are thicker in consistency but if that doesn’t work for you ensure you have a moisturiser with hydrating and protective properties such as Ceramides. Ceramides are lipids that keep the skin barrier strong, incorporating Ceramides into your winter routine strengthens your skin barrier and reduces the chance of moisture escaping. As well as moisturisers, they can be found in serums and cleansers. Add oils into your nighttime routine to physically lock in moisture.

Dr Jart Ceramidin Cream

This smooth, nourishing cream locks-in moisture to provide immediate deep moisturisation and comfort for dry, dull skin while strengthening the skin’s moisture barrier. – drjart.co.uk

Exfoliation can stay a part of your routine as it’s important to get rid of the dead skin cells that could build up. If you are an avid user of serums with active ingredients such as AHA’s and retinol, it may be better for you to try products with less strength. Mandelic acid is a gentle AHA that reduces hyperpigmentation, is anti-ageing and promotes cell turnover leading to healthier, glowing skin.

Inkey List Mandelic Acid Treatment

Its lightweight formula contains 10% Mandelic Acid (an AHA) and 0.1% Retinol. This unique ingredient pairing works together, with Glycerin, to target discolouration and dark spots by subtly exfoliating, encouraging natural cell turnover, whilst hydrating the skin. – uk.theinkeylist.com

Don’t forget to take care of your lips too as they can be sensitive to the colder weather. Treat them with a gentle lip balm that nourishes the lips and doesn’t require constant reapplication. For an added moisture boost, use a hydrating face and lip mask once or twice a week. Remember to clean scarves and the collar of your jackets, a build-up of dirt there can lead to the appearance of jawline spots. A winter skin routine shouldn’t be complicated and will consist of products you already own. The focus is protecting and maintaining beautiful skin this winter!