Winter is coming, and while the cosy jumpers and hot drinks are something to look forward to, the cold weather can be tough on our skin. As the temperature starts to drop, many of us notice our skin becoming drier, flakier, and a bit dull. But with the right approach, you can prepare your skin for the colder months ahead and keep it soft, hydrated, and glowing. In this guide, we’ll walk you through some easy winter skincare tips that will have you ready for whatever the season throws at you.
Why Does Winter Dry Out Your Skin?
Ever wondered why your skin feels drier as winter approaches? The air becomes colder and drier, and once we start cranking up the heating indoors, it dries out the air even more. This combination steals moisture from your skin, making it feel tight and rough. Plus, in colder temperatures, your skin produces fewer natural oils, which are essential for keeping your skin soft and moisturised.
Understanding this helps you tweak your routine with the right winter skincare tips to protect and hydrate your skin as the chill sets in.
Best Hydrating Ingredients to Look For:
The key to healthy, glowing skin in the winter months is hydration. Here are some must-have ingredients to include in your hydrating skincare routine as the weather cools down:
- Hyaluronic Acid: This super-hydrator holds onto moisture and keeps your skin looking plump and fresh.
- Glycerin: Glycerin pulls moisture into your skin, even when the air is dry, helping you maintain hydration throughout the day.
- Ceramides: These strengthen your skin’s natural barrier, locking in moisture and preventing it from escaping.
- Squalane: A lightweight oil that mimics the skin’s natural oils, squalane helps to restore moisture without feeling greasy.
- Shea Butter: Rich and creamy, shea butter forms a protective barrier that shields your skin from the elements.
Including products with these ingredients in your winter moisturisers will ensure your skin stays soft, nourished, and protected against the harsh weather to come.
Morning & Night Winter Skincare Routines
Now is the perfect time to start adjusting your skincare routine for the colder months ahead. A simple morning and evening routine can make a huge difference when winter rolls in:
Morning Routine:
- Gentle Cleanser: Start your day with a mild cleanser that removes impurities without stripping away moisture.
- Hydrating Toner: Use a toner to restore moisture to your skin after cleansing.
- Serum with Hyaluronic Acid: Apply a serum that locks in hydration and helps your skin stay soft throughout the day.
- Rich Moisturiser: Opt for a thicker, more nourishing moisturiser to protect your skin from cold air and indoor heating.
- Sunscreen: Even though the sun might not feel strong, UV rays can still damage your skin, so don’t skip the SPF!
Night Routine:
- Double Cleanse: If you’ve been wearing makeup or sunscreen, start with an oil-based cleanser, followed by a gentle cleanser to remove all dirt and oils.
- Hydrating Serum: Applying a hydrating serum at night will give your skin an extra boost of moisture while you sleep.
- Nourishing Moisturiser: Use a rich night cream or sleeping mask to deeply nourish your skin overnight.
- Lip Balm & Eye Cream: Protect these delicate areas with a hydrating balm for your lips and a moisturising cream for your eyes.
Following this routine now will set you up with a hydrating skincare routine that keeps your skin glowing, hydrated, and ready for the colder days ahead.
Common Winter Skin Issues & How to Tackle Them
As winter approaches, common skin issues start to pop up, but the good news is they’re totally manageable. Here’s how to handle them:
- Flaky Skin: Combat flakes by gently exfoliating once or twice a week to remove dead skin cells. Follow up with a hydrating mask or serum.
- Chapped Lips: Keep a nourishing lip balm with you at all times and reapply frequently to keep your lips soft and moisturised.
- Dry Patches: If you notice rough, dry spots, apply a richer moisturiser to those areas or use a hydrating overnight mask.
- Redness & Sensitivity: Your skin can become more sensitive in colder months. Stick to soothing ingredients like aloe vera and avoid harsh exfoliants.
By using these simple dry skin remedies, you’ll be able to prevent and tackle winter skin issues before they have a chance to take hold.
Winter Skincare Dos and Don’ts
To get ahead of the winter weather and keep your skin glowing, here are a few winter skincare tips to keep in mind:
Dos:
- Do layer your products: Start with lightweight, hydrating products (like serums), then follow up with thicker creams to lock in moisture.
- Do use a humidifier: As soon as the heating goes on, a humidifier can help keep the air (and your skin) hydrated.
- Do drink plenty of water: Staying hydrated inside is just as important as what you put on your skin.
- Do switch to richer moisturisers: As it gets colder, lightweight lotions may not be enough. Switch to a richer, thicker moisturiser to prevent dryness.
Don’ts:
- Don’t take long, hot showers: Hot water strips your skin of natural oils, leaving it drier than before. Stick to shorter, lukewarm showers instead.
- Don’t over-exfoliate: While it’s tempting to scrub away dry skin, exfoliating too much can irritate your skin and make it drier.
- Don’t forget sunscreen: UV rays are still strong, even when it’s cold outside. Keep applying SPF to protect your skin from damage.
- Don’t neglect your hands: The skin on your hands can dry out quickly in winter, so keep a hand cream nearby and apply regularly.
By following these dos and don’ts, you can create a simple and effective winter skincare for glowing skin routine that’s easy to stick to.
Product recommendations:
Final Thoughts
Winter may be on its way, but that doesn’t mean your skin has to suffer! By prepping your skincare routine now, you can keep your skin soft, hydrated, and glowing when the cold weather finally hits. Whether you’re worried about dry patches, chapped lips, or just want to maintain your healthy glow, these winter skincare tips will keep your skin feeling its best all season long.
