The winter chill has well and truly hit. When temperatures drop and humidity leaves for the season, the moisture in your skin is often quick to go with it. The cold, dry air of winter can detrimentally impact your skin’s ability to retain both moisture and hydration, with complaints of irritated, tight, dry, and dull skin all too common.
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Just like we update our wardrobes to adapt to the cooler weather, our skincare arsenals should adapt to cater to the changing needs of our skin. Fortunately, a few simple skincare swaps and additions can take your skin from glum to glowing this winter.
1. Cleanse, but gently
Cleansing forms the cornerstone of any skincare routine, quite literally giving you a clean slate. However, certain cleansers can strip your skin of its natural oils, leaving it dry and potentially contributing to a damaged skin barrier. Adopting a double cleansing routine can be beneficial; start with a first cleanse using an oil or balm cleanser to remove makeup, sunscreen, and dirt before following with a cream or gentle gel cleanser. Good first cleanse options include the Saya Skincare Cleansing Balm, Caudalie Vinoclean Makeup Removing Cleansing Oil, and Vela Days Lipid Complex Cleansing Balm. As for a second cleanse, the Avene Tolerance Extremely Gentle Cleanser lives up to its name, working to reduce skin sensitivity and nourish the hydrolipidic barrier as it cleanses. For a budget-friendly option, the CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser is always a favourite, using ceramides to strengthen the skin barrier as it works.
Steer clear of overly foaming or lathering formulas; these are high in harsh surfactants that can dry out the skin. If you’re using an exfoliating product elsewhere in your skincare routine, stick to a non-active cleanser.
2. Stick with sunscreen
Sunscreen is non-negotiable. Even in winter. While you mightn’t feel the warmth of the sun’s rays during the cooler months, UVA rays — the ones that cause premature ageing in the form of wrinkles and pigmentation — are still present. Opt for a sunscreen that provides much-needed moisture and hydration in addition to sun protection, like the Ultra Violette Supreme Screen SPF50+ or We Are Feel Good Inc Good Morning Daily Face Sunscreen SPF 50.
3. Plump it up
For hydrated, plump skin, add peptides to your skincare routine this winter. Peptides are types of amino acids and play a key role in boosting collagen and elastin production, leading to firmer, more youthful skin. They also help with hydration and promote a strong skin barrier. Some of the most effective formulas are those that pair peptides with other skin superheroes, like the Biossance Squalane + Copper Peptide Rapid Plumping Serum which teams copper peptides with a hydrating complex of hyaluronic acid, polyglutamic acid, and squalane. Other good options include the Emma Lewisham Supernatural 72-Hour Crème which is enriched with peptides, bakuchiol, and saccharide isomerate; or the Paula’s Choice Peptide Booster which teams eight types of peptides with soothing licorice.
4. Strategic exfoliation
When it comes to exfoliation, chemical is often better than physical. During winter, it’s particularly important to slough away dead skin to prevent buildup and ensure your face stays free from flakiness. Alpha-H Liquid Gold uses 5% glycolic acid to eliminate dead skin cells, while the Youth To The People Yerba Mate Resurfacing Energy Facial Exfoliator combines enzymatic and light physical exfoliation to promote smoother skin. For oily or acne-prone skin, a BHA exfoliant can be helpful in unclogging pores and moderating sebum production. Try the Paula’s Choice 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant, Youth To The People Mandelic Acid + Superfood Unity Exfoliant, or Medik8 Blemish Control Pads.
5. The rich list
While a lightweight lotion or gel-cream formula can be the ideal summer skincare solution, during winter it can pay to embrace a thicker, more rich moisturiser. Look for moisturisers loaded with nourishing ceramides and peptides; these will help strengthen the skin barrier and prevent hydration loss. Both First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream and Fresh Rose Deep Hydration Face Cream Moisturiser help alleviate and prevent the occurrence of dry, irritated skin, while the CeraVe Moisturising Cream is a budget-friendly ceramide-rich option. For skin in need of a little radiance, the Sunday Riley C.E.O. Vitamin C Rich Hydration Cream is satisfyingly moisturising, with 5% vitamin C working to brighten skin tone while lime pearls gently resurface the skin.
Words by Esmé Duggan
Feature image courtesy of by Elizaveta Porodina for Vogue Ukraine
