While there’s a lot to love about winter (hot choccies and movie nights – need we say more?), its effect on our skin isn’t something we look forward to when the temperature dips. Even the oiliest of complexions can find themselves feeling dry and cranky when the cold weather sets in.
Fortunately, there are a few winter skin hacks you can put in place to keep your face happy and hydrated. We caught up with SkinCeuticals’ Scientific and Education Manager, Dr Tania Romano to get the lowdown on how to get your skincare routine winter-ready.
Read: What Is Influenza B—And What Are The Symptoms?
How and why our skin changes during winter
Ever noticed that when the cold weather creeps in, your skin starts to get dry, flaky – and even red – or sensitised? There are two factors at play causing this, according to Dr Romano, and we can’t blame it all on Mother Nature.
Winter skin enemy #1: Drier air and reduced humidity
“It is not uncommon for people to have drier skin during winter. This is mainly due to a reduction in air humidity, meaning there is less water in the atmosphere to help naturally moisturise our skin. This can adversely affect our skin barrier and lead to sensitivity, dryness, and irritation,” explains Dr Romano.
Winter skin enemy #2: Indoor heating
Hands up if you’re guilty of cranking the heater up to the max on chilly nights? Us too. And, as it turns out, our skin doesn’t love all this extra warmth (oops).
“The effects of indoor heating can also lead to drier skin in winter. Therefore, it is essential that a winter skincare regime incorporates products that will increase and maintain skin moisture and hydration,” says Dr Romano.
The best skincare products to use during winter
Ultra-hydrating serums
When it comes to winter skincare, the main aim of the game is to increase and maintain skin hydration explains Dr Romano. Dr Romano recommends using hyaluronic acid-based products to “help draw water into the skin.” Her pick is SkinCeuticals HA Intensifier Serum which is “a humectant capable of holding 1000 times its own weight in water.”
If you’re dealing with very dry skin, Dr Romano suggests incorporating products with vitamin B5 AKA panthenol as well which “will also help increase skin hydration.”
SkinCeuticals Hyaluronic Acid Intensifier
Treat your skin to a hydrating blend of pure hyaluronic acid, proxylane™, and botanical extracts of licorice root, and purple rice.
The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 60ml
This cruelty-free, vegan-friendly skincare serum is enriched with hydrating hyaluronic acid and vitamin B5.
Peggy AM Vitamin Serum
Plump and hydrate with hyaluronic acid and bamboo extract plus vitamins A, B and C.
SAYA Glow Serum
SAYA Glow Serum
Brighten and nourish in one go with this hyaluronic acid and vitamin C serum.
Extra-nourishing moisturisers and creams
“Winter is also the time to be using a thicker and more nourishing moisturiser. A product such as SkinCeuticals Triple Lipid Restore contains fatty acids, ceramides and cholesterol which help to restore the skin’s natural barrier and support natural self-repair,” says Dr Romano.
Lano 101 Dry Skin Super Cream – Multipurpose for Face + Body
No winter skincare round-up would be complete without a product from Australia’s cult-favourite lanolin skincare brand. This winter must-have increases hydration by 98% after just one use.
Shop now: Lano 101 Dry Skin Super Cream – Multipurpose for Face + Body, $18.95
La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume B5 Balm
This rich vitamin B5 dosed balm is a tried-and-tested favourite for dehydrated skin.
SkinCeuticals Triple Lipid Restore
Designed for combatting signs of ageing, this decadent moisturiser contains lipids to plump the skin and restore moisture levels.
The Inkey List Bakuchiol Moisturizer
Proving yet again that excellent skincare doesn’t have to cost a fortune, comes The Inkey List with this delicously nourishing cream containing anti-ageing bakucoil oil.
Skinfix Barrier+ Triple Lipid-Peptide Cream
Want to hydrate while also nixing dullness and uneven skin texture? This lipid loaded moisturiser is set to be your new skincare BFF.
Edible Beauty & Coco Bliss Intensive Repair Night Crème
Intensely hydrate parched complexions with this two-in-one mask/regenerative night cream with shea and cocoa butters.
Shop now: Edible Beauty & Coco Bliss Intensive Repair Night Crème, $62
Skincare products to ditch during winter
While Dr Romano says there aren’t any specific products you should stop using in winter, you’ll want to hone in on the ingredients in your skincare routine – especially if you’re experiencing issues with seasonal dryness.
“If you are suffering from dry winter skin it would be best to limit the use of things like exfoliators, alcohol-based toners or anything with a stronger fragrance that may cause extra irritation,” says Dr Romano.
Other winter skincare routine tips that’ll save your complexion
Hydrate your skin from the inside-out
OK, we know we’ll sound like a broken record here but the importance of water can’t be underestimated not just for the health of your body but your skin, too. “Aside from incorporating hydrating and moisturising skincare products, it is also important to continue to drink lots of water each day to help with hydration from the inside out,” says Dr Romano.
Listen to your skin
Skin looking and feeling nicely moisturised? Amazing news! Continue as you were as you’re likely already doing all the right things. But, if you’ve already added extra nourishing products and your skill still isn’t feeling its juicy, hydrated best, keep tweaking your winter skincare routine.
“If you are feeling dry during the day it may be a sign you need to up the hydrating skincare,” shares Dr Romano.
Wear sunscreen throughout winter
When we’re not seeing as much sun, many of us think it’s fine to forget the sunscreen. But, this couldn’t be further from the truth.
“Do not forget to wear your SPF daily, even when it is gloomy, cold and wet outside. UV rays are still very much emitted from the sun during winter (in fact, they are emitted every single day of the year), and the effects of sun exposure are cumulative. Using an SPF will protect against sun damage and premature ageing,” says Dr Romano.
Read: The Best Warm Activewear To Keep You Cosy (And Committed) During Winter Workouts
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