Winter Skin SOS: Top Tips for a Healthy Glow

Dark nights and cold weather aren’t the only thing that comes with winter; our skin can also bear the brunt of the season's harsh conditions. The drop in temperature, combined with lower humidity levels and increased use of central heating can leave our skin feeling dry, dull, and deprived of its natural radiance.

This Winter Skin SOS guide is here to help. We’ve got all the effective strategies to maintain a healthy glow even in the coldest months.

What does winter do to your skin?

Before we dive into our top tips, it’s important to understand the effect the winter months have on our skin. The cold air and biting winds strip away our skin's natural moisture, leading to dehydration and flakiness. Combine this with increased indoor heating which exacerbates the problem further by drying out the air more and leaving our skin yearning for hydration. While the temptation might be to crank up the heat in the bath or shower, hot water can actually strip moisture from the skin. These harsh environmental changes make it essential to change up your skincare routine to beat dry skin in winter and maintain healthy skin throughout the season.

Why You Need a New Skincare Routine for Winter

Skincare expert and consultant Lisa Padmore highlights that the transition from the biting cold of winter to the harsh effects of central heating can significantly impact our skin, leading to dryness and dehydration. “If left untreated, surface dehydration can cause skin to feel tight, itchy, and uncomfortable. Furthermore, it can damage skin cells, degrade collagen, and accelerate the ageing process.”

A new skincare routine for winter doesn’t necessarily mean a complete overhaul of your existing products. The key is to focus on protecting and restoring your skin’s natural barrier, which can often be achieved by making some strategic tweaks rather than a full replacement. Consider swapping out a few items for more hydrating alternatives or adding a few extra steps to your routine. For example, you might incorporate a richer moisturiser, a hydrating serum, or a gentle exfoliant to help combat winter dryness. By making these adjustments, you can better shield your skin barrier from the harsh winter elements while keeping it healthy and radiant throughout the season.

A Winter Skincare Routine

Below, we've outlined a simple 3-step guide to help combat winter dryness, along with additional tips for extra care.

Step 1: Cleanse

While cleansing is essential year-round, it is even more important during winter. Combat winter skin woes with gentle cleansing, avoiding  harsh cleansers that can strip away the skin's natural oils and exacerbate dryness. Instead choose a gentle, hydrating cleanser that effectively removes impurities without compromising the skin's moisture barrier.

If you aren’t already, you should also make sure to double cleanse your skin. Start with an oil-based cleanser to break down makeup and SPF, followed by your “treatment” cleanser to treat your personal skin concerns. A double cleanse routine will ensure your skin gets a thorough cleanse without over-drying whilst also treating the skin.

First Cleanse:

 

Second Cleanse: 

 

 

Step 2: Tone

The next step in your skincare routine is toning, which prepares your skin for the following products. A good toner enhances the absorption of your serum and moisturiser, maximising the effectiveness of your skincare. During the winter months, opt for a balancing toner specifically formulated for dry and sensitive skin. A fragrance-free option, such as the Revitalising Toner, not only refreshes and hydrates your complexion but also soothes and protects it. This toner is ideal for prepping your skin for moisturiser and can be used throughout the day as a convenient facial mist, helping to boost hydration and maintain moisture without disrupting your makeup.

 

Step 3: Moisturise

The key to any successful winter skin care routine lies in hydration. Incorporating moisturising products that focus on replenishing the skin's lost moisture is crucial. Opt for a rich, nourishing moisturiser that contains ingredients like beta glucan or glycerin. These powerhouse ingredients lock in moisture, preventing the skin from becoming parched and tight. 

 

 

Winter Skincare Tips

Repair and Protect the skin barrier

Additionally, to help repair and protect the skin's barrier, consider adding a hydrating serum to your routine. Serums with ingredients like hyaluronic acid or aloe vera provide an extra layer of hydration whilst also helping to protect the skin for supple and radiant complexion. “The hyaluronic elixir is incredible and highly concentrated, delivering deep hydration while restoring your skin's natural radiance. It also contains glycerin, a highly effective hydrating ingredient” -  Lisa Padmore (Skincare expert and consultant). 

 

The products you choose can make or break your winter skincare routine. Look for skincare products specifically formulated for dry or sensitive skin, as they often contain ingredients that provide extra nourishment and protection. Ingredients like chamomile, green tea, and butcher’s broom have soothing properties, ideal for calming irritated winter skin, while repairing and protecting the skin’s barrier.

 

When it comes to exfoliation, opt for a gentle exfoliator that helps remove dead skin cells without causing excessive dryness. Exfoliating 1-2 times a week can promote cell turnover, allowing your skin to better absorb the hydrating products in your routine.

 

Shield Your Skin from the Winter Elements

You might think it’s okay to skip the SPF in the winter months, but SPF should be worn all year round to protect your skin. A high-quality sunscreen with broad-spectrum SPF moisturiser will protect your skin from UV rays and the harsh winter elements. The Daily Defence SPF50 is an ideal choice with its broad-spectrum protection and added blue light defence. Formulated with calming and deeply hydrating ingredients, it provides seamless protection without leaving a white cast, keeping your skin barrier shielded all year round.

 

Top Tip: For extra protection, try layering a night moisturiser over your daily SPF day cream to create a stronger barrier, shielding your skin from harsh elements and effectively combating the challenges of winter weather.

 

 

Use Masks for Extra TLC

Give your skin a pampering treat with a hydrating mask that provide extra TLC during the winter months. We recommend incorporating masks that contain ingredients such as allantoin, panthenol and shea butter to not only boost skin hydration but to promote healing of your skin barrier. Apply two to three times per week to keep your skin healthy and radiant.

 

 

Take care of your skin this winter

Understanding your skin's needs and implementing a well-rounded skincare routine is essential for maintaining a healthy winter glow. By prioritising hydration, choosing the right products for your skin type, and protecting your skin from the winter elements, you can emerge from the season with a radiant and resilient complexion.

 

 

 

Frequently asked questions about winter skin

What is the difference between a summer and winter skin care routine?

At SKINICIAN, we prioritise hydration and protection throughout the year. However, during the colder months, our skin demands even more moisture due to the extreme temperature changes between the cold, frosty air and the hot, dry central heating. This fluctuation can irritate the skin, making it more sensitive and potentially exacerbating existing skin conditions. In contrast, summer’s humidity causes our skin to produce more lipids, resulting in oilier skin as a natural way to enhance sun protection. Adjusting your skincare routine to address these seasonal changes is essential for maintaining happy, healthy skin year-round.

What causes rosacea to flare ups in winter?

Winter flare-ups of rosacea can be triggered by several factors. The cold, dry air outside can strip moisture from the skin, leading to irritation and increased sensitivity. Additionally, the contrast between cold outdoor temperatures and warm indoor heating can further exacerbate these symptoms. Other contributing factors include low humidity levels, which can dry out the skin, and the use of harsh skincare products that may irritate sensitive skin. Finally, factors such as stress and dietary changes during the winter months can also play a role in triggering rosacea flare-ups.

Do I need a different moisturiser for winter?

You may need a different moisturiser in winter, but it depends on your current routine. If you already use a rich, hydrating moisturiser, you might not need to change it. However, if you struggle with dry skin already, the cold weather can exacerbate dryness, so it's advisable to consider doubling up by applying a night cream on top for an additional layer of protection.

 

What ingredients are best for winter skin?

To keep your skin healthy and hydrated during the winter months, consider incorporating the following key ingredients into your skincare routine:

• Hyaluronic Acid: A powerful humectant that can hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water, helping to plump and retain moisture in the skin.
• Glycerin: Acts as a humectant that draws moisture from the environment, providing deep hydration and keeping the skin soft and supple.
• Beta Glucans: Soothes the skin and strengthens the barrier function, enhancing its resilience against harsh winter conditions.
• Aloe Vera: Known for its calming and hydrating properties, aloe vera is ideal for sensitive skin and helps alleviate irritation.
• Chamomile: Offers anti-inflammatory benefits, making it a great ingredient for soothing redness and sensitivity.
• Green Tea: Packed with antioxidants, green tea protects the skin from environmental stressors and helps reduce inflammation.
• Butcher’s Broom: Improves circulation and helps to reduce redness, making it beneficial for those with sensitive skin.
• Allantoin: Soothes and hydrates the skin, promoting healing and moisture retention.
• Panthenol: A form of vitamin B5 that hydrates and softens the skin while supporting its barrier function.
• Shea Butter: A rich emollient that provides intense nourishment and locks in moisture to combat dryness.

By including these ingredients in your winter skincare products, you can effectively address dryness and maintain a healthy, glowing complexion throughout the colder months.

Do you still use toner in winter?

While not essential, using a toner in winter can enhance your skincare routine by improving the absorption of serums and moisturisers. A balancing toner formulated for dry and sensitive skin can refresh and hydrate your complexion while soothing irritation.

Is exfoliating recommended in winter?

Exfoliating 1-2 times a week in winter is beneficial for promoting cell turnover and enhancing the absorption of hydrating products. Choose a gentle exfoliator, such as a mild chemical exfoliant with AHAs, to remove dead skin cells without stripping moisture. Avoid harsh physical scrubs, as they can irritate the skin and worsen dryness.

Here are a few more articles you might be interested in:

• All you need to know about your skin barrier & how to look after it
• Carol’s Dry Skin Journey to Happy, Healthy Skin
• Qurtulaine’s Dull Skin Journey to Happy, Healthy Skin
• How To Exfoliate Skin: The Only Skin Exfoliation Guide You’ll Ever Need