By Charlotte Hope-Shannon
When we think of winter, we often think about layering our clothes, not our skincare. What’s frequently forgotten however, is that our skin is our bodies largest organ, our physical ‘clothing’ per se. As outdoor temperatures drop, and our indoor heating is turned up, the most common skin problem we face is dehydration. So, the need for extra protection in winter is essential to maintaining a healthy barrier.
And, whilst makeup has taken a back foot this past year, skincare has seemingly channelled our need for mindfulness, acting as a catalyst for self-care, both internally and externally. Now, with the winter months in full swing, we need to take our self-care, skincare routine one step further.
So, to help you with your skincare essentials, we’ve listed below five ways to help tackle winters chill. And remember, our skin stays with us forever, look after it, invest in it and protect it!
1. Change Your Routine
There’s no denying that having a solid routine is the root to skincare success. With a winter routine, the same applies, and then some. In other words, skincare doesn’t end with our AM/PM routines.
Apply as normal in the morning and continue to top up your hydration with a mist during the day – this can be applied over makeup. Reapply your moisturiser if needed and switch out your oil/balm cleansers for milk/ cream cleansers.
With the evenings getting darker earlier, this is a tell-tale sign to start your evening routine a few hours prior to normal. Not only does this allow your products to sink into your skin without disturbance from your night-time pillow, but it also allows for an additional layer of hydration before you go to bed. Reapplying a second layer of moisturiser before you sleep will help you avoid that dreaded winter dehydration.
In addition, your PM routine is the perfect time to introduce extra treatments in the winter months. And with lockdown seemingly dominating early 2021, this is the perfect excuse to enhance your self-care. Whether it be layering two serums, introducing an oil or adding a retinol, treat your skin to some added luxury.
2. Texture Is Key
Texture is key, whether it be summer or winter. Switch out your balm cleansers with milky/cream cleansers for added hydration and remove alcohol heavy cleansing formulas to avoid unnecessary stripping. Switch out your light moisturiser for a richer formula and introduce a hydrating mist, oil and extra strength hyaluronic acid to your routine.
I cannot stress enough the importance of hyaluronic acid in reducing dehydration, combating dry skin and enhancing firmness, whilst simultaneously delivering much need moisture.
3. Layering
Whilst less is most certainly more in terms product application, more is more when it comes to layering formulations in winter.
Introduce an additional serum or an oil to sandwich in an extra layer of protection or add a hydrating toner after your exfoliation. And don’t forget your eye cream – this is the perfect way to boost a dull complexion in the darker months!
Start with the lightest formula first, i.e. water based, then move toward oils and thicker moisturising products. And, whilst you may think to remove acids (BHA’S, AHA’S etc) from your routine, its essential you continue to use them. It’s so important to exfoliate dead skin cells throughout winter – this will encourage skin cell renewal and rejuvenation.
Simply put, layering is key. See below for an example AM routine (in order of application).
Note: whilst the rule of thumb is to layer products in order of formulation/ texture, it’s important to note that eye products are known to work more efficiently when applied before a serum, for full absorption. But each to their own!
- Cleanse
- Exfoliating Acid
- Hydrating Toner
- Mist Hydration
- Eye Product
- Vitamin C Serum
- Hyaluronic Acid Serum
- Oil
- Moisturiser
- SPF (only in AM if going outdoors).
4. Internal Care, External Rewards
With a focus on external appearances, it’s easy to forget the benefits of internal health for our skin. With a lack of sunlight in the winter months it’s important to keep your Vitamin D levels in check, specifically between October and March.
Vitamin D, along with omega oils and Vitamin C, helps with healing, immune system response and skin cell growth. These internal supplements are key for our skins defences and helps reduce inflammation from the colder elements.
5. Masks/ At-Home Treatments
Winter is the perfect time for a little extra skincare TLC. From cream masks to mini facials through to face sculpting routines and LED face therapy tools, there’s a plethora of treatments you can do from the comfort of your own home.
Twice a week, these easy treatments are the perfect pick-me-up to help tackle the winter chill. Not only do they combine anti-aging techniques, with hydrating, non-invasive treatment, they are perfect for your mental health too – calming, relaxing and mindful.
Shop Our Winter Skin Essentials
Click Below To Shop
- LUMENE, Artic Hydra Care Rich Lip Cream | 2. DR ROEBUCK, Tama Healing Mask | 3. NEAL’S YARD, Rehydrating Rose Facial Oil | 4. LANOLIPS, The Original 101 Ointment | 5. ODACITÉ, Crystal Contour Gua Sha | 6. THE NUE CO, Vitamin D | 7. WELEDA, Skin Food | 8. PAULA’S CHOICE, 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant | 9. MÁDARA, Superseed Age Recovery Organic Facial Oil | 10. EMMA HARDIE, Moringa Cleansing Balm & Cleansing Cloth
What changes will you be making to your skincare routine this winter? What are your favourite winter skincare products/ methods? Let us know in the comments below or join the conversation over on our Instagram Page!
For more winter inspiration head over to our Conscious Edit Shopping page! Or check out our latest articles on The Effects Of Sugar On Your Mind, Skin and Body or Tips To Master The Art Of Layering Your Clothes.
Charlotte Hope-Shannon
Charlotte is a freelance writer from the UK. With a strong interest in literature, she is passionate about offering an openminded, diverse and critically conscious perspective on fashion, culture & the arts.
