It happens quickly. All of a sudden, the cool winds blow, an extra blanket is needed, the heating is turned on, and you’re window shopping for a thick, woollen coat to keep the chill at bay. The seasons are changing, and as we progress from autumn to winter, our skin changes also. The cold, clear days leave exposed skin dry and rough. For some, this can result in skin conditions such as dermatitis and eczema, and for others, it is just an uncomfortable reality in which a skincare routine needs to change with the seasons.
Be prepared
There are many products formulated to treat the skin’s response to cold winter weather, however, there are also many that prepare the skin for what is to come. An oil-based serum soothes and hydrates the skin deeply before it experiences dryness, and non-clogging oils such as avocado, mineral, primrose or almond nourish the skin without blocking pores. Regular exfoliation is beneficial to counteract the build-up of dead skin cells, as when skin is cold, the natural shedding slows down and the barrier of dead cells prevents absorption causing products to become less effective. A hydrating mask also infuses the epidermis before skin is exposed.
theCream Facial Serum
Rosehip & Maize Exfoliating Masque
La Crème Riche (Certified Organic Nutritive Anti-Aging Skincare)
Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate
When the weather cools down, the skin on the face dries and dead skin cells multiply on the surface, leaving it dry and rough. The solution? Hydration. Products suitable for wintery skin trigger intense, nourishing hydration in the skin's lipid barrier. Essentially, the skin requires moisture to stay soft and supple, and hydration levels need to be maintained to minimise the effects of winter. Often the skin becomes extremely dry and dehydrated during the winter months as it is exposed to dramatic temperature changes from the bitter cold winds and the warm drying heat,” says Dr. LeWinn’s senior product manager Luzia Anthes. To help counteract this, Dr. LeWinn’s developed the Line Smoothing Complex S8 Instant Line Erasing Serum with Hylasome, which is proven to boost the skin's moisture level five times more than hyaluronic acid. The Line Smoothing Complex S8 Hydrating Day Cream will provide intense and continuous hydration while nourishing and repairing the skin,” explains Anthes.
Line Smoothing Complex Instant Line Eraser SerumLine Smoothing Complex Instant Line Eraser Serum
Line Smoothing Complex S8 Hydrating Day CreamLine Smoothing Complex S8 Hydrating Day Cream
HydraQuench Cream - Normal/Dry Skin
DermaQuest Revive Light
Intensive ingredients
Dry skin can be soothed with certain hero ingredients in particular, and glycerin is one of them. Glycerin has the ability to hold water in the skin like a sponge, and this is vital in winter when the skin is exceptionally dry. Glycerin is different from other ingredients in the winter skin category because it occurs naturally in our skin and our body,” says Kerryn Greive, PhD scientific affairs manager at Ego Pharmaceuticals. By using products with glycerin, we are delivering an ingredient to the skin that is needed by the skin. Studies have shown that the hydration levels of our skin are directly related to how much glycerin it contains.”
Jurlique Moisture Revive Shower Gel
Kissable lips
Loss of moisture in the lips causes them to chap, and some lip products may lubricate but do not essentially hydrate. Lip products that feature ingredients such as shea butter, emu butter, and vitamin E oil are more effective, as they sink into the lips rather than simply coating them. "Wind, sun, cold, heat, air conditioning – you name it, if it impacts on your skin it will be even tougher on your lips,” says Trilogy skincare expert Corinne Morley. Try not to lick your lips too often – your own saliva is your lips’ worst enemy as it makes them even more susceptible. A good quality lip balm rich in nourishing, hydrating ingredients is essential, as is a (preferably water-resistant) SPF.”
Nourish and exfoliate
The body experiences dehydration when touched with a cooler environment, in which keeping the skin nourished is essential. Long, hot showers dry out the epidermis, and must be immediately followed with a body moisturiser. The body needs to be exfoliated regularly during the winter months, as exfoliating stimulates circulation, helping the body moisturiser to sink in readily.
Skin Relief Moisturising Lotion Fragrance-Free
Rainbath Deep Moisture Body Wash
Bioelements Extremely Emollient Body Crème
Nailin’ it
It’s not just our skin that suffers from the colder months, our nails also get a beating. In winter, our hands are more exposed and this can mean dry skin and especially dry, cracked cuticles and nails,” says national marketing manager for Plunkett, Elizabeth Treble. NS-5 Protective Hand Cream provides a protective shield for your hands for five hours without using petrochemicals, locking in moisture and locking out irritants. NS-5 Nail and Cuticle Complex contains keratin and silica for strengthening brittle nails and shea butter, vitamin E, aloe vera and Allantoin to moisturise and nourish damaged cuticles.”
John Plunkett NS-5 Nail and Cuticle Complex
John Plunkett NS-5 Protective Hand Cream
Cocoa Butter Formula Hand Cream
When it’s really nasty…
If skin doesn’t improve, eczema, dermatitis and rosacea can develop. Itchy, inflamed and red skin can be treated by avoiding products that contain active ingredients such as acids or vitamin A. Antioxidant formulations are ideal for treating these conditions, and water-based non-irritating cleansers and moisturises help.
MooGoo Eczema and Psoriasis Cream
DermaQuest Antioxidant Soothing Serum
Slip slop slap
It might have the word sun” in it, but don’t think sunscreen is just for the sunnier months. Wearing an everyday broad spectrum SPF is vital in protecting your skin from damaging UVA and UVB rays, and is just as important in winter as in summer,” says Clear Complexions Clinic founder Suzie Hoitink. UVA rays can penetrate through clouds and glass and play a major part in photo damage and ageing, not to mention the potential to cause skin cancers. Natural, zinc based sunscreens have anti-inflammatory properties – perfect for protecting and soothing dry and sensitive skin.”
Pelactiv Ultimate Protection SPF 50+ Face and Body Spray
Alpha-H Protection Plus Daily SPF 50+
Centella Sun Care Cream High Protection