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Whether you love crisp, cold winter days or spend the whole season wishing for summer, there’s no denying that the coldest of seasons comes with its own set of challenges. As if getting out of bed on freezing cold mornings wasn’t difficult enough, winter also brings several potential skin issues, which may require some adjustments to your skincare routine.
Throughout the winter months, your skin’s needs are likely to change, but thankfully, there are some simple steps you can take to keep your complexion glowing. Follow these top tips to ensure your skin stays happy until the weather warms up again.
How Does Winter Affect Your Skin?
The biggest problem your skin is likely to face during winter is dryness and dehydration. When temperatures plummet, humidity levels in the air decrease too, effectively sucking moisture from your skin. If you’re outside a lot in cold and windy weather, you may also experience inflammation or sensitivity in your skin, so it’s worth paying attention to your complexion and keeping an eye out for any changes. Combat these typical winter issues by taking extra care of your skin this season.
Your Fool-Proof Winter Skincare Routine
No matter your skin type, these winter skincare tips will help protect and nourish your skin throughout the season.
- Change Your Cleanser
When adapting your skincare routine for winter, you’ll want to focus on gentle, non-drying formulas. A soap-free and non-lathering cleanser is an excellent option, as these have a more natural pH and are less likely to cause additional dryness. If your skin feels tight after cleansing during the colder months, try switching to an oil-based cleanser, as this may be a better fit for your skin.
- Treat Your Skin to a Serum
For an extra moisture boost, try adding a serum to your winter skincare routine. Layering a hydrating serum under your moisturiser can help with excess water loss, which may make a significant difference at this time of year. There are lots of serums out there to choose from, so you’re sure to find one that works for your skin type.
- Exfoliate More Frequently
You don’t want to exfoliate too harshly at any time of the year, but in winter, you may find that regular exfoliation can stop your skin from appearing dull, dry and flaky. An oil-based scrub or chemical exfoliator are both great options to try, as these are unlikely to be too harsh on the skin.
- Invest in a Rich Moisturiser
Moisturising in the cold months is essential, as it provides your skin with extra hydration when it needs it most. Skin tends to produce fewer oils in the winter months, so switching to a thicker moisturiser may be helpful to keep those important oils locked in. If you typically use a lightweight gel moisturiser, try switching it out for a heavier cream to combat winter dryness — and if that still isn’t enough, you may want to try a skin rejuvenation treatment such as skin hydration therapy.
- Keep a Hand Cream with You
When adjusting your skincare routine for winter, don’t forget about your hands. A nourishing hand cream will help to heal dry or cracked skin and is ideal for keeping with you during the day. Apply when you feel you need it, especially after washing your hands.
- Nourish Your Lips
Your lips will probably also need some extra care during winter, as exposure to cold air can cause dryness and flaky skin. Try a lip scrub to remove dry skin and nourish with a hydrating lip balm to lock in moisture.
- Don’t Forget SPF
It may not be sunny outside, but you should still be applying sun protection factor (SPF) daily throughout the colder months. Ultraviolet rays can damage your skin at any time of the year, so be sure not to skip this essential final step in your skincare routine.