Winter. The season of cosy sweaters and hot chocolate by the fire. But while the cold weather might be magical for your Instagram feed, it’s not quite as enchanting for your skin.
The icy winds, low humidity, and dry indoor heating all conspire to steal away the moisture your skin so desperately needs, leaving it dull, dehydrated, and in desperate need of TLC.
But fear not — this is a battle you can win, armed with the right knowledge and a few strategic changes to your skin care routine.
Key Notes:
- Winter Woes: The environment is harsher on your skin — cold, dry, and unrelenting.
- Nourishment Is Key: Your skin needs more hydration, richer products, and protection.
- Simple Swaps: A few changes in products and practices can save your skin from winter’s grasp.
Key Adjustments to Make in Your Winter Skin Care Routine
Switch to a Hydrating Cleanser
Let’s start with the basics: cleansing. In summer, you might have been able to get away with a foaming cleanser that stripped away the sweat and grime of hot, sticky days. But winter calls for something gentler, something that will clean your skin without leaving it feeling as tight as your holiday budget.
Enter the hydrating cleanser — your new winter BFF. Seek out formulas rich in ceramides and hyaluronic acid, ingredients that cleanse while preserving the precious moisture in your skin. And if you’re still using anything with sulphates, consider this your official breakup notice.
Increase Moisturisation
Moisturisers are your skin’s winter coat — protective, insulating, and essential. But just like your wardrobe, your skin care needs an upgrade when the temperature drops.
Swap your lightweight lotions for richer creams that can stand up to winter’s moisture-sapping tendencies. Look for moisturisers packed with occlusives like shea butter and petrolatum, which create a barrier on the skin, locking in hydration.
Don’t forget to layer! After cleansing, while your skin is still damp, apply your moisturiser to seal in that hydration. And if your skin is feeling particularly parched, slip on a hydrating serum underneath to give it an extra drink.
Add a Humidifier to Your Environment
Now let’s talk atmosphere. While you’re basking in the warmth of your indoor oasis, your skin is secretly suffering. Heating might keep you cosy, but it also sucks the humidity out of the air, leaving your skin feeling as dry as the bushveld in July.
A humidifier can be a game changer here. It works to replenish moisture in the air, creating a more skin-friendly environment. Place one in your bedroom, and let it work its magic while you sleep — because beauty sleep should come with a side of hydration.
Adjust Your Exfoliation Routine
Exfoliation — beloved in the pursuit of glowing skin — becomes a delicate dance in winter.
On one hand, you want to slough away the dead skin cells that dull your complexion. On the other, you don’t want to overdo it and strip your skin of its natural oils, leaving it vulnerable and dry.
The solution? Be gentle. Scale back the frequency of your exfoliation and opt for milder products, like those with lactic acid or enzyme-based exfoliants. These will help you maintain that glow without compromising your skin’s protective barrier.
Don’t Skip Sunscreen
Winter might be synonymous with shorter days (and overcast skies if you’re a Capetonian), but don’t be fooled into thinking you can stash away your sunscreen.
UV rays don’t take a winter break, and neither should your sun protection. So, apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 every morning. To double up on hydration, look for a formula that includes moisturising ingredients like hyaluronic acid or niacinamide.
Your skin will thank you, both now and in the years to come.
Protect Your Lips and Hands
Lips chapped by winter winds and hands dried out by constant washing — sound familiar? The skin on your lips and hands is thinner and more prone to drying out, making them prime targets for winter’s wrath.
Keep a hydrating lip balm on hand (and in your bag, and on your desk…) and reapply throughout the day to keep your lips soft and smooth. For your hands, a rich cream with urea, glycerin, or ceramides will help protect them from the elements. Apply it after every wash to lock in moisture and prevent chapping.
Using Serums
If your skin is really feeling the brunt of winter, it might be time to bring in the heavy hitters: serums. Oils like jojoba, argan, or squalane mimic the skin’s natural oils and help to fortify the skin barrier against the harsh winter environment. Layer them under your moisturiser or mix a few drops into your cream for an extra boost of hydration and nourishment.
Lifestyle Changes for Better Winter Skin
Shorten Your Showers
As tempting as it might be to linger in a hot, steamy shower on a cold winter morning, resist the urge. Hot water strips your skin of its natural oils, leaving it dry and vulnerable.
Instead, opt for lukewarm water and keep your showers short — 10 to 15 minutes is plenty. When you step out, gently pat your skin dry and apply moisturiser immediately, while your skin is still slightly damp, to lock in hydration.
Eat Healthy Fats
What you put on your skin is important, but what you put in your body matters just as much.
Your skin’s lipid barrier — the layer that keeps moisture in and irritants out — relies on healthy fats to function properly. So, load up on omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids by incorporating more fatty fish, avocados, nuts, and seeds into your diet.
These healthy fats nourish your skin from the inside out, helping it stay hydrated and resilient against winter’s drying effects.
Stay Hydrated
Hydration isn’t just an external affair. Drinking plenty of water is crucial to maintaining healthy skin, even when it’s cold outside.
Water helps to keep your skin cells plump and hydrated, reducing the appearance of dryness and fine lines. In addition to water, herbal teas can be a soothing way to stay hydrated and provide your skin with the antioxidants it needs to fight off winter damage.
Just be mindful of caffeinated drinks, which can have a diuretic effect and leave your skin feeling more parched.
FAQs
Is it okay to use the same moisturiser for day and night in winter?
Absolutely. In fact, using the same rich, hydrating moisturiser day and night can be beneficial during the winter. However, if your skin needs more nourishment at night, consider layering a face oil or switching to a night cream with extra hydrating ingredients.
How can I prevent my skin from getting oily in winter despite using richer products?
If your skin is prone to oiliness, even in winter, you might find that some rich moisturisers are too heavy. In this case, try using a lighter layer of moisturiser in the morning and reserve the heavier products for night-time. You can also look for non-comedogenic formulas that hydrate without clogging pores.
Can I use my regular sunscreen in winter, or should I switch to a different one?
You can continue using your regular sunscreen as long as it provides broad-spectrum protection. However, in winter, you might prefer a sunscreen that also offers moisturising benefits to help combat the season’s drying effects.
What should I do if my skin starts to react negatively to the winter weather?
If your skin becomes irritated or excessively dry, simplify your routine. Stick to a gentle cleanser, a rich moisturiser, and sunscreen until your skin recovers. Avoid harsh exfoliants and treatments that might exacerbate the issue, and consult a dermatologist if your skin doesn’t improve.
Conclusion
Winter is a season of beauty, but it can also be a time of harsh conditions for your skin. With the right adjustments to your skin care routine, you can protect your complexion from the drying effects of cold weather and indoor heating.
By switching to a hydrating cleanser, using richer moisturisers, and incorporating lifestyle changes like using a humidifier and eating more healthy fats, you can keep your skin glowing and healthy all winter long.
Need more expert advice? Visit your nearest Willa Krause Consultant for an in-depth skin type analysis and personalised product recommendations.
Remember, the key is consistency — stick with these changes, and your skin will stay supple, resilient, and ready to face whatever winter throws its way.