According to a recent survey by The Body Shop, half of Brits say their skin type completely changes between seasons. That’s why adopting a new winter skincare regime is so important. Like the coats that you wear or the sneakers on your feet, your daily routine needs to be updated pretty regularly depending on the temperature.
And now, it’s freezing. Harsh winds, sub-zero climes, sleet, snow, and a lower humidity in the air are factors that are going to have a major effect on your skin. Plus, your hair will also be in a kinda post-summer recovery process, so you need to give it as much TLC as you possibly can.
That’s why Alexander Johnston, general manager at John Bell & Croyden, David Connor, co-founder of Kanzen Skincare, and Diane Ackers, beauty expert for Doctors Formula Cosmeceuticals, are all here to share 10 simple steps on how to really upgrade your winter skincare routine.
How to perfect your winter skincare routine
#1: Top up your SPF
The UK is utterly sunless. Still, sun cream is still one of the most important parts of any winter skincare regimen. Not only is it an easy way to stave off sunburn, it also prevents signs of ageing and decreases the risk of diseases such as skin cancer.
“Believe it or not, the winter sun can still damage your skin,” says Connor. “Exposed areas like your face and your hands will be affected the most, so make sure that you apply sunscreen everyday. This is very important.”
“Daily skin protection is vital all year round, and slapping on a SPF of 30+ will help to keep your skin healthy, hydrated, and protected,” says Ackers. “After summer, you don’t want your skin in hibernation, but you do want to aid it’s post-summer recovery, and you certainly want a party season glow.”
#2: Stay moisturised
We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again: staying moisturised is crucial for good skin, and that’s especially the case during the colder seasons. You can’t just use the same products that you used over summer though. Moisturisers that are suitable for winter skincare are a little richer in texture and a little thicker in formulation, giving your skin the long-lasting boost that it needs.
“Lower humidity levels, central heating, and getting cosy in front of the fire may have the thumbs up when the wind is howling and the thought of heading out feels like too much trouble,” says Ackers. “However excessive drying of the skin will result in premature ageing and cause dehydration levels to soar.”
“Upgrade to a richer face moisturiser for the winter months,” says Connor. “Check out the ingredients and look for ones with things like hyaluronic acid, peptides, or niacinamide.”
#3: Scrub up well
As well as upping your moisture game, you also need to exfoliate, exfoliate, and exfoliate. This will remove any skin cells that are clogging up your pores and lift trapped dirt. Afterwards, make sure you cleanse your face with a decent face wash and dry yourself with a nice, clean towel.
