To keep skin hydrated and feeling fresh during the cold season, you’ll need to change your skincare routine to prioritize hydration and protecting your skin from the harsh winter weather. You have to target the best skincare for dry skin.

It can be a pain to deal with cold and unforgiving wintertime weather, especially when your skin is prone to sensitivity and irritability. Cold air and indoor heating can suck the moisture and essential oils from your skin, causing excessive dryness and sometimes flakiness. Here are a few ways you can switch up your day and night routine, and tips on the best ingredients to look for in your winter skincare.

Use a gentle cleanser during the colder months

If your skin feels tight after washing, your cleanser is likely stripping away at the skin barrier. If you’ve been using a gel-based face wash, swap out your cleanser for a more gentle and moisturizing formula. Look into cleansers that are cream, balm, or oil-based and avoid products that may have drying ingredients such as salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide. If you’re currently trying to treat acne, using an acne-clearing cleanser can be great during the warmer seasons, but can be too drying in the winter. Use a separate acne treatment to apply after cleansing on the affected areas.

Switch your light face lotion for a heavier cream

Moisturising may help relieve that uncomfortable dry feeling, which is why it’s important to protect your skin barrier, retain vital moisture and avoid excessive dryness. While it’s recommended to use a lighter lotion during the warmer season, a lighter formula is unlikely to be as effective during the colder months. Switch to a heavier moisturizer that contains Humectants (hyaluronic acid and glycerin) and Emollients to help lock in moisture and protect the skin’s barrier. If you’re prone to breakouts, look for a non-comedogenic formula!) Use an overnight mask in the evening to help lock in your moisturizer. Overnight masks can help boost your moisture level, leaving your skin feeling nice and fresh in the mornings.

Don’t forget to use SPF

Yes, you will still need to wear an SPF during the day even when it’s winter. While there may be less UVB, levels of UVA are still around, which is the main component for premature aging. If you live in an area with snowfall in the winter, the sun can reflect off the stark white snow and cause sunburn to the skin. Be sure to wear at least an SPF30 when out and about.

 

Keep your lips moisturized as well

Just like our face, our lips can be prone to painful dryness when the air gets colder. Picking the dry skin off your lips with your mouth can exacerbate dryness and lead to ‘lick eczema.’ Whenever you do your skincare routine, in the morning or the evening, be sure to apply a thick and moisturizing lip balm or ointment. Have a lip balm in your bag at all times so you can keep applying it throughout the day.

Use a foot cream to avoid dry heels

If you have sensitive skin you will notice that even your feet start to crack during winter, to avoid this get a foot cream to keep your feet moisturized to avoid the painful cracking. Apply the cream each time after you shower or bath. You may have noticed that a body lotion is not enough to moisturize the feet which is why it is recommended to get a foot cream. The Bodyshop is a good place to purchase foot cream.