The Winter Skincare Edit

Chapped lips, tightened and dry skin, sudden blemishes – the winter is not a friend of your skin. Low temperatures, cold wind, and the overall harsh weather can cause severe skin damage, not to mention the stress your skin goes through when going into a heated room after being exposed to the extreme cold. It is very important to update your beauty routine and protect your skin during wintertime. Seasonal changes demand skin routine changes: here’s how you can prepare for the cold months ahead.

Cleansing – restore skin’s moisture

Switch to a cleanser that has a rich, creamy texture. In winter months, you want to use every chance you can to hydrate your skin. Afterwards, you can use a toner that will further moisturise your skin. Many women choose to skip this step when in fact – the toner ensures all the impurities (e.g. dirt, traces of makeup) are completely removed. Just try using it once and you’ll never stop: you’ll see that after you’ve washed your face and continued cleansing with a toner, the pads turn out to be dirty. You’ll be wondering how you’ve ever managed your beauty routine without it and all of those “sudden and unprovoked” breakouts will make much more sense. You can use home remedies to make your own toner. As for exfoliation, go easy on it. It is important to get rid of dead skin cells, but too much facial scrubs might strip your skin of its natural oils.

Hydration – go heavy

Depending on your skin type, you might be experiencing more or less unpleasant tightness of the skin during winter. Use a more emollient moisturiser to keep your skin hydrated and protected. Invest in anti-inflammatory formulas rich in antioxidants and ingredients that fight free-radicals. Get an oil-based cream: it will create an additional protective layer to your skin and restore its moisture. Make sure you read the ingredients label and avoid oils that are infamous for being a subject of debates about whether or not they clog your pores (e.g. shea oil). Another great way to nourish your skin is using a facial mask that is specially designed to help you with dehydrated skin: apply it to your face and neck and leave it on for 10 minutes, so that your skin can soak it all in. Face masks are a great way to instantly hydrate your skin, plus being a busy mum – it’s good to know they are a friend of multitasking: leave it on while you take care of other things and then swipe it off with pads. As for the lips, exfoliate them at home using a toothbrush and then apply several layers of lip balm.

Protection and prevention

Besides rotating beauty products and updating your routine with the coming of winter, you should also reconsider your overall habits. Continue using products that contain SPF: although you don’t feel the warmth, sun rays can cause damage to your skin and accelerate the ageing process. We all know how tempting it is to step into a steamy hot shower after being in the cold, but it’s not doing any good to your skin: keep showers short, as water will strip your skin from moisture. Wear gloves and scarves to protect your skin from the cold weather and prevent it from cracking. Your skin might already be irritated from the external factors, so choose comfortable, soft, and natural fabrics. Harsh materials might itch your skin and even leave you with rashes. Use night time to pamper yourself and provide your skin with what it needs: wear warm cotton PJs and get your beauty sleep. During the night, your body works hard to recover. Invest in quality night creams, since they are oil-based and will prepare your skin for the next day.

Cold weather shouldn’t prevent you from maintaining a wonderfully nourished and healthy, glowing skin. With these simple changes, you’ll be beautiful just like during springtime.