Get Winter Skincare Ready

With Hallowe'en just around the corner and stores already advertising for, dare I say it, Christmas, it is time to start thinking about changing up your skincare routine. Just like your wardrobe, your skincare regime may need to change from season to season.

Tight skin, chapped lips and cracked knuckles? Winter is about to wreak havoc on your skin, from head-to-toe. To keep your skin happy this winter, follow these simple steps;

1. SPF

Just because you can't see the sun, that doesn't mean it is not there. Even as the weather gets colder and days shorter, SPF is a crucial part of your skincare routine. Whilst there is less UVB rays in the winter (these are the ones that cause sunburn and skin cancer), there is still a significant level of UVA rays. UVA rays can penetrate the skin further than UVB rays and can also cause skin cancer. They are often referred to as UV-ageing as overexposure can result in wrinkled and aged skin. So be sure to include suncream or foundations and products that include SPF for healthy and youthful-looking skin this winter.

2. Moisturise!

Colder weather and dryer air may result in very dry skin, causing your skin to feel tight and itchy so you may need a richer moisturiser this winter. A richer cream will help protect the skin and give it lasting moisture. Keep an eye out for products that include hyaluronic acid, fatty acids and ceramides as these ingredients will help lock in your skin's moisture and provide a protective barrier.

This goes for full body care too, not just your face. Try swapping out your body lotion for richer products and use regularly.

3. Choose Gentler Products

It is important to choose products that won't strip your already dry skin of its natural oils. This is why you should opt for gentler products such as a cream cleanser or cleansing milk instead of a foam or liquid cleanser. These products will cause less irritation to your dry skin and clean your skin without removing natural oils from the skin. If you already suffer from dry skin, a cleansing oil might be a more suitable product for optimum skincare.

Include a toner in your routine. If you don't already use toner, I would strongly suggest that you start. Facial toners are an easy way to strengthen the skin's barrier, balance the skin and provide hydration. Apply before your moisturiser to improve absorption.

Also, exfoliate less. With dry skin, exfoliation is not required as often. If your skin needs regular exfoliation, reduce the number of times you exfoliate or select a gentler exfoliator. Once a week during the winter months is enough to allow for better penetration of your moisturiser and encourage timely regeneration of your skin.

4. Avoid Hot Showers and Baths

Hot showers and baths can cause cracks in the skin during the cold weather. When the hot water evaporates, these cracks can cause skin nerves to be exposed to the air and may result in some discomfort or 'winter's itch'. It is important to apply body lotion or moisturiser straight after your shower or bath whilst your skin is still damp to lock in moisture. This will restore any moisture lost from standing under that super hot water while you prepare yourself for the wave of cold air when you leave the shower and keep your skin healthy and happy all winter long.

Top Tip: Keep windows and doors closed when in the shower to keep as much cold air away from your skin as possible.

5. Protect Them Lips

It is important to stock up on lip care products as cold, dry weather leads to cracked, chapped and sore lips. Christmas is a time for kissing under the mistletoe so start getting your lips kiss-mas ready! Your lips are more susceptible to drying out as there are no oil glands in your lips, so your lips cannot replenish its own moisture levels. Therefore it is vital to include a lip balm of some form to hydrate and moisturise your lips. You should gently exfoliate your lips with a damp cloth or a clean toothbrush to remove any flaky skin and then lash on a rich, moisturising lip balm.

Avoid 'lick eczema' by refraining from licking your dry lips as this will actually do the complete opposite and lead to dryer lips. Be sure to carry lip balm with you when you're out and about in the cold.

6. HYDRATE

There are a few other tips and trick that you can try to incorporate into your daily routine to keep your skin hydrated and healthy this winter. Upping your daily water intake in the most efficient thing to hydrate your skin. Using a humidifier will also help bring moisture back into the home, especially if you are regularly used to dry heat from home and car heaters. Wrap up and keep warm this winter, the less skin exposed to direct cold weather means less damaged and cracked skin.

It is going to be a looooong winter, as it's already dark at 7pm and it's only October. For happy and healthy skin, you should start making some of these minor changes to your skin care routine over the next few weeks for optimum protection for your skin.

Love,

Niamh x

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