Tips for Winter Skincare to Prevent Dry Skin

The winter season brings crisp air, crackling fires, cosy sweaters, and a blizzard of holiday spirit – all reasons to love this time of year. However, despite its merriment, winter can pose challenges for your skin. According to Dr. Cherry Armstrong, co-founder of No23 Skin Clinic, the shift in temperature and the decrease in humidity levels can significantly impact the moisture balance of the skin. The combination of cold and dry outdoor air with indoor heating can strip away essential hydration, making your skin susceptible to dryness. To combat these effects, incorporating deeper hydration, enhanced protection, and gentle exfoliation into your skincare routine can be highly beneficial. So, how can you achieve that? Here are six tips to help your skin endure the seasonal shift and combat dryness during winter.

WINTER SKIN TIP 1: UPDATE YOUR CLEANSER

As temperatures decrease, so does the humidity, leaving your skin feeling dry, tight, and uncomfortably parched. Your face cleanser, as the initial step in your skincare routine, becomes a crucial element for addressing these effects. According to Dr. Cherry Armstrong, maintaining the skin’s moisture balance, especially during the winter months, is pivotal, and your choice of cleanser plays a significant role in achieving this. Cream- and oil-based cleansers prove to be the most beneficial for dry winter skin. These cleansers boast premium textures that not only provide a pleasant sensation on the skin but also ensure a thorough cleanse without stripping away essential moisture. Typically infused with emollient ingredients such as Ceramides or Squalane, cream and oil-based cleansers help seal in moisture, leaving your skin feeling supple rather than dry or tight after cleansing. 

WINTER SKIN TIP 2: PILE ON THE MOISTURE-ISER

Step outside on a chilly winter day, and you can practically sense the moisture being drawn from your skin. Add a brisk wind to the equation, and your skin may experience an extra level of tightness. This is why upgrading your moisturizer is a crucial step in your dry winter skin regimen. According to Dr Cherry Armstrong, transitioning to a thicker, more nourishing moisturizer not only provides a deeper level of hydration but also establishes a protective barrier against the harsh environmental elements. The key ingredients to prioritize in a moisturizer are emollients, such as Plant Butters, Lipids, and Ceramides, which create a protective layer on the skin’s surface, sealing in moisture and preventing its loss.

Additionally, humectants like Plant-based Glycerin and Hyaluronic Acid play a vital role. They attract and retain moisture, enhancing the skin’s water content. For those with sensitive skin or experiencing visible redness and irritation in the dry winter months, a moisturiser containing soothing ingredients, like specific Mushrooms (a favoured option at Skindays), can truly be a saviour for your skin.

WINTER SKIN TIP 3: PROTECT YOUR LIPS

Winter can be particularly harsh on your lips. According to Dr Cherry Armstrong, lips are prone to dryness because they lack sebaceous glands that produce natural oils, serving as a protective barrier against moisture loss. Without this natural defence, lips become vulnerable to the effects of snow, wind, and subzero temperatures. Additionally, the habit of licking your lips contributes to excessive dryness. To combat this, the best defence against dry and flaking lips is to invest in a lip treatment rich in hydrating ingredients, such as Plant Oils and Butters.

WINTER SKIN TIP 4: MOISTURE-EYES THE SKIN AROUND YOUR EYES

The skin surrounding your eyes doesn’t appreciate cold temperatures or a drop in humidity. Being naturally thinner, it becomes more susceptible to the moisture-depleting impact of winter. Insufficient moisture can lead to creepiness around the eyes and accentuate the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. The straightforward remedy is to focus on a hydrating eye cream, preferably one with brightening properties, to restore moisture and illuminate the eye area.

WINTER SKIN TIP #5:  PICK A DAY TO EXFOLIATE

Did you know that exfoliating dry, winter skin can contribute to a healthier-looking complexion? Eliminating surface-level dryness provides almost instant gratification: your skin becomes softer, smoother, and more comfortable (meaning it feels less tight). Additionally, it can boost the efficacy of your other skincare products, such as serums and moisturisers. However, it’s crucial to strike a balance, as excessive exfoliation can compromise your skin barrier, which plays a vital role in protecting against the elements and retaining moisture, especially during the winter months, according to Dr Cherry Armstrong. To maintain a fresh skin barrier, it’s recommended to exfoliate once or twice a week using a gentle exfoliant, removing dull, dry skin. If your skin is sensitive or experiencing winter-induced dryness, it might be advisable to skip exfoliation, allowing your skin barrier sufficient time to recover before reintroducing this step.

WINTER SKIN TIP # 6:  YOUR BODY NEEDS ATTENTION, TOO

At times, our focus on facial skincare can lead to neglecting the skin on the rest of our body, which is equally susceptible to the moisture-depleting effects of winter. Similar to your facial moisturiser, it’s essential to seek out a body cream enriched with emollient ingredients like Ceramides, Plant Butters, and hydrating Plant Oils. According to Dr Cherry Armstrong, emollients act like protective blankets for your skin, forming a barrier that seals in moisture and prevents water from escaping. One of the most advantageous moments to apply an emollient-rich moisturiser is right after a shower. Dr Cherry Armstrong suggests, “Applying a moisturiser while your skin is still damp helps to trap additional moisture and leaves the skin optimally hydrated.”

BONUS WINTER SKIN TIP: SKIP THE HOT SHOWER

A steamy shower on a sub-zero day can be incredibly satisfying. However, it’s essential to be aware that hot water has the potential to strip the skin of its natural oils and disrupt its moisture barrier, resulting in dry, flaky, and itchy skin. According to Dr Cherry, prolonged exposure to hot water can break down the lipid barriers in the skin responsible for retaining moisture. The remedy? Adjust the temperature to lukewarm and keep it brief – your skin will appreciate the gesture.