Winter, why art thou such a buzz kill?
It makes our skin dry, shrivels our lips and make our elbows look like prunes. How dare she.
But luckily, it is no longer the 1500s, and there are some pretty cool science approved products these days that’ll save your winter skin.
WATCH: My Winter Skin Care Routine for Dry Skin by Hyram.
One of the biggest mistakes you can make when putting together a skin routine is forgetting the one most salient truth: the most successful regime is ever-changing.
Of course, there are the holy grail products you need not part with, and Girlfriend would never make you throw them to the curb -but it is essential to edit around your faves to reflect seasonal skin issues.
Winter is a high maintenance season that can bring all the nasties like dullness, dryness and redness to the surface.
Plus, dry skin isn’t just a surface thing – for some people it can result in serious issues like “chronic eczema (red patches),” according to Harvard Health Publishing, “Another possible complication is secondary bacterial infection (redness, swelling, and pus), which may require antibiotics.”
Fret not! These skin conditions likely occur to a small number of winter sufferers, but you still deserve to protect your skin from the elements and be fabulously hydrated.
We have found some dryness fighting products to convince your skin it’s still on summer holidays!
Chemical Exfoliants
Of course, exfoliating all year round is a must, but in winter, it becomes even more imperative that you keep up with this skincare step at least 2-3 times a week.
According to Very Well Health, dead skin cells shed every “28-40” days, which results in “a new skin cell is ‘born,'” but this process can be slowed down by the cold weather, resulting in dry and congested skin.
An excellent exfoliant should gently help support cellular turnover and remove dirt from the skin’s surface, and the best way to go about this is using a chemical exfoliant.
Products with lactic acids are life-changing because, according to AEDIT the acid “can both exfoliate and moisturise the skin,” however, be wary not to overuse it as this can cause a drying effect (which would be so counterproductive).
Go-To Exfoliating Swipeys, $46.00 from Mecca.
Lactic Acid 10% The Ordinary, $10.50 from Beauty Bay.
Mecca Cosmetica Glow-Giver Exfoliating Solution, $42.00 from Mecca.
Overnight Mask
Using an overnight mask treatment once a week will pack in an intense hydrating facial while you have your beauty sleep. How is that for multitasking!
The power of the mask is that its overnight shift allows it to deeply penetrate the skin, lock in moisture and create a barrier against the rough winter elements.
Dr Engelman told Healthline, “While you’re sleeping, the body’s hydration rebalances. Skin is able to recover moisture, while excess water… is processed for removal.”
Which, is precisely why the mask takes advantage of this time to lock in moisture.
Dr Engelman also told the publication to look for masks with peptides, ceramides and hyaluronic acid for ultimate results.
Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Sleep Mask, $68.00 from Mecca.
Avene Hydrance Hydrating Sleeping Mask, $56.95 from Adore Beauty.
Sephora Collection Overnight Glow Mask, $26.00 from Sephora.
Hyaluronic acid
Ah, the hydration queen has entered the chat – Hyaluronic acid is the one product you need to pay the most attention to on this list.
Also, before you are thrown off by the word acid, please note that hyaluronic acid is naturally occurring in the body, and according to Mind Body Green, using it in products will help retain the moisture in your skin.
“It functions to retain water, keep our tissues well lubricated, and our skin looking firm and youthful.
“It also helps to speed up wound healing by regulating inflammation levels and blood vessel formation, and can increase collagen production, which is another way it can help our skin as we age,” dermatologist Jennifer Chwalek told Mind Body Green.
When looking at products with hyaluronic in them, read the ingredients list to see where it is listed. The best products will have it positioned either immediately or soon after aqua. As the position of an ingredient on the list indicates how much it is dominating the solution.
Glow Recipe Plum Plump Hyaluronic Serum, $64.00 from Mecca.
The Ordinary Supersize Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5, $23.10 from Adore Beauty.
Boost Lab 2D-Hyaluronic Hydro Boost Serum, $29.95 from Adore Beauty.
Niacinamide
Niacinamide is most famous for its congestion-beating reputation, but it is less known for its hydrating retaining powers.
It is especially helpful for those of us with oily skin who may find certain winter products overstimulate their oil glands, which causes nasty breakouts.
Pharmacist Shabir Daya told Stylist that the water-based ingredient works well to fight winter dryness by reviving our skin’s barrier.
“There is plenty of research to back up the benefits of using niacinamide in skincare. Primarily, it helps to strengthen our skin’s important barrier. In turn, less vital water is able to escape. This results in a reduction of dehydration and fine lines leaving skin looking plumper, dewier and more youthful.
“A stronger barrier also prevents fewer irritants getting in so it’ll work wonders if your skin’s prone to sensitivity, blotchiness and redness. Excessively oily? Niacinamide regulates oil production so your skin will feel more balanced and under control.”
Skinhit Soothing Serum With Niacinamide And Copper, $9.00 from Beauty Bay.
Biodegradable Clarifying Niacinamide Sheet Mask Pack, $13.25, from Beauty Bay.
The Ordinary Supersize Niacinamide 10% and Zinc 1%, $17.80 from Adore Beauty.
Hydrating SPF
UV rays are problematic for so many reasons and not just because they can burn your skin in summer. There’s also the lesser-known fact that UV light stresses out your skins moisture barrier.
Your skin just does not vibe with the UV and feels completely victimised by its skin-damaging ways. So if you love your skin, please remember to put on her sun armour.
There is literally no point using the products mentioned above if you skip this step. It’s the last line of moisturising defence that is ready for duty to keep all the hydration locked in.
We advise changing your SPF to one with hydrating elements listed in its ingredients list for that extra glow.
Ultra Violette Supreme Screen SPF 50+ Hydrating Facial Sunscreen, $45.00 from Adore Beauty.
Grown Alchemist Natural Hydrating Sunscreen SPF30, $59.00 from Adore Beauty.
Winter cleansing
Changing your cleanser to fit the season is skincare 101. Because over-cleansing is such a damaging skin faux pas it is important to be mindful that you aren’t accidentally overstimulating your skin with the wrong face wash.
Lauded skincare novice Dr Dennis Gross told Mecca what to look for when changing up cleansers for the winter season, he said, “look for cleansers that are soap-free and phthalate-free.”
For a soothing and hydrating wash swap out your cream cleanser for a milk. And if you have been curious abut trying a cleansing oil well… ’tis the season.
Ren Clean Skincare, $50.00 from Mecca.
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Dermo-Cleanser, $27.95 from Adore Beauty.
Avene Gentle Milk Cleanser, $34.99 from Priceline.
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