Top 10 Winter Skincare Tips As the seasons change and the weather gets colder, our skin can become drier. To tackle this, many people end up changing their entire winter skincare routine. While your skin may need a little extra help, your skin type hasn't changed. So, effective winter skincare simply means adding one or two products into your routine to provide extra hydration and nourishment.. What causes dry skin in winter? Winter brings cold temperatures, low humidity and harsh winds that strip moisture from the skin. Indoors, heated air exacerbates the dryness, creating a challenging environment for the skin. These conditions can make skin feel tight, red, flaky and dehydrated. Even oily and combination skin types are not exempt, often experiencing sensitivity & dehydration in colder months. 1. Why skin becomes dry in winter Our skin feels dry & tight because the warm heating inside contrasts with the low temperatures and strong winds outside. Not to mention that enjoying extra hot showers and baths during the cold winter months can actually strip moisture from the skin. Common symptoms of dry skin in winter include: Dehydration Redness Tightness Flaking Continuous discomfort But don't worry, this doesn’t mean you need a completely new winter skincare routine each time the season comes around. All you need to do is simply alter the textures of your current products (opt for a thicker moisturiser or creamier cleanser) or add a very hydrating product for dry skin in winter. Keep your skin comforted and smooth with winter skincare essentials that lock in moisture, nourish the skin & keep the cold environment from dimming your natural radiance. 2. Essential skin products for winter: What do you need? The #1 winter skincare tip is that a winter skincare routine doesn't mean a complete change of products. Instead, it is best to listen to your skin & tailor your routine by adding one or two products. It’s important to stay consistent with your skincare routine. Your revised routine could look like this: Use a cleanser to get rid of built-up dirt, impurities & pollutants. Follow your cleanser with a Salicylic Acid (BHA) or Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA) exfoliant to remove dead skin cells and give your skin a natural glow. Exfoliants also help to calm redness, a common concern at this time of year. And lastly, don't forget to hydrate with your best moisturiser for dry skin in winter. Remember that UV rays are harmful all year round, especially when reflected on snowy surfaces, so never leave home without applying an SPF of 30 or higher. 3. Winter skincare essentials for body The skin on our bodies needs love and attention too, even though most of it is covered up at this time of year. Neglecting it can lead to extremely dry, dull and flaky skin due to the build-up of dead skin cells. To avoid this, try using a 10% AHA Body Lotion, which gently exfoliates away dry skin in winter, leaving you with super-smooth skin. It also works well on dry hands, heels and elbows. If you experience little red bumps AKA Keratosis Pilaris or ‘bacne’, a 2% BHA Body Spot Exfoliant is a great option. The active 5% Niacinamide Body Serum will keep your skin smooth & soft by effectively hydrating the skin and restoring the skin barrier. Follow these products with either an Ultra-Rich Soothing Body Butter or body lotion to nourish and protect the skin even more. 4. What serums to use in winter If you experience a lot of dryness during winter, it is important to protect and restore the skin's natural barrier. Opting for a toner is a great way to replenish the skin's surface. Serums also restore hydration, such as those packed with nourishing omega fatty acids, providing intense hydration and helping to avoid moisture loss. Look for serums with natural ingredients that repair, revitalise & hydrate the skin while still protecting it from environmental damage. An ultra-hydrating moisturiser added to your routine will also help restore your skin, replenishing the water content of your skin. 5. Is exfoliation in winter necessary? If you are dealing with winter skin rash or dry, flaky skin during the winter months, it can be tempting to use a scrub to get rid of all those dead skin cells. Unfortunately harsh, abrasive scrubs can damage your skin, causing moisture loss and ironically even more dryness. Instead, it's best to remove dead skin cells with an AHA or BHA leave-on exfoliant. If you normally use a gel or liquid exfoliant, try switching to a lotion during the winter. Adding a Hyaluronic Acid Booster straight after exfoliating can relieve dry skin and give your skin a little plump. 6. How to stop dry lips in winter Lips are sensitive to cold weather because they produce less oil than the rest of the face, so it's important to take extra care of them during winter. Protect and nourish them during the day with a lip balm with SPF or for dry lips dry lips in winter, apply a lip & body balm. Bonus tip: massage a bit of oil booster on your lips, then seal with the lip & body balm as an overnight lip mask and say hello to luscious lips! 7. How to help dry hands in winter Cold, windy and wet weather can cause hands to become dry and painful with brittle nails and frayed cuticles. Use a rich body butter to hydrate the skin in winter, repeating as often as needed and always after hand-washing. A good lip & body balm is a true multi-tasker that takes care of cuticles. To exfoliate dry hands, use a 10% AHA Body Lotion. A skin recovery mask can double as an ultra-rich hand cream for extra nourishment. 8. How to soothe dry eyes Winter also means the delicate skin around your eyes can get drier. To deeply nourish dehydrated skin in the eye area, turn to creams packed with shea butter, peptides, and hydrating ingredients. Products specifically formulated for the eye area can also help strengthen the skin's natural resilience and calm irritation. 9. How to relieve redness in cold weather Low temperatures and harsh winds can cause skin to become more sensitive, irritated or red. Pamper your skin with calming ingredients to relieve redness and soothe the skin. Look for products that help the skin retain moisture and get rid of dryness, making them perfect for sensitive skin types. Use serums that hydrate skin and calm redness at the same time. An overnight mask can also reduce redness, soothe the skin and deliver long-lasting hydration while you sleep. 10. How to keep skin hydrated in winter Adding a hydrating serum or changing your exfoliant from a liquid or gel formula to a lotion is great for dry skin during the colder months. Indulging in a little extra pampering will work wonders on your skin – and spirits! Using an overnight mask once a week saves time and will ensure you wake up to healthy, glowing skin. For an extra boost of hydration, opt for ultra-hydrating moisturisers or masks with radiance-restoring properties.