How to Keep Your Skin Glowing All Winter Long: Skincare Essentials for the Cold

How to Transition Your Skincare from Fall to Winter?

You’ve pulled out the jumpers, pile the blankets on for a cosy night in, you maybe even turned the heating on. But have you considered about preparing your skin for the transition from fall to winter?

Our skin encounters environmental stresses every day, wind, rain, humidity and central heating, all of which can make a cocktail of free radicals ready to cause some damage to the skin. With the winter chill creeping in our skin is the first to notice and feel the effects, which are usually dryer, flaky, itching skin that can also be a lot more fragile than you are used to.

With the seasons changing you will also find that recurring skin concerns such as eczema and psoriasis rashes having the tendency of flaring up making matters a whole lot worse. Don’t worry yourself too much as we’ve got you covered and will be sharing a few helpful tips and tweaks for skincare changes that will help your skin survive the winter.

How can I change my skincare routine in winter?

There are a few seasonal swaps you can make when changing your skincare routine in winter, you may be pleased to hear that it doesn’t take a lot of effort to make the switch.

Choose a richer cleanser

By changing to a richer, creamy cleanser you will be adding a hint of luxury into your routine during those frosty winter days. With temperatures dropping your skin has an increased case of becoming more sensitive making it a better idea to use a more-gentle cream cleanser compared to the foaming formulas that many of us enjoy using throughout the summer months. Foaming cleansers are known to strip the skin of vital water and oils which is certainly something you would want to avoid during the winter months.

Use a gentle exfoliant

As the skin gets drier chances are there will be some flakiness which can build-up rapidly resulting in the complexion looking dull. This can be easily avoided by adding an exfoliating step in your skincare routine. For this you would want to stay away from harsh scrubs and instead opt for a liquid exfoliator that contains a powerful Alpha-hydroxy acid, such as glycolic acid. With a quick swipe of a soaked cotton disc you will be able to banish any remaining debris and dead skin cells making the skin more absorbent for the following stages of your regime.

Apply a hydrating serum

Serums will be your secret weapon for combating winter-induced skin concerns. The beauty of serums is that they penetrate the skin further than moisturiser allowing the skin to reap the rewards of deep hydration, especially if you decide on one that is packed with potent ingredients such as hyaluronic acid or niacinamide both of which offer desirable results of plumper and glowing looking complexion with moisture successfully locked in skin providing on going hydration throughout the day.

Don’t forget vitamin C

Vitamin C can be found in the formulas to many products and is a powerhouse ingredient when it comes to keeping the skin looking vibrant. You will also find that this vitamin is an antioxidant meaning it can help battle against free radicals and other aggressors that can cause a great deal of damage to the protective barrier of the skin. This breakdown in the outer layer will lead to a number of concerns, from premature ageing, uneven skin tone and rough texture.

Introduce an overnight mask

Our skin is able to rejuvenate skin cells and repair damaging whilst we sleep so introducing a highly moisturising overnight mask will be something your skin is truly thankful for. To really maximise the boost in hydration look out for face masks with formulas containing hyaluronic acid, aloe vera, natural essential oils, such as almond and coconut, not forgetting shea butter for the extremely dry and sensitive skin types. By slathering your face in this mask before getting some shut eye you are giving the skin enough time to fully absorb the moisture of the ingredients.

These simple skincare swaps will see you through the seasonal change from fall to winter and you will find your skin will remain healthy, well balanced and glowing.

How do I prepare my skin for winter?

You are able to prepare your skin for winter with the skincare swaps we have previously mentioned, however there are some additional tweaks to your routine that you can make to help your skin face the winter with the peace of mind that you won’t have months of dry, tight and uncomfortable skin awaiting you.

Avoid taking showers and baths that are too hot, this will stop your skin from drying out even more

Don’t forget to protect your lips! Applying a thick lip balm in the evenings and mornings allowing enough time for it to absorb before any makeup

Always wear SPF, yes even in the winter as UVA rays are around even on the most miserable days and will cause the skin to show signs of premature ageing

Stay hydrated, your skin needs water more than ever so keep up with your water intake for the day

You will find that teaming all these skincare tips will have your skin fully prepared and ready face whatever the winter throws at it, let’s just hope it isn’t a snowball…

How long does it take for your skin to adjust to a new routine?

This really depends on how different the routine is to anything you have had before. For example, if you already use a serum with vitamin C or hyaluronic acid then you may find there really isn’t much of a difference. But don’t get me wrong, this is a good sign as it means you are still keeping your skin happy whilst the seasons change. By adding a richer formula of moisturisers and cleansers to your winter skincare routine you may find that any hint of dryness or flakiness will become less noticeable after 2 weeks.

Consistency is key to keeping your skin looking and feeling its best throughout the transition from fall to winter allowing time for the skin to adjust to the heavier formulas.

Should you use retinol in the winter?

Yes, you certainly can! From all the skincare ingredients available on the market there is none as hard working as retinol. Praised for its powerful and multi-functioning abilities to help restore the skin of any fine lines, wrinkles, uneven skin tone and texture.

If you already have a well-established skincare routine that has retinol then you will find no trouble in continuing to use it in the winter, just be advised that the skin can be prone to sensitivity so try applying the product less often to begin with.

How can I protect my oily skin in winter?

Protecting oily skin in the winter is must the same as other skin types, however there are a couple of points to remember that will keep your skin happy and functioning properly.

Ensure your moisturiser doesn’t contain ingredients that are too heavy, such as shea butter, as this can lead to blocked pores, excess sebum and breakouts

Continue to cleanse and exfoliate the skin even if there isn’t the urge to do so, that way your skin will remain healthy and glowing

Change up your body care products to ones that contain glycerin and natural oils to help keep the body moisturised

There you have the main tips to remember when swapping your skincare routine with the seasonal change, much like throwing on your scarf and gloves you will find using these swaps will become second nature with winter skin dryness being a thing of the past. Don’t forget to take a look at the Intensive Skin Defence Balm, the ultimate skincare product that will rescue your skin from any hint of dryness this winter.

DQH Knowledge drop: In your 20s, your skin cell turnover decreases. (Cell turnover is a key component in keeping your skin youthful.) You know what else slows down? Your collagen production. Starting in your 20s, collagen decreases by about 1 percent per year. Should you want to prevent fine lines and wrinkles, start by eliminating behaviors that contribute to premature aging. “If it’s bad for you, it’s bad for your skin,” says dermatologist Michel Somenek. “Cigarette smoking reduces blood flow to the skin and causes premature wrinkling and a dull skin texture. Making the repeated pursed motion to inhale can also cause smoker’s lines. Alcohol and recreational drugs are toxins for the skin that damage its cellular structure and DNA,” Somenek tells us. “The faster you eliminate vices while you are young, the better chance your skin and body have to recuperate.” Also, adopting an anti-aging routine in your 20s is key. After all, the best offense is a good defense. We spoke to Somenek and experts Joshua Ross and Audrey Kunin to find out more. Keep reading for the best anti-aging products for your 20s, according to skincare professionals. Sunscreen “We all know that the sun is the number one cause of skin aging and starting the prevention in your 20s is very important,” Ross says. “The majority of your sun damage won’t start to appear until you’re in your 30s, so don’t wait until you see it surface or you’ll be behind the curve. Stay ahead of it with a good-quality zinc-based sunscreen worn daily.” Farmacy Green Defense Daily Mineral Sunscreen An invisible sunscreen with SPF 30, plus botanical extracts meant to protect skin with tons of antioxidants. Bonus: It’s clean and fine to use under makeup. Bareminerals Complexion Rescue™ Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Although we recommend you use your SPF and moisturizer separately, we also understand moments when you don’t have time or energy for that extra step. For those times, this bareMinerals moisturizer is a great thing to have on hand. Vitamin C Serum “A great introduction to anti-aging is to start with a vitamin C serum in your morning skincare routine,” Ross says. “It’s a powerful antioxidant that will neutralize free radicals and brighten the skin.” He adds that it’s a great way to counteract the effects of the sun’s harmful rays, which, as previously mentioned, are among the biggest causes of premature aging. Drunk Elephant C-Firma™ Vitamin C Day Serum The Drunk Elephant C-Firma is a lightweight serum that promises to give skin a glow by combining the brightening powers of vitamin C with ferulic acid, l-ascorbic acid, and vitamin E. The included sodium hyaluronate is meant to replace hydration loss, so you shouldn’t have to deal with any irritation. Sunday Riley C.E.O. Rapid Flash Brightening Serum This potent serum is jam-packed with vitamin C (15 percent, to be exact), which means it’s a potential superstar at both brightening skin and dousing it in antioxidants. Peptides Using peptides on your skin has many benefits, says Somenek. “The skin barrier is what defends the body against pollution, UV rays, bacteria, and toxins. It can be damaged by several everyday factors. Using topical peptides aids in building a stronger barrier,” he says. “Peptides comprise elastic fibers, which are a type of protein. These fibers help to make skin appear taut and firm. Peptides can also help repair damaged skin, relieve inflammation, and even out skin tone. Some peptides can kill acne-causing bacteria that is common in 20-somethings.” Kunin agrees, saying, “Peptides are an excellent entry point for supporting collagen.” She recommends looking for face and eye treatments that contain these collagen-boosting powerhouses. Charlotte Tilbury Magic Eye Rescue Cream This Charlotte Tilbury super-emollient eye cream has a base of coconut oil and shea butter (read: it’s incredibly hydrating). Botanicals plus peptides are meant to help reduce dark circles and boost collagen, respectively. This creamy moisturizer serves up potent collagen-boosting peptides and pycnogenol, and antioxidant-rich vitamin C. “Instead of sitting on top of the skin, peptides penetrate the outer layer so they go deep. The ‘signals’ they send tell the cells to produce elastin and collagen, which are needed for youthful-looking skin,” explains Somenek. At-Home Peel Pads Remember that skin cell turnover fiasco we talked about earlier? One way to help support it is by exfoliating. “Exfoliation is important to help keep skin fresh and luminous,” Kunin says. She recommends using at-home peel pads as an easy and effective way to exfoliate. “The goal in your 20s is to fight the slowing pace of cell turnover. It is wise to use products that gently exfoliate, yet still remove oil and other impurities. Products that have Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA) or Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHA) are a good choice.” According to Somenek, you should only exfoliate two to three times a week. “People of all ages are guilty of over-exfoliating and that can be too much of a good thing,” he says. Dermadoctor Kakadu C Intensive Vitamin C Peel Pad A few swipes of this Derma Doctor powerful peel pad promise to leave your skin glowing and smooth, thanks to the seven (yes, seven) types of chemical exfoliants, including AHA and BHA. It also contains vitamin C via Kakadu plum extract for added brightening and antioxidant protection. KEY INGREDIENTS Kakadu plum extract is sourced from the Kakadu plum, a fruit grown in northern Australia. It contains vitamin C, which restores the skin’s natural barrier, increases collagen production, and soothes irritation. Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta® Universal Daily Peel Pads These are the gold standard of peel pads, with a cult following and over 900 five-star reviews on Sephora. They’re easy to use and contain a blend of anti-aging exfoliating acids. Emollient Night Cream “In your 20s, you need to start upping the hydration in your skincare routine. You may have been cautious of over-moisturizing because of acne in your teens, but as you enter your 20s, your skin transitions and becomes drier,” Ross says. “I recommend an emollient night cream added into your evening skincare regimen.” “Twenty-somethings need to make sure that they are not using creams that will clog their pores and cause excess oil production,” says Somenek. Opt for non-comedogenic products. Cerave Skin Renewing Night Cream One great choice is the CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream, which is a non-comedogenic night cream that leaves skin soft and glowy. It combines the moisturizing powers of ceramides and hyaluronic acid. RoC Retinol Correxion Max Hydration Creme “The best night cream ingredients contain retinol, benzoyl peroxide, and/or salicylic acid or hyaluronic acid. The goal is to moisturize, yet remove excess oil,” says Somenek. This Roc Retinol Correxion cream fits the bill as it contains both hyaluronic acid and retinol so it promises to moisturize while also being non-comedogenic.

Related Articles

Ad Blocker Detected