The colder months call for a revamp in your skincare routine. We spoke to dermatologists to discuss the routine swaps and products to use.
As we revamp our wardrobes, change our diets and update our social calendars, we are officially in a season of transition.
Winter is also the perfect time to switch up your beauty, from make-up looks to on-season haircuts. But there’s one part of your beauty routine that shouldn’t be overlooked: your skincare.
The arrival of the colder months brings various challenges to your skin. Temperature drops, icy cold winds and artificial air from heaters can cause the skin to feel more sensitive and dry, and your complexion may feel dull, too. That’s why dermatologists have already started winter-proofing their skin.
We spoke to the skin experts to discover the skincare swaps to make and the products to use to uncover your best winter skin, maintain your glow, and reveal a radiant complexion. Here are five skincare hacks you need to know.
1. Opt for richer moisturisers for longer-lasting moisture
“Autumn and winter skincare routines should change to accommodate seasonal weather and skin changes; often, this includes adding richer products,” says Dr Maryam Zamani, a leading oculoplastic surgeon, facial aesthetics doctor and founder of MZ Skin. Opting for thicker formulas will enable your skin to hold on to that much-needed moisture for longer. Moisturising regularly with a gentle formula and applying it when your skin is damp is the key to locking in hydration.
Summer Fridays Rich Cushion Cream
A hydrating trio of glycerin, squalane and saccharide delivers up to 24 hours of moisture, while an infusion of chamomile restores calmness to the surface.
2. Use a hydrating face mask for an extra moisture boost
“Masks are an essential component of winter skincare routines as constant changes in temperature with harsh winter winds and indoor heating can have a drying effect on the skin” says Dr Zamani.
She recommends using a hydrating mask containing hyaluronic acid weekly to boost hydration and restore brightness to the complexion.
Biodance Bio-Collagen Hydrogel Overnight Face Mask
MZ Skin Hydra-Lift Golden Facial Treatment Mask
It’s no surprise that this mask gets Dr Zamani’s seal of approval. It uses hyaluronic acid to replenish the skin’s moisture and uncover a soft and dewy complexion. An infusion of skin-plumping nano-gold particles makes this the ultimate self-care treat.
Garnier Hyaluronic Cryo Jelly Face Mask
Like a reset button for dry skin, this moisture-surging formula delivers up to 24 hours of hydration. It awakens a tired complexion by minimising puffiness and the appearance of dark circles. And a soothing dose of menthol provides comfort.
3. Use this time to start incorporating retinol
“Dead skin from the summer months should be cleared to provide the foundation to enhance the skin and repair damage caused by UVA and UVB rays,” Dr Zamani says. This makes the colder months a perfect time to include a resurfacing ingredient like retinol in your routine. “[Retinol] will gently refine the skin and stimulate cell turnover to help reverse the damage caused by the summer sun, resulting in healthy, refreshed and glowing skin.”
CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum
If you are new to retinol, consultant dermatologist Dr Derrick Phillips recommends this formula. “It has a gentle formulation that helps to reduce the risk of irritation. The inclusion of topical ceramides in this serum ensures the skin barrier maintains epidermal hydration, acting as a barrier against environmental stressors and irritants.”
Elizabeth Arden Retinol and HPR Ceramide Rapid Skin Renewing Water Cream
This potent moisturiser fims the skin with pure retinol with peptides. Ceramides and hyaluronic acid support its formula to provide hydration, while botanical extracts work to nourish the skin and ensure comfortable wear.
4. Boost your skin’s barrier to encourage resilience
Dry skin is a tell-tale sign that your skin barrier is damaged. Aesthetic doctor and dermatologist Dr Dev Patel explains that “the right ingredients, without harsh associated inactives, will rebalance the skin environment and thus provide a healthier and calmer skin barrier”. Opting for barrier-boosting skincare will strengthen your skin’s barrier, allowing it to stand up to aggressors and maintain much-needed moisture.
Rhode Skincare Barrier Restore Cream
Like a hug to dry skin, this antioxidant- and peptide-packed formula soothes, hydrates and restores your skin barrier. It uses shea butter to nourish the skin and provides comfortable wear with a rich yet lightweight consistency.
Dr Althea 147 Barrier Cream
Designed to nourish and support the skin barrier to leave you with softer, healthier skin, this uses hyaluronic acid and paeonia flower extract to deeply hydrate.
5. Maintain your glow with vitamin C
Rest assured, your glowing skin goals are still within reach even in the winter months. Vitamin C is a winter skincare hero that is often overlooked. Its antioxidant-rich properties strengthen your skin to stand up to environmental stresses while encouraging collagen production to allow your skin to hold on to much-needed moisturiser.
Dr Zamani agrees, and recognises antioxidant ingredients as a year-round essential for your skin. “Treatments with vitamin C and other antioxidant ingredients will help diminish the appearance of pigmentation and promote collagen production.”
Allies of Skin Vitamin C 20% & Citrus Cells Advanced Firm + Glow Serum
This high-dose vitamin C formula is packed with antioxidants that penetrate deep into the skin and serve to protect the skin against environmental aggressors. The hero ingredient also strengthens your skin’s barrier and encourages cell turnover. The result is a soft complexion with a restored glow.
Olay Vitamin C Anti-Dark Spot SPF30 Day Cream
Don’t let the darker days fool you; SPF is a non-negotiable even in winter. This glow-bestowing moisturiser uses vitamin C to brighten and provides added SPF 30 protection on top of your daily sunscreen. Plus, an uplifting citrus scent provides a much-appreciated mood boost post-application.
Images: AdobeStock; courtesy of brands