Tips for Your Best Ever Winter Skincare Routine

Many makeup wearers are accustomed to changing their foundations during winter. So why aren’t as many of us adjusting our skincare routines? As the weather changes, so too does our skin, not just in colour, but in composition and behaviour. These changes often include dryness, dullness, loss of clarity, poor texture, and even sensitivity.

Here are some of our favourite tips for creating your ideal winter skincare regime, and explanations as to why these changes are important in order for you to better understand and care for your skin.

1. Cellular activity slows down
   While skin renewal occurs year-round, environmental factors during winter can make the complexion appear duller and less radiant. Dead skin cells may accumulate more readily on the surface, leaving skin looking rough or lacking its usual glow. Incorporating a gentle exfoliant with fruit enzymes can help remove this build-up while supporting a brighter, smoother-looking complexion.
   
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2. Reduced sebum production can lead to dryness
   In much the same way, natural oil production slows down as well. You may experience dryness for this reason. Most skin types will benefit from a nourishing facial oil, or at the very least, a richer-than-usual moisturiser, to lock in hydration.
   
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3. Winter can increase transepidermal water loss (TEWL)
   Heating, air conditioning and lower humidity all contribute to transepidermal water loss (TEWL), the natural process of water evaporating from the skin. When the skin barrier is compromised, water escapes more quickly than it should, leaving skin feeling dehydrated, tight and uncomfortable.
   

   Supporting hydration means taking a layered approach. Ingredients such as hyaluronic acid help attract and bind water to the skin, while a nourishing moisturiser helps reinforce the skin barrier and reduce moisture loss. If your skin is feeling particularly dry, finishing with a facial oil can provide an additional layer of nourishment and help lock in hydration.

   
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4. Avoid sensitivity and barrier disruption
   Constant air condition exposure, rapid changes in temperature when moving from outdoors to indoors, and the use of piping hot water and showers during winter can sometimes lead to disrupted barrier function and sensitivity. This means the skin is more prone to bacterial infections leading to breakouts, and is more likely to become dehydrated and irritated. Your usual skincare may also begin to exacerbate sensitivity and worsen a disrupted barrier if it contains highly active ingredients like vitamin A or exfoliating acids. When this occurs, remove active ingredients from your regime until symptoms clear. Instead, utilise nourishing moisturisers, hydrating serums, and products which are anti-inflammatory and fragrance-free. Keep some calming, cooling, and reparative products at the ready so that you can treat symptoms of sensitivity right away.
   
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Winter is a reminder that healthy skin isn't static. As the seasons change, so do your skin's needs. Paying attention to these changes and adjusting your routine accordingly can help keep your skin comfortable, resilient and radiant throughout the colder months.