Winter Skincare Routine, Tips & Essentials

Caring for your skin every day is essential to keep it looking clear, bright and radiant. What are you looking for in a skincare routine to maintain your skin and keep it in good condition? Or are you looking to improve skin conditions such as acne, ageing, or pigmentation? Routine care is essential for good results? 

However, winter comes with its challenges, and the skin can feel parched and dry and lose its glow. 

This article will teach you how to keep your skin looking plump, soft and hydrated through winter.  

Best Skincare Products to Use This Winter

It is a myth that you can use the same products all year round. Your skin is a live organ, and it responds to the environment exposed to it. In winter, the low temperatures and low humidity cause the skin to feel tight and dry. 

Eye Cream and Lip Balm

People often complain of dry, rough, flaking skin in winter, especially around the eyes and on the lips. These delicate areas have thinner skin, which dries out and feels uncomfortable. It is essential to include an excellent protective eye cream and lip saving lip balm in addition to the facial skincare outlined below:

Creamy Cleanser

Winter is not the time to use your foamy cleanser. If you like this cleanser type, it's best to use them during warmer weather when the air is humid. In winter, you should be cleansing with a milky cleanser (oily to combination skin) or a creamy cleanser (normal to dry skin) or an oil cleanser (dry skin). Some creamy and oily cleansers are also suited for combination or oily skin types, so it's best to check with me. 

Retinol Serum / Cream

If you have acne or post-acne scarring, pigmentation, sun-damaged skin or ageing skin, this is a good time of the year to introduce your skin to retinol. Retinol is a form of vitamin A which is an essential nutrient for skin rejuvenation. Retinol is the favourite of dermatologists and skincare experts because it has the proven ability to repair damage in the skin. Whether it is from acne, the environment or general ageing, retinol is a powerful ingredient to help deliver beautiful results. Talk to me about introducing retinol skin-rejuvenating serums and creams appropriate for your skin. 

Hyaluronic Acid Serum

Hydraulic acid is a fantastic ingredient and a favourite amongst estheticians. It can hold up to 1000 times its weight in water, so it has powerful hydrating qualities. Hyaluronic acid is a natural substance produced by our skin. Our skin needs extra hydration during wintertime and requires additional support, so we need to replenish moisture with a good serum. Using a hyaluronic acid serum will ensure your skin feels soft, plump, and hydrated all winter long. 

Ceramides & EFA Rich Barrier Creams

In addition to the loss of moisture, winter can take its toll on the skin barrier. Our skin is a protective coating covering our whole body. This protective coating acts as a barrier to keep nasties out and keep the moisture locked in. In winter, it is vital to take care of the barrier of our skin. The barrier contains ceramides and essential fatty acids such as omega-3, 6 and 9. If these are lacking in our skin, our skin becomes rough-dried out and flaking. You will find it particularly important to switch to a moisturizer rich in ceramides and essential fatty acids in winter. These will gently smooth and soften the skin and reinforce the barrier locking the moisture in. Talk to me about a barrier cream that's best for your skin. 

SPF30+

Whenever there is daylight, there is UV present, and this doesn't change in winter. Your skin can become sun-damaged in winter if you do not protect your skin. It is essential to keep up with your suncare, even in winter. You may wish to switch to a more hydrating or barrier-protecting sunscreen version to lock the moisture and provide SPF 30+ protection. 

What order should you follow in a winter skincare routine?

Below is a quick reference showing the order you should use your skincare in winter. In addition to the products discussed above, I added a facial oil as an optional extra for extra dry skin to use at night. The facial oil will provide extra nourishment for damaged and super dry skin. You can purchase all the products discussed below from me, and I will give you advice on which products best suit your skin.  

Day Winter Skincare Routine

1. Cleanse

2. Tone

3. Hyaluronic acid serum

4. Moisturizer ( rich in ceramides and EFA)

5. Eye cream & lip balm

6. Sunscreen SPF50+

Night Winter Skincare Routine

1. Cleanse

2. Tone

3. Retinol serum

4. Moisturizer ( rich in ceramides and EFA)

5. Eye cream and lip balm

6. Facial oil