Top Tips For Winter Skin Care

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On the JJ Barnes Blog, I learn about Winter skin care from experts at Fresha so that I can keep looking and feeling my best as the temperature drops.

Winter Skin

As the temperature plummets and the wind whips, our once-radiant complexions can become dry, flaky, and oh-so-unhappy, especially with temperatures in the UK dropping below 0 degrees. Dryness, flakiness, redness – these are the unwelcome guests during the long, cold English Winter. But fear not, this season doesn’t have to mean sacrificing your glow.

Forget the myths and misinformation, I’m diving deep into the science and savvy of winter skincare, thanks to experts at beauty and wellness marketplace Fresha who sent over their top tips for maintaining healthy skin during the frosty month

So, grab your favorite cozy blanket, a steaming mug of something warm, and prepare to be empowered with the knowledge of winter skincare champions. We’ll learn how to decode our skin’s winter woes, craft a personalized routine that’s as unique as a snowflake, and discover the hidden gems and expert tips that will have you skipping through winter with a complexion that’s anything but dull.

Top Tips For Winter Skin Care

SPF is not just for summer 

Perhaps the most important tip on the list, SPF should be incorporated into your daily winter skincare routine. While less potent and less visible, UV rays are present all year, especially midday, as they can seep through clouds and age and damage your skin. Snow and ice reflect them even more, increasing your exposure.

Harsh winds, dry air, and central heating will also sap moisture, leaving your skin fragile and susceptible to UV damage. Sun exposure exacerbates this, leading to dryness, wrinkles, and even hyperpigmentation.

It is recommended to apply a high SPF, such as SPF 30 or 50, after you cleanse but before you moisturise to fully protect your skin; even SPF 15 is too low in the winter season. With #sunscreenrecommendation hitting 85.6 million views worldwide on TikTok, skincare lovers around the world aren’t skipping this step – so be sure to add this to your beauty regime if you haven’t already. 

Unlike traditional creams or lotions, dry mist sunscreens feel weightless on the skin. No more greasy or sticky feeling, especially important for delicate facial skin. Dry mists don’t disrupt your existing makeup application. The fine mist gently settles on the skin without disturbing existing layers, preventing smudging or streaking. Some formulas even claim to “set” your makeup, enhancing its longevity and preventing transfer.

Remember, winter sun protection isn’t just about vanity – it’s about safeguarding your skin’s health for the long haul. So, ditch the “winter sun doesn’t matter” myth and embrace year-round SPF. Your skin will thank you for it, glowing healthily even as the snow glistens outside.

Opt for gentle cleansing for a healthy barrier 

he cold, dry air zaps moisture from our skin, leaving it feeling fragile and vulnerable. Harsh cleansers, loaded with stripping detergents and irritating ingredients, only exacerbate this winter skin plight. They strip away precious natural oils, disrupting the delicate barrier that protects our skin from environmental aggressors. The result? A vicious cycle of dryness, sensitivity, and inflammation.

It is recommended to use creamy cleansers instead of foaming ones, as well as washing your face with lukewarm water instead of hot water. Choose a cleanser based on your skin type. For dry skin, opt for creamy formulas rich in hydrating ingredients. Oily skin may benefit from micellar cleansing gel or light lotions. Look for keywords like “gentle,” “sensitive skin,” “fragrance-free,” and “hydrating.” Avoid cleansers with harsh detergents, alcohols, or strong fragrances.

Implementing these small changes will ensure that your skin’s natural oils are not being stripped away and that your skin barrier is protected to retain moisture. 

Don’t forget to protect your hands and lips 

It’s not just your face that needs protecting this winter, as the skin on your hands and lips is thinner and more vulnerable to dryness – hence why we lick our lips and suffer from ‘lick eczema’.

Moisturize, Moisturize, Moisturize! This mantra becomes even more critical in winter. Choose rich, emollient hand creams packed with ingredients like shea butter, ceramides, and glycerin. Apply generously throughout the day, especially after washing, and don’t forget the backs of your hands and cuticles. Invest in good-quality gloves for outdoor adventures. Opt for materials like wool or leather that offer warmth and breathability. Don’t forget mittens for extra toastiness!

Apply a thick, emollient lip balm regularly, even before venturing outside. Look for ingredients like beeswax, cocoa butter, and jojoba oil. Reapply often, especially after eating or drinking. Don’t forget the power of internal hydration! Drink plenty of water throughout the day to keep your skin and lips plump and healthy.

By adopting these strategies and making them part of your routine, you can face the season with confidence, knowing your outposts are well-protected and ready to shine.

Try a vitamin C serum 

Introducing vitamin C serum to your skincare routine can hydrate and brighten your skin, as well as reduce hyperpigmentation and promote the production of collagen. However, it’s incredibly important to gradually introduce vitamin C to your routine, as it may not be suitable for your skin type.

Some vitamin C products may have high concentration, so it could cause minor skin irritation, and in these cases, should be dropped from your routine immediately. Therefore, do a patch test to assess your skin’s reaction by applying a small amount of serum or oil to the back of your hand. If you develop any redness or rashes, then this product is not suitable for your skin. 

If your skin reacts well to the vitamin C serum, then this product can heal blemishes and can provide UV protection, but it must be used as well as SPF as opposed to replacing it. Not to mention, it gives your skin an incredible glow during the dull winter months. 

Maintain hydration from the inside out 

The harshness of the cold air can be seriously drying to your skin, so using a daily hydrating moisturiser twice a day is a must to lock in moisture and prevent a dry, flaky face. This moisture should then be sealed with a facial oil, such as argan or jojoba, to fully reap the benefits.  

We all know water is vital for our bodies, but its importance for our skin, especially in winter, can’t be overstated. Cold air and central heating zap moisture from our skin, leaving it feeling dry, flaky, and vulnerable. Drinking water acts as a superhero, replenishing those precious H2O reserves and plumping up your skin from within.

While moisturizers work on the surface, water hydrates at a deeper level. It helps flush out toxins that can dull your complexion and contributes to the production of collagen, the wonder protein responsible for keeping your skin firm and elastic. Think of it as a natural Botox booster, minus the needles!

Keep a reusable water bottle with you throughout the day to remind yourself to sip. Hydrate your way to healthy, glowing skin, and let your winter beauty bloom from within.

Don’t overload your skin with new products 

It is important to bear in mind that the change in temperature does not require a complete change in your usual skincare routine. Overloading the skin with too many products, especially new ones, can exacerbate or evoke skincare issues.

It is recommended to trial new products and carefully monitor how your skin responds to them on a day-by-day basis. As well as this, trying one product at time allows you to see the true results with no other factors affecting them, rather than using too many at once and trying to figure out which one isn’t working for you. Taking these steps will ensure that your skincare routine is suitable for your needs, particularly in this cold weather. 

Winter Skin Challenges

The winter can bring challenges to your skin, so it’s vital to adapt your skincare routine to this colder season. This guide emphasises the importance of hydration, UV protection, and being gentle with your skin to protect its barrier and not overload it with products.

Hopefully this guide can offer inspiration and helpful tips to those struggling with issues of dryness, redness or irritation during these cold months. 

-A spokesperson from Fresha

Conclusion

Moisturize, exfoliate, protect, and hydrate. Wrap your hands in warmth, shield your lips from the bite of the wind, and nourish your skin from within with the magic of water. Let your winter skincare routine be a ritual of self-care, a love letter to your skin, and a celebration of the resilience and beauty that blooms even in the coldest months. By embracing these top tips, you’ve equipped yourself with the knowledge and strategies to conquer the season with confidence, leaving your skin feeling healthy, happy, and radiating a soft, wintery glow.