When the chilly winds of winter rush in, many of us may want to curl in and stay undercover (literally) until warmer weather returns. The cold, dry air can wreak havoc on our once smooth skin.

Check out these skin care tips on how to brave the winter elements, while still enjoying a glowing complexion as the colder temps hit!

How to tell when your skin is asking for change?

The summer – winter onset is a big change, pay attention to how your skin looks and feels as the seasons turn.

But the real question is – how do you know when to change your skincare routine?

The most obvious signs that call for change are: 

• Irritation, burning or stinging
• Redness
• Flaking
• Dry and dehydrated skin
• Severe acne breakouts

Tip 1: Spring clean your shelves.

It is time to clean all your makeup brushes and ditch any products that have expired or been open for too long. More importantly, it’s a good idea to wash your brushes every 7-10 days, this will help to protect your skin against acne-causing bacteria and irritating grime that lingers on your makeup brushes.

Make sure to steer clear of harsh formulas, like cleansers filled with fragrance and dyes when cleaning your brushes. Remember, you’re rubbing these brush bristles across your face, so you don’t want to irritate your skin. Shop all our favourites here.

Tip 2: Moisturise more!

The constant exposure to indoor heat sucks the moisture from your skin, stripping it of oils essential for healthy skin barrier function. We encourage you to moisturise more to beat the dehydrating effects of winter.

In cold weather, the skin has a higher tendency of becoming dry and dull looking. Focused hydration and keeping the skin supple and elastic is important because the dryness and stiffness of your skin during the cold months could spark skin sensitivity, redness, and irritation.

Tip 3: Buff away!

The benefits of exfoliation, when done correctly are no secret. Dead skin cells and blocked pores keep moisturiser from being absorbed properly, so it’s worth exfoliating and gently buffing your face twice weekly. That said, avoid harsh scrubs and rather try a small amount of lactic acid or glycolic acid.

Tip 4: Try something new.

Start introducing protective products into your skincare routine, try switching to a gentle yet rich cleanser. This is a great way to keep the skin hydrated and maintain a healthy barrier throughout the winter. Shop our favourites here.

You could also think about layering your skincare and introducing a concentrated serum. Preferably choose a serum containing hyaluronic acid and calming ingredients such as niacinamide to retain moisture and soothe flushed skin. The cardinal rule is to layer your products from the thinnest texture to the thickest, so make sure that your serum sits underneath your moisturiser for effective absorption.

Tip 5: Remember to wear SPF!

Don’t forget the SPF, you can absolutely get sun damage in the autumn and winter, UVA rays are present even on cloudy days. Wearing a SPF of 30+ is a year-round commitment in protecting your skin daily from the harsh environmental factors. Shop our favourites here.