Guide to Preventing Dry Irritated Skin: 6 Tips for Winter Skin Care

In icy conditions, your skin is less able to protect itself. This can leave your skin dry and irritated. Here’s how to ready your skin to battle the elements…

1. Mix up your moisturiser

Even those among us with oily complexions aren’t immune to the effects of cold weather. It’s time to re-evaluate your skincare regimen, starting with your moisturiser.

The best winter moisturisers for dry skin

If your skin is already dry, then you’ll want a heavy-duty moisturiser. Ultra-thick and rich creams are your best friend if you have dry skin. Go for something that’s free of harsh ingredients, like alcohol and artificial fragrance.

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The best winter moisturisers for oily skin

Whatever you do, don’t skip moisturiser altogether. If you’re worried about grease build-up, then try a light oil free moisturiser. Below, you’ll find our picks for oil free moisturisers that will keep your oily skin hydrated and glowing.

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2. Properly and safely) exfoliate

To exfoliate, or not to exfoliate, that is the question. Here’s the thing about exfoliation: It can either work wonders for your skin, or it can damage your skin barrier. We’re pro-exfoliation (even in winter), and here’s why: Without it, your skin will stay dry no matter how many creams you apply. You see, dead skin cells can stop your skin from soaking up your skincare products. This could spell disaster for your skin—especially in winter (when it needs all the help it can get). It all comes down to using the right product…

Chemical exfoliators might sound scary, but they’re actually the safest method of exfoliation. Physical exfoliators, like scrubs, can be too abrasive for some skin types. Chemical ones use gentle acids (in just the right formula) to dissolve the “glue” that binds your skin cells together. They also come in two types: AHAs and BHAs. Both draw in moisture to keep your face hydrated, so you can decide which is best for you (depending on your skin type). Now go on and get to buffing your skin on the regular!

Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs)

AHAs (like lactic and glycolic acids) are beneficial if you have normal, dry, sensitive, or sun-damaged skin.

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Beta hydroxy acids (BHAs)

BHAs (like salicylic acid) are beneficial if you have oily or acne-prone skin.

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3. Switch to oil cleansers

During the winter season it’s essential to keep your skin clean while preserving any natural oils. Harsh cleansers can strip your skin of essential oils, which are necessary—especially in winter—for protecting the skin barrier. This is where gentle oil-based cleansers swoop in to save the (rainy) day. Rich in nourishing and skin-conditioning ingredients, they remove makeup, dirt, and other impurities while leaving the integrity of your skin intact. There’s a reason they’re trending: They’re super hydrating (without being heavy) and mild enough for every skin type—even oily and acne-prone. Prepare for your skin to feel suuuper clean and hydrated.

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4. Vitamin E therapy

Vitamin E (or tocopherol) is a powerful antioxidant that defends your skin against free radicals. It’s also a fat-soluble ingredient, meaning it has moisturising and soothing properties. If you have cracks in your skin barrier (thanks, winter) then vitamin E penetrates deep into your skin to heal the outer layer.

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5. Do as the French do

It may look and feel just like regular water, but it’s so much more than that. Micellar water—beloved by the French (where it originated), models, celebrities, and makeup artists—is the gentle, bedewing cleanser you’ve been searching for. The reason it’s so popular (some might say magical) is that it mops up makeup while hydrating your skin. Talk about multitasking. Simply use it as you would a toner. Your winter skin will love (or should we say amour) you for it!

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6. And don’t forget the sunscreen

We know we sound like a stuck record but trust us on this one: Don’t ease up on sunscreen during winter. It sounds crazy, but SPF is necessary even in colder, cloudier weather.

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View our sunscreens here

See you next year, scaly winter skin (or better yet—never)!