Perfecting your winter skin prep. How to combat dry skin during the colder months.

Winter will soon be upon us and the colder months are calling for a little switch up in the skincare department. As the seasons change so do our skincare needs. Changes in temperature can really affect the skins appearance and texture, being someone who has suffered with acne/ dry skin her entire life I know the impact it can have on your self esteem. Believe it or not, while our skin may need some extra tlc, it doesn’t necessarily mean we need to ditch our previous routine.

Disclaimer – this site contains product affiliate links, I may receive a small commission if you make a purchase after clicking on one of these links at no extra cost to you.

So what actually causes dry skin?

Our skin naturally sheds dead skin cells every month or so. If those dead skin cells don’t completely shed this can result in flaky/ itchy skin. In winter specifically, dry skin is caused because humidity is low both outdoors and indoors. The chilly air can be quite harsh on our skin and can often leave the skin feeling tight and dehydrated. Frequently bathing or showering in hot water can also have a negative impact on the skin. In fact, bathing regularly in hot water can actually strip moisture from the skin leaving it dry and dehydrated.

I know the skincare world can often be quite overwhelming so I have curated a list of some of my top skincare saviours for winter.

Exfoliating

I am often torn between whether I am exfoliating too little or too often. As someone who suffers from acne and combination skin, my skin can go from being oily one minute to extremely dry the other. I love scrubs but knowing that they can actually cause more damage than good has stopped me using them on my face. After realizing this I switched to using chemical exfoliants. The difference is that while physically exfoliating may feel like you’re removing all the dead skin there and then, it can actually sometimes irritate your skin further. While it may have its advantages of being an easy option, I prefer leaving scrubs for use on my body. Chemical exfoliants on the other hand use chemicals such as retinols and Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) which help to renew the skin with more dramatic results. They work by removing the top layer of skin so that a new and more even layer of skin can regenerate. They can also help to improve the appearance of skin texture, large pores, fine lines and wrinkles. I am no dermatologist by any means but when it comes to trial and error I certainly know what works (for me anyway).  Of course after using any type of exfoliants you must wear SPF to protect your skin. You can read more about my top SPF recommendations here. If you’re looking to introduce a chemical exfoliant into your skincare routine here are some of my favourites.

Shop here

Serum

If you’re someone who likes extra hydration during winter then I would recommend using a serum. Serums usually contain a higher concentration of active ingredients (such as the AHA’s and retinols mentioned above) than typical moisturizers. Serums are also often a lot thinner in viscosity meaning that not only do they feel lighter, they’ll penetrate into the skin quicker and you’ll be able to see results a lot sooner. I love using serums in particular as they can target specific skin concerns such as acne scarring and dull/dry skin.

Shop here

Face wash

Face wash is often overlooked when it comes to peoples skin care routines and I don’t know why. I used to be one of those people who would use any generic face wash until I realized that some just simply do not suit my skin type. A good face wash should cleanse your skin by removing dirt, excess oils and even makeup. It shouldn’t clog your pores or make your face feel dry or irritated. I’ve found that micellar/ water-based cleansers are suitable for all skin types and are great for removing makeup while oil based cleansers although they are also great at removing makeup, can sometimes cause me breakouts if I don’t go back in and double cleanse with a gel or foam cleanser (I have combination skin).

Shop here

Moisturiser

Having tested hundreds of moisturisers over the years, finding a good one that ticks all the boxes is quite rare. I like to look for a moisturiser that will nourish and hydrate, layers well with makeup and sometimes even contains SPF. My skin changes during different times of the months and with having combination skin it can sometimes be tricky to address my skins needs. One thing I have found is that it’s ok to use different products if your skin needs it. For example, on days where my skin is extremely dry and irritated I will opt for a richer moisturiser and on days where I just need something to brighten and plump I’ll use a gel like cream. One size doesn’t fit all in beauty and that’s ok. What works for one person might not work for another so it’s best to try things first hand.

Shop here

Lip balm

Dry lips are possibly the worst thing ever. Not only can they feel extremely sore, they can also be a literal pain when it comes to applying makeup. Have you ever tried applying lipstick over dry, cracked lips? It’s not a pretty sight. I’ve tried many lip balms over the years and there are only a fair few that I can say genuinely hydrate and nourish the lips. I have listed a few I currently I have on rotation & love down below!

Shop here

What are your skincare saviours during the colder months?