Six Essential Rules for Winter Skincare
In winter, our skin is subjected to immense stress.
Icy winds, severe frost, sharp temperature fluctuations and dry air: all of these accelerate the aging process, lead to dehydration and increase sensitivity. We often stick to the same skincare products all year round, but it is best to break this habit during the winter months.
Today, we will share some fundamental skincare principles to follow so you can shine as brightly as a starry sky on a crisp January evening.
- A Rich, Nourishing Cream
Even if you generally dislike the feel of heavy textures on your face, it is worth opting for nourishing products in the winter; they act as a “shield” against wind and cold. Look for creams containing hyaluronic acid, proteins and peptides. These ingredients promote skin cell regeneration, a process that is especially crucial during the winter months.
- Hydration
There is a common misconception that you do not need to moisturise in the winter. In reality, your skin requires even more hydration during the colder season. When choosing a cream, check the ingredients: shea butter, baobab oil and aloe vera will help protect your face from dehydration, as the cold weather can cause the skin to dry out significantly.
- Extra Protection for Your Lips
Our lips take the hardest hit during cold weather. Standard lip glosses, lipsticks or balms that lack active ingredients will not provide any real care or protection for your lips. In winter, you need “heavy artillery”: products containing lanolin, coconut oil, sweet almond oil or avocado oil, as well as vitamins E and A. If you want to restore your lips’ natural protective barrier, try a simple yet highly effective treatment: morning and evening, rub the contents of one vitamin E capsule into your lips. You can find these at any pharmacy, and they serve as a great, affordable alternative to expensive professional cosmetic treatments.
- Gentle Cleansing
Proper skin cleansing is crucial in winter. Forget about harsh cleansers that leave your skin feeling “squeaky clean”, your skin should never feel tight after washing. Opt for the gentlest formulas, such as cleansing milk, enzyme powder or a cream-gel cleanser.
- Humidify the Air
No cream will be effective if the humidity in your home is only 20%. The heating season is a nightmare for our skin but the situation is easy to fix. A humidifier, or, at the very least, damp towels and open containers of water placed near your radiators, will help save the day.
- Avoid Hot Water
In winter, it is tempting to wash your face or body with very hot water. However, spending hours under a hot shower, no matter how appealing it may seem, is not good for your skin. Hot water essentially dissolves the lipid barrier, which is your skin’s primary defense against cold and dryness. Stick to warm water instead and always apply moisturizer immediately after washing.
Remember, consistency is key. Take pleasure in your skincare routine, let your skin feel just as cozy this winter as you do when you slip into your favorite soft sweater.
