Ah yes, it’s winter again. Forget your bones, you can probably feel it on your face, now home to dry, flaky skin. Seeking solace in a favourite face oil or moisturiser might seem like the only answer (and they can help, more on which later), but there are a number of other things to be aware of when it comes to your winter skincare regime. If you refuse to let your skin suffer as a result of plummeting temperatures this year, read SkinShop's seven rules of winter skincare – they’re simpler than you might think.
1. KEEP YOUR SKIN BARRIER STRONG
As winter rolls around, it's important to take extra care of our skin. The cold weather, wind, and rain can all take a toll on our skin barrier, leaving it feeling tight, irritated, itchy, and dehydrated. But don't worry, there are plenty of ways to keep your skin happy and healthy this season!
To battle environmental stresses, try using skincare products that contain ingredients like Niacinamide and Ceramides, and opt for richer creams that lock in moisture. The Inkey List Niacinamide and Neostrata Enlighten Illuminating Serum are both great options for winter skincare, and don't forget to up your intake of healthy fats to keep your skin moisturised from the inside out. By taking care of your skin barrier, you'll be able to keep your skin looking and feeling its best all winter long.
2. NAIL YOUR NIGHTTIME REGIME
Did you know that your nighttime routine is just as important as your morning routine? That's right - while you sleep, your skin is hard at work repairing itself and regenerating new cells. By following a targeted nighttime skincare routine, you can support this natural process and wake up to a beautiful, radiant skin every morning.
First things first, you gotta get all that makeup off. A non-drying acid cleanser like the Obagi CLENZIderm Daily Foaming Cleanser is a great option because it is a lightweight, purifying face wash with 2% salicylic acid that reaches deep down into pores to help remove oil, dirt, debris and makeup that contribute to blemishes and clogged pores.
After you cleanse, it's time to get active with your skincare. Consider using a serum or treatment with ingredients like retinol or peptides, which are both known to help improve skin health and regeneration. Just be sure to alternate between the two for best results.
Finally, don't forget to lock all that goodness in with a ceramide-rich hydrator. This will help to seal in the actives and protect your skin while you snooze.
Just a quick heads up about using retinol in your skincare routine - it can be a powerful ingredient, but it can also be a bit harsh on the skin, especially in the winter. If your skin tends to get dry and irritated in the colder months, using retinol can make those issues even worse. It can take a few weeks for your skin to get used to retinol, and during that time, it's common to experience some dryness and redness. So, our main piece of advice is to not go crazy with it, especially if your skin is already feeling a little sensitive. If you're already using retinol and things are going well, no worries - just keep on keeping on.
3. DIAL DOWN THE EXFOLIATION
It's important to exfoliate your skin to remove dead cells and give it a smoother, brighter appearance. But during the winter, it's a good idea to dial down the exfoliation. Why? The cold, dry air can already be harsh on your skin and exfoliating too often can strip it of its natural oils, leading to dryness and irritation. Plus, the skin's natural repair process slows down in the winter, so any irritation caused by exfoliating too frequently can take longer to heal.
To still enjoy the benefits of exfoliation without overdoing it, try using a gentle exfoliator with natural ingredients like fruit enzymes or alpha-hydroxy acids. Limit exfoliation to once a week or every other week and follow up with a moisturiser to help replenish the skin's natural oils. And remember, it's always better to be gentle with your skin, especially during the winter.
4. LOAD UP ON ANTIOXIDANTS
Winter can be tough on our skin, with all the fluctuating temperatures and indoor air that's not as fresh as it could be. And don't even get us started on central heating, which can strip the air of moisture and leave our skin feeling dry and parched. But don't worry, we've got a solution! Antioxidant-rich skincare products can help defend our skin against micro-toxins from recycled air, pollution, UV radiation, and even blue light. Some of the best antioxidants to look for include vitamin C, vitamin E, resveratrol, and niacinamide. These ingredients can help nourish and protect our skin, keeping it looking healthy and radiant all winter long. So don't let the cold weather get you down - take care of your skin and it'll take care of you!
5. AVOID OILS IF YOU ARE OILY
While oils can be great for those with dry skin, they may not be the best choice for everyone. If you have oily or acne-prone skin, oils can actually clog your pores and cause breakouts. Instead, stick with non-comedogenic formulas that contain ingredients like ceramides, or hyaluronic acid. These will help to moisturise your skin without adding extra oil. If you have dry skin, oils can be a great option for sealing in moisture. Just be sure to follow up with a separate, deeper-penetrating moisturiser to really nourish your skin.
6. HEAVIER ISN'T NECESSARILY BETTER
It's important to remember that sometimes less is more. While heavy, thick formulas can be a treat for the skin, they may not provide the hydration your skin really needs. When you pile on too many heavy products, your skin can actually become dehydrated and lead to dryness and irritation. The secret to happy, healthy skin is to look for hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid and squalene, and seal them in with a good hydrator. And don't forget to keep your skin hydrated from the inside out by drinking plenty of water!
7. VITAMIN SUPPLEMENTS ARE A MUST
Incorporating certain vitamins into your skincare routine can help support healthy, radiant skin during the colder months.
Vitamin C is a superstar when it comes to skincare. It's a powerful antioxidant that helps protect your skin from free radicals, which can lead to fine lines, wrinkles, and other signs of ageing. It can also boost collagen production, giving your skin a firmer, more youthful appearance. The ASAP Super C Complex Serum is a great way to add a dose of this skin-loving nutrient to your routine.
Vitamin E is another antioxidant that can benefit your skin. It helps protect against free radical damage and can reduce inflammation, making it a great option for those with sensitive or acne-prone skin. The Advanced Nutrition Program - Skin Accumax supplement is rich in Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin E and phytonutrients to work from the inside out to support healthy skin.
In addition to vitamins C and E, there are a few other vitamins that can help support healthy skin, like vitamin A, B vitamins, and omega-3 fatty acids. At SkinShop.ie, we offer a range of products that are packed with these skin-loving nutrients.
It's important to remember that while vitamins can be a helpful addition to your skincare routine, they're not a one-stop solution. You'll still want to follow a healthy diet, stay hydrated, and use appropriate skincare products, like moisturisers and sunscreens, to protect your skin during the winter. By adding some skin-loving vitamins to your routine and following a healthy skincare routine, you can help keep your skin looking and feeling its best all winter long.
