Stay Hydrated and Glowing: Winter Skincare Tips for Dry Skin

January 3, 2024

Does your skin feel dry, irritated, flaky, or dull? With decreased humidity, strong winds, and ample heaters, winter is notorious for leaving skin needing deep hydration. If this is you, not to worry! Butter up your skin barrier with expert tips and science-backed hacks to ensure your skin stays hydrated, flake-free, and radiant throughout the chilly months.

1. Understanding Winter Skin Dryness

You're not alone! Winter skin dryness is a common battle that leaves your complexion feeling tight, rough, or flaky, often diminishing your natural glow. Drying conditions make it difficult for your skin to hold essential moisture needed for a healthy skin barrier.

2. Causes of Dry Skin in Winter

Dry skin in winter occurs when the skin is exposed to harsh weather conditions such as strong winds, low humidity and the constant use of drying heaters. Insufficient water intake can also result in skin dehydration, heightening its vulnerability to dryness. This exacerbates the natural tendency of dry skin to feel tight, rough, or flaky.

3. How to Identify Dry Skin

Watch out for signs such as rough or scaly patches, itching, or a feeling of tightness after cleansing. Dry skin may also show fine lines or cracks, particularly in areas like elbows and knees.

4. Importance of Hydration

Internal Hydration: Drinking plenty of water is crucial. It keeps your skin hydrated from the inside out, combating dryness caused by winter conditions.

External Hydration: Besides internal hydration, external moisturisation plays a pivotal role. Opt for products that contain plant-based occlusives such as jojoba oil and shea butter to build your skin barrier and prevent skin dryness.

5. Tips for Hydrating the Skin

Increase Skin Barrier Protection: Incorporate hydrating serums, lotions, and oils into your routine to ensure your skin is quenched and hydration is locked in.

Humidifier Use: Consider using a humidifier indoors to maintain optimal humidity levels, especially in air-conditioned spaces.

6. Moisturising Techniques

Apply moisturiser immediately after showering or washing your face while the skin is still damp to seal in moisture effectively. Follow with an oil to seal in that moisture.

7. Lifestyle Changes to Prevent Dry Skin

Take Warm Showers: While it's VERY tempting in winter, hot water can strip the skin of its natural oils. Opt for warm showers instead.

Choose Gentle Cleansers: Use mild, fragrance-free cleansers that don’t strip away natural oils.

Avoid Irritating Ingredients: Products high in sulphates, pH cleansers, and very strong foaming cleansers will remove essential, protective oils your skin needs to stay hydrated. They disrupt the skin's delicate acid mantle, leading to increased dryness and a weaker barrier.

9. Implement a Hydrating Skin Routine

Consistency is key for skin hydration! Implement a face and body skin routine that will give your skin the nourishment it needs in winter.

Step 1: Use a gentle face and body cleanser

Your winter skincare ritual starts here! Forget stripping away precious moisture; our hydrating cleanser is a game-changer, designed to replenish as it cleanses, laying the perfect foundation for ultimate hydration.

Step 2: Apply a hydrating serum

When that winter chill leaves your skin feeling tight and parched, a hydrating serum becomes a non-negotiable. Look for polysaccharides (powerful hydrators), hydrolysed jojoba esters (increases barrier function), and vitamins B and C (rehydrate and regenerate skin) - your skin's hydration heroes for a plump, juicy glow that lasts all winter.

Step 3: Lock in with a lotion and oil

When it comes to winter skin, you'll need to upgrade to something rich and deeply restorative. Think formulas packed with lush ingredients like shea butter, jojoba oil, green coffee bean extract, and aloe vera leaf oil. Lotions and oils will literally lock in all that vital hydration and moisture from your serums, ensuring your glow stays put, no matter how cold it gets!