Winter skin: Your questions answered
Wintertime can bring with it a whole new set of skin concerns that you may not face during the rest of the year. We're here to answer your questions on why it is important to change up your skincare with the seasons, and how to get the best results from your routine.
Q: What causes my skin to change during the winter months?
A: Lots of factors can contribute to changes in our skin. In winter, the drop in temperature, dryer air and central heating can all contribute to our skin feeling dry, dehydrated and more sensitive. Overindulging during the festive period with sugary, salty snacks and alcohol can also leave our skin feeling puffy, dull and more prone to breakouts- bah humbug!
Q: Is my skin dry or dehydrated- what's the difference?
A: Dry skin is caused by a lack of oil in the skin, which can often lead to visibly dry patches, flakiness and irritation. It's important to replace lost oils in a dry skin, so ingredients such as shea butter, jojoba oil and squalane in your skincare are particularly good to help restore and protect the skin. Avoid products that contain high levels of alcohol, foaming agents or salicylic acid, as these could dry the skin further.
Dehydrated skin, on the other hand, is a lack of water in the skin. Anybody can have dehydrated skin- even those who are oily! Dehydrated skin is often dull, irritated and more prone to fine lines- especially around the delicate eye area. Water-locking ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, glycerin and aloe vera are great to help re-hydrate and plump dehydrated skin, while high levels of alcohol and harsh exfoliants in your products can irritate the skin further.
Q: How can I protect my skin during the winter?
A: We suggest swapping your cleanser for something more nourishing, incorporating hyaluronic acid and glycerin into your routine, and using a slightly richer moisturiser in the evening. It's also important to continue using your SPF, rain or shine, to protect your skin from damaging UVA and UVB rays, and make sure you're still getting your 5 a day amongst the festive treats (chocolate oranges don't count!). Want to go one step further? Investing in a humidifier is a great way to combat the drying effects of central heating.
Q: The skin on my body is also dry- what can I do?
A: Using richer, more nourishing body products can help to protect dry skin on the body- we like ingredients such as aloe vera, glycerin and apricot oil. Switching to an SLS-free body wash can also be beneficial as they tend to be less drying and better for a sensitive skin. It's also important to exfoliate the body regularly (we suggest 1-2 times a week) to keep scaly legs at bay!
Q: I'm using a serum and moisturiser but my skin is still dry. Is there anything else I can use?
A: Have you tried a facial oil? Adding 2-3 drops of a plant-based oil into your daily moisturiser, or using it in the evening instead of a night cream, can help to replace the lost moisture and repair your skins barrier function. An overnight mask is also a great idea for an extra boost of moisture when you need it.
