Winter is well underway and we can’t help but ache for spring.
Granted, the colder months are made more bearable by the certain sartorial joys - think luxe thigh-high boots, glossy tights and plush wool coats .
But beauty-wise, it feels as though there’s less to look forward to. Especially, considering how winter can wreak total havoc on your skin.
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Fierce gales and parky temperatures alongside intense blasts of central heating can deplete the moisture within your skin barrier, resulting in dryness and an uncomfortable, tight feeling.
This soreness can "affect your ability to stick to your regular actives-based skincare regime" according to dermatologist Dr Sam Bunting, and even potentially exacerbate existing skin conditions such as eczema, rosacea and acne.
READ: Skincare tips for treating post-NYE dehydrated skin
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How we chose:
- Ingredients: All the product inclusions have been specifically chosen to combat classic winter skin woes and therefore contain ingredients such as humectants and fatty acid-rich oils.
- Efficacy: My selections are high-performing products that I (Hello! Fashion's resident beauty obsessive Orin Carlin) personally really rate, and have found to be effective on my own skin during the winter.
Dry Skin
Dr Bunting finds that dryness - skin lacking oil, not to be confused with dehydration which is linked to lack of water - is especially common among people who continue to use actives such as retinoids through the winter.
If you don't want to press pause on your vitamin A usage, consider incorporating fatty acid-rich oils that can help restore your skin barrier and keep it feeling satiated. Plant-derived squalane is light, nongreasy and excellent on all skin types, rarely causing sensitivity, and rosehip oil is another lovely alternative, great for soothing inflammation.
The Nourishing Cleanser
Incorporating a rich, unctuous balm or oil cleanser into your evening routine should leave your skin feeling balanced and comfortable after removing any makeup, SPF and impurities.
The Rich Oil
Fatty acid-rich oils are great for replenishing the skin barrier and making dry, dull skin appear brighter and healthier.
The Ceramide Moisturiser
Ceramides are lipids, a group of fatty acids, that are naturally present in the skin. They help prevent moisture loss and keep your skin feeling supple and smooth.
Chapped Lips
Luscious pouts can become susceptible to dryness due to the lack of sebaceous glands and our tendency to lick them when they're dry. "Saliva is an irritant," Dr Bunting explains. "And this leads to worsening dryness, more licking and a downward spiral that ultimately allows the lip's skin barrier to crumble."
The Restorative Balm
Lip balm is a winter essential. It helps repair the barrier and provides a shield to licking and mouth-breathing at night, especially if you have a cold. Avoid irritants like fragrance, colourants and anything tingly, like peppermint oil.
The Gentle Scrub
I can't bear flakiness on my lips, not only because it feels horrid, but because lipstick looks so uneven layered over the top. Makeup artists swear by a simple lip scrub beforehand for a flawless finish, and I'm very much in agreement.
Dehydrated Skin
The low humidity levels linked to the winter weather can lead to an increase in transepidermal water loss (TEWL) – the term used to describe when water from the dermis passes through the epidermis and evaporates into the air – meaning that hydration levels can also suffer. What a treat. Luckily, there are plenty of plumping and moisture-retaining ingredients that can help you get your skin back on track. For long-lasting hydration, Dr Bunting rates "occlusive ingredients", agents that lock in moisture by forming a protective seal, as well as niacinamide and ceramides.
The Hydrating Serum
Hyaluronic acid, one of the best ingredients for moisture retention, is a humectant which works by binding itself to water molecules.
The Refreshing Spritz
An optional extra, I love a humectant-packed mist to restore my moisture levels after the liquid exfoliant stage.
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