As the UK braces for more snow and ice warnings this weekend, it’s time to prioritise protecting your skin against the harsh effects of winter.
With sub-zero nights and single-digit days becoming the norm, your skincare routine needs a seasonal overhaul to keep your skin hydrated, protected, and glowing amidst the chill.
With the cold weather settling in, many Brits have turned their attention to extra skin hydration with a +129% increase in searches for ‘winter skin care’, and a whopping +1,300% increase in searches for the ‘best winter face moisturiser according to Cult Beauty, it’s clear that we’re all in need an a daily dose of hydration to boost our skins seasonal glow.
To combat these challenges, Cult Beauty has teamed up with Dr Nevianna Bordet Consultant Dermatologist at The Day Clinic to share essential tips on how to protect your skin during the freezing temperatures:
- Hydrate Deeply with Ceramides
The cold weather weakens the skin’s barrier, leading to increased moisture loss. Swap lightweight moisturisers for richer, more nourishing formulas designed to lock in hydration and reinforce your skin’s defences. For optimal protection, choose a moisturiser containing ceramides, which help to repair and fortify the skin barrier. Applying moisturiser on slightly damp skin can further enhance hydration by sealing in water. - Switch to Gentle Cleansers
Cleansers that strip away natural oils can leave your skin feeling tight and irritated in winter. Opt for a gentle, hydrating cleanser that cleans effectively without compromising your skin’s natural barrier. This simple switch can help reduce redness and dryness caused by harsh winter conditions. - Layer Up with Hyaluronic Acid
Layering hydrating products is essential in winter. Start with a water-based serum or essence to provide lightweight hydration, then follow with a creamier moisturiser to seal it in. Don’t forget to focus on areas prone to dryness, like your cheeks, around the nose, and lips. - Don’t Skip Sunscreen
Even on overcast winter days, UV rays can penetrate clouds and reflect off snow, potentially causing long-term damage to your skin. A high-SPF sunscreen should remain a daily essential, helping to prevent sunspots and premature ageing while protecting against harmful rays. - Pamper with Overnight Masks
Winter nights are the perfect opportunity to give your skin some extra TLC. Use an overnight mask or a deeply hydrating treatment to replenish moisture levels, repair your skin’s barrier, and leave your complexion refreshed and radiant by morning. Look for treatments rich in soothing and restorative ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, or squalane.
Dermatologist shares the effects winter weather has on our skin
With the degrees dipping and our limbs needing extra layers, it’s our skin that is often left exposed to the harsher elements outside. The result? A complexion craving some much-needed TLC. “Our skin becomes very dry and itchy with conditions like eczema being triggered during the winter. Switching from hot and cold temperatures can cause the redness and inflammation associated with sensitivity and the need to wear hats and scarves can trap oil, leading to breakouts” explains Dr Nevianna.
Dermatologist shares the changes we should make to our beauty routine in the winter
“As the temperature drops, your skin needs richer formulas to penetrate more layers. Look for moisturisers that contain shea butter, hyaluronic acid and glycerin. Cold weather can cause your skin to crack, dry out and lose moisture, so it’s important to keep your skin hydrated to ensure it doesn’t lead to any complications.” Plus, as the skin is the body’s biggest organ, you need to make sure you keep it healthy and protected from any viruses flying around during this time. “Maintaining our moisture levels during the winter, make it easier to transition our skin to other seasons and avoid long term skin irritations.”
To shop the full collection of winter skin care please visit here.