2020 Update – I wrote this last January, but just tweaking it now with some current favourite products and tips 🙂 My winter skin has been so dehydrated this week, I’ve been reading my own advice!!
The days are getting longer (slowly albeit) and the birds are singing, it’s felt almost spring like some days. We are however in the depths of winter; this week has certainly been cold. The drop in temperature outside teamed with central heating inside, can play havoc with our complexions, as can the revelries still showing from the festive season! (and too much tea!!) Think about stepping everything up to protect and nurture delicate skin while we wait for spring!
Start nourishing skin right at the very beginning of your routine by switching in a richer cleanser. An oil based cleansing balm is amazing at melting away make-up and daily grime, but it can also make a big difference to the condition of your skin. I’m currently loving Twelve Beauty’s Clementine Cleansing Balm and also Skin Alchemists’ Humble Warrior Cleansing Oil. A simple jojoba oil can work nicely as an oil cleanse too.
Gently massage your chosen cleanser into skin at night and use a muslin cloth or flannel to remove. If I’ve been in town with lots of pollution or been wearing make-up, I’ll do a second cleanse with a wash off cleanser to remove any excess oil and last traces of grime, something like the Beauty Kitchen’s Prime Time Cleanser is fab. For a really deep cleanse I love Nini Organic’s Natura Detox Foam, this I’ll use maybe once or twice a week. When washing I like to use warm water as anything too hot can leave me a little sensitive, or add to dehydration.
After cleansing I like to use a floral water to refresh. Skin can become sensitised in the winter, so choose a rose or chamomile water to calm. Skin and Tonic’s Rose Mist is lovely. A lot of skin types are dehydrated especially in winter, so re-hydrating is key if you want to keep glowing through the colder months. BYBI’s Mega Mist is a favourite to start the hydration process thanks to an injection of hyaluronic acid – I use it on me and in my kit. I also like to use a serum with hyaluronic acid to boost hydration levels further, I am a big fan of Nourish’s Radiance Rejuvenating Peptide Serum. I’m currently using Native Essential’s Hydro Defense Serum and my skin is liking it a lot. (little post on serums here)
Next we need to feed skin; adding a plant based oil into your regime is an easy way to give the essential fatty acids, antioxidants and vitamins that our skins need to stay healthy. Even oily skins can benefit from an oil, jojoba oil is so close to our skin’s natural sebum, it can actually help to balance it. Create a night-time ritual of massaging your chosen oil into your face, and ease away the day’s stress. A daily gentle massage, using upward movements can help with blood flow and eliminating toxins, thus add radiance. Use the oil on its own or under your moisturiser for optimum effect. There are so many amazing oils out there – Vanderohe, Mallow and White, Naya, By Sarah, De Mamiel, Nini Organics the list could go on.. Before you apply your oil, spritz your skin with your floral water – oils work best on a damp skin.
In the winter we layer our clothes to keep us warm, you can think about your skincare in the same way. Rather than one thick cream, a few different products can be used to work on the different layers of skin. Serums can work below the surface for example, while your oils and then moisturisers can help and protect the top layers of skin. Apply your lighter water based products first and finish with your richer oil based products.
Oils can be brilliant in the morning to set your skin up for the day, however if it feels too rich on its own, supercharge your moisturiser by mixing a couple of drops of oil into it. I love BYBI’s Strawberry Booster – I’ll mix it into foundation as well for an extra skin boost. Essential fatty acids play a key role in the health of skin, so make sure you’re getting your quota by taking them internally too. Drizzle them over soups, salads or into your smoothie. Viridian’s 100% Organic Ultimate Beauty Oil is the perfect balance of 3, 6 and 9 fatty acids as well as a lot more goodness so a great addition to your beauty routine.
Skin can look lacklustre when it is dehydrated so remember to exfoliate that dullness away. Choose something gentle though to avoid irritation. Using a muslin cloth daily will lift away some of the dead skin, but a weekly treatment can work wonders. Pai’s Kukui Jojoba Bead Skin Brightening Exfoliator is suitable for the most sensitive of skins, so a great winter choice. I also love Absolution’s one. (currently working on a post on exfoliation) Indulge your skin further by following it with a nourishing mask, I like to slather on Weleda’s Skin Food for a real treat.
A multi-purpose balm is must for the winter months. Choose a rich blend of plant butters, waxes and oils and have it on hand for any skin emergency. Apply to your cheekbones for a lovely sheen but also to protect you if the elements are harsh (Weleda SkinFood above is also great for this). Yesterday I covered my face in Green People’s Ultimate Wonder Balm, as my face felt so dull and the wind was so cold! You could use this to cleanse with as well. I’ve also been using their Hydra-Glow Sleep Mask which I really like, use this like a night cream for a great boost of hydration. Nourish do a fab multi-tasking balm too.
Don’t forget about your body. As we cover up with layers, we tend to neglect the skin below the neckline. However hot showers and baths dry us out even more than usual so moisturising is even more necessary. I’m a big fan of Weleda’s Evening Primrose Body Oil it’s aimed at a mature skin which I’m not calling myself just yet, but my skin does love it! Again oils work best if you apply them to damp skin.
Just by switching in a few new products, your skin doesn’t have to suffer this winter. Feed it well inside and out, and your complexion will show its gratitude 🙂
What are your top tips for winter skin?
