Your wardrobe isn’t the only thing you should be switching this winter.
It’s time to pay attention to your skin, as the cold can leave it itchy and irritated. Even indoors, it can take a beating.
Clere brand manager, Su-Marie Annandale gives us some tips on what you should be doing to ease the transition between seasons.
Those lightweight moisturisers may have worked just fine in the summer months but as the temperatures drop, the dry air, cold wind, and exposure to indoor heaters suck the moisture from your skin and strip it of oils essential for healthy skin barrier function, she says.
“These elemental conditions can also spark skin sensitivity, redness, and irritation. So the bottom line is, a skin regimen shakeup is needed come change of season.”
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Don’t worry – there’s no need to plan an entire overhaul. In fact, Su-Marie says all you need is a few simple swaps and additions, such as using a richer moisturiser as opposed to a lotion.
She shares the following tips to make your winter skincare transition as seamless as possible:
Short showers
The chilly weather might sound like the perfect time for a long, hot bath, but try to resist the urge. Prolonged contact with hot water can strip the skin of its natural moisture, leaving you even drier than you were before.
Take short, lukewarm showers no more than once per day and straight after the shower, while your skin is still damp, apply a rich body moisturiser to lock in hydration. You should use enough to leave the skin feeling well hydrated, so you may need to apply more than you do in the summer months.
If you find your skin is flaking more than usual, try dry brushing, a ritual that involves rubbing your skin with a brush in a gentle, circular motion. The mechanical action can work wonders for exfoliating dry winter skin and promoting lymphatic drainage.
Short showers have the added benefit of being good for our environment too.
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Moisturise
The cardinal rule of winter skincare is keeping skin hydrated, so it’s a good idea to switch from a lotion-based moisturiser to a cream.
A lighter lotion may have been enough to satisfy your skin during summer, but that's not an extended guarantee into colder weather.
Su-Marie recommends looking for formulations like triple or pure glycerine and tissue oil combined with Vitamins E and A, which are gentle but effective.
Humidify
Harsh winter weather creates a challenge for the skin, as humidity is low both indoors and out. Using a humidifier helps replenish the top layer of the skin by preventing the air from becoming too dry.
Work from the inside too
Foods rich in healthy fats improve your skin's moisture levels.
Fatty acids like omega-3s help replenish your skin’s lipid barrier and protect against moisture loss. This means prioritising foods like flax, avocado, nuts, and oily fish like salmon and sardines.
