We often feel our best in the golden summer months. The long, light days put us in a good mood. We’re more active, with sun-kissed skin absorbing essential Vitamin D. As we roll into the cold season, our skin and hair can feel somewhat lacklustre. We can maintain glowing skin and a glossy mane throughout the year if we follow these tips.
No Dramatic Changes
It is not necessary to redesign your skincare habits if you already have an established routine that works for you. A few simple switches will suffice. Use a gentle cleanser, such as Cetaphil, as your skin barrier is at greater risk of damage this time of year. A tight feeling on your skin after cleansing may signal that your current cleanser is disrupting your skin barrier. For best results, you should work a gentle cleanser into your skin for at least sixty seconds before rinsing. If your skin is on the dehydrated side, follow up any water-based serums with a nourishing moisturiser. Some affordable options include CeraVe’s Moisturising Cream and the Avene Cicalfate+ Cream.
Exfoliate
Exfoliating your face and body will slough away dead skin cells, revealing soft, glowing skin. It will also allow your skincare ingredients to penetrate better. A couple of times a week is enough, as exfoliating too often can irritate your skin. You could use a gentle chemical exfoliant such as a PHA toner or simply a muslin cloth when cleaning to buff away dead skin. For the body, I love using a salt scrub or exfoliating mitt for baby-smooth skin.
Wear SPF
Sunscreen is not just for the summer months. UVA rays penetrate clouds and windows, so wearing suncream even on overcast winter days can help to prevent premature ageing and other serious health issues. Using Cosmetify’s UK SPF Index, you can protect yourself from the sun based on where you are located in the UK. Biore’s Rich Aqua Watery Essence and La Roche-Posay’s Anthelios Sun Cream are great options for all skin tones, though SPF 50 is quite a high protection for the darker months.
Apply Treatments
The contrast between the chilly weather and heated indoors can dry out your skin and hair. Take advantage of nights in to apply hair and face masks to inject some extra moisture. There is a product out there for every concern. No7’s Cica-Rescue Paste can address redness concerns. If you live in a city and pollution is a concern, you could try a purifying mask. Philip Kingsley’s Elasticizer and the Olaplex Hair Perfector are some effective treatments that will improve your hair over time.
Lip Balm
This goes for everyone! As tempting as it may be, licking your lips in the cold weather is the worst thing you can do, potentially leading to lip eczema. Leave them be until you can reach a shop. Some nourishing options include the Blistex Intensive Moisturiser and La Roche-Posay’s Cicaplast Baume. Just as you exfoliate your face, give your lips some special attention using a lip scrub or a facial cloth.
Hand Cream
The combination of plummeting temperatures and our increased reliance on hand sanitisers can result in dry, chapped hands. Working over lockdown in a role where I was constantly washing my hands, I found O’Keefe’s Working Hands to be a total godsend. @melissaswardrobe always offers valuable advice, and her tip to scrub your hands with the Sanctuary Salt Scrub will keep them soft and hydrated.
Glowing Skin
Just as you would dress seasonally, switch up your makeup to reflect the changing seasons – if you choose to wear it! This time of year, I’m more likely to reach for highlighter and berry-toned blush. The ‘dolphin skin’ trend can also flatter complexions that are at risk of becoming dull in the frosty weather. The look is achieved by layering highlighting products onto the high points of the face – cheekbones, brow bones, nose and Cupid’s bow.
Keep Active
When it’s cold and dark, the motivation to exercise seems to dwindle. Working out improves the body’s ability to regulate the stress hormones that can prematurely age our skin and cause breakouts. The best form of exercise is the one that you enjoy. This could be swimming, weight training, sports, skipping, dancing, long walks, joining a class or jogging. Try something new until you discover what works for you! By picking something you like, it will be much easier to stay consistent.
Stay Hydrated
You saw this one coming. Besides its numerous other health benefits, hydrating your body is essential for maintaining hydrated skin. I prefer to drink out of a water bottle to accurately gauge how much I have drunk throughout the day.
Perfect Your Posture
When you spend so much time indoors, your posture can suffer. Take regular breaks from sitting down, and try not to slouch or strain your neck. Besides improving your physical health, proper posture is attractive and you will appear more confident!
Megan is an editor and content creator with a love for beauty, fitness, reading and cooking.
