Originally published on Relish Growth.
This post will share five winter skincare tips on maintaining your skin.
If there’s one thing I used to struggle with, it is dry winter skin. It took me several trials and errors to figure out the best combination to make my skin plump and dewy, even during the winter.
Thankfully, I’ve got my routines all nailed down. In fact, I actually now look forward to winter, where I get to layer all my hydrating products as much as I want.
This post is for you if you’re still struggling with dry winter skin and are unsure how to prepare and maintain your skin ahead of the upcoming winter season.
Here Are 5 Winter Skincare Tips For Plump & Dewy Skin
Most of these tips require you to swap your existing products. But you need to know the right products to avoid wasting money.
Incorporate a Hydrating Toner, Serum or Ampoule
Most people walk around with dehydrated skin and don’t even know it. It can be dehydrated whether your skin is dry, oily or in combination. It’s usually until someone introduces or recommends a hydrating toner that people begin to experience plump skin.
Now, you can use just about any hydrating toner, but you need to get good quality ones that would make an actual difference in your skin. I prefer you go for a toner instead of a serum or ampoule during the winter. This is because you can be generous with it without it running out quickly.
Don’t be afraid of toners, and don’t allow yourself to demonise them. The skincare industry has advanced so much. S
So, toners will not strip your skin of oil or dirt. Instead, they’ll hydrate and supply your skin with all the humectants that keep it plump and dewy.
Here are some of my recommendations for the best hydrating toners you can use for dry winter skin;
- COSRX Propolis Synergy Toner
- TonyMoly Wonder Ceramide Moochi Toner
- Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Plus Toner
- Haru Haru Wonder Black Rice Hyaluronic Toner
- Hada Labo Gokugyun Premium Lotion
- Kikumasamune High Moist Lotion
Use an emollient moisturizer
The easiest way to adjust your skincare routine for the winter is by swapping your moisturiser. If your skin is not too dry or dehydrated, you might be fine with an emollient moisturizer. These are thicker products compared to your regular gel/lightweight moisturisers.
They usually have Shea Butter or Urea as emollients with a host of humectants (Hyaluronic Acid, Beta Glucan, Glycerin) and occlusive oils (Squalane, Mineral Oil, Safflower etc.)
Some of my favourite emollient moisturisers include;
- Bioderma Atoderm PP Baume
- La Roche Posay Lipikar Baume
- Dr Jart Ceramidin Cream
- Embroylisse Lait Creme Concentrate
Swap your sunscreen for a moisturizing one
Yes, you should be using SPF 365 days a year. The sun’s rays still penetrate through the clouds. While you might not necessarily be as consistent with reapplication, the least you can do is to religiously apply it once a day.
While most sunscreens have lightweight gel/cream textures, I’ve recently stumbled on some moisturizing sunscreens that are perfect for the winter. With these, you can either layer your lighter moisturizer or skip it completely.
The best way to be consistent with your sunscreen application is to get a moisturizing sunscreen. Two-in-one products usually double as a moisturizer and sunscreen. So, you have no excuse.
Some of my favourite moisturizing sunscreens for the winter include;
- Bondi Sands Face SPF 50
- Altruist Dermatologist SPF 50
- Cosrx Aloe Soothing Sun Cream SPF 50
- Eucerin Daily Hydration Cream SPF 30
Incorporate an occlusive in your night-time routine.
Occlusive ingredients are a physical barrier to prevent your skin from losing water while protecting it from external factors. They usually come in ointments, balms, and waxes with common ingredients like Petrolatum, Mineral Oil, Beeswax and Lanolin Oil.
So, if you layer a hydrating toner, serums and a moisturizer and want all that hydration and moisture to last all night, you need to finish your routine with a thin layer of an occlusive product.
No, occlusives won’t clog your pores. If you find them too heavy, just stick with your emollient moisturizer.
Some of my staple occlusives for winter include;
- Cerave Healing Ointment
- Aquaphor Healing Ointment
- Eucerin Original Healing Creme
- La Roche Posay Cicaplast Baume B5
Get a Humidifier
One of the best-kept winter skincare tips is using a humidifier to circulate air in your bedroom or around your house. We all know that winter is generally bad for the skin as it sucks out all the moisture from our skin.
The dry air combined with high heating has many of us struggling with dry winter skin. This is where a humidifier comes in handy.
It helps to maintain optimal humidity levels and supply moisture into your home. This ensures that your skin is not completely dried out at home. Instead, in combination with hydrating products, it ensures it is plump and supple.
I currently have two humidifiers in my bedroom, and I’m looking forward to bringing them out as the weather gets colder.
Here are some recommendations for the best humidifiers on Amazon.
In Conclusion,
You really can’t afford to take your skin for granted during the winter. Otherwise, you’ll end up with dry, itchy, ashy, cracked skin that will take months to recover. Instead, approach the season with a great plan accompanied by effective products.
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