When we think about skin protection, we immediately jump to summer, sun exposure and SPF. But winter also has its way of sneaking up on our complexion, disrupting our skin’s natural barrier to leave it looking dry, tired and lacklustre. 

While we can wrap ourselves in woolies to protect ourselves from the cold during winter, it’s harder to keep our skin safe from the elements. This is because there’s a lot of so-called stressors that can impact the skin at any one time, including:

• Cold air and low humidity. Cold air isn’t just harsh because of the temperature, but because it contains less moisture. And cold, dry air = dry, flaky and sometimes itchy skin. 
• Indoor heating. You can’t be blamed for blasting the heating when it’s nippy outside, but central heating further lowers humidity and draws out natural moisture from our skin. 
• Temperature fluctuations. The constant moving between dry, hot indoors and the dry, cold outdoors means our skin needs to continuously (and quickly) adapt, often leaving it super sensitive and prone to irritation. 
• Hot baths and showers. Sadly, those indulgent baths can contribute to dryness as they can strip the skin of its natural oils (sebum), which is already in lower supply during winter. With less sebum, the skin struggles to retain moisture and create its protective barrier. 

Because there are many factors impacting our complexion during the colder months, it can also trigger or worsen a number of skin conditions such as psoriasis, dermatitis and eczema. 

Now, if you know us, you’ll know we don’t just arrive with problems; we also have solutions! Winter might be trying to attack our complexion from every angle (as if we didn’t have enough to already contend with?), but with the right wellness routine, you can protect your glow and support healthy skin throughout winter and beyond. Here are 8 top tips:

We get it: water is far less ‘gluggable’ when it’s chilly outside, and it can be easy to forget to drink when sweating in the sun is usually your friendly reminder. But you need to hydrate from within in order to have hydrated skin, which supports that natural, protective barrier and prevents dryness, dullness and flakiness. 

Keep a water bottle with you at all times, sip during the day, and set regular phone reminders if you tend to only remember when to drink when your mouth is desert dry.

Water alone isn’t always enough, especially if you lead an active lifestyle. Electrolytes help the body absorb and retain fluids, meaning it supports hydration at a cellular level (which your skin will thank you for). 

Our skin isn’t so different from us: when we feel sensitive, we need gentle, calming nourishment. This applies to your cleanser, which needs to have a more sensitive formulation during winter so that it cleans without stripping your skin’s much-needed natural oils. 

Look for cream- or milk-based cleansers, and when washing use tepid water (because of the impact hot water can have on your skin). 

Winter calls for layers and your skin is no different. As the name implies, moisturiser plays a vital role in locking in moisture and protecting the skin’s natural defences. Whereas you might opt for a lighter lotion during summer, you need a thicker, richer alternative during colder months. 

It’s always best to apply moisturiser when your skin is slightly damp after cleansing as this helps to trap water, improve absorption and makes the product more effective. 

UV rays don’t hibernate during winter! Despite shorter days and less sunlight, UV rays are still at work and can contribute to skin damage and premature aging, which can show up as wrinkles, dark spots and hyperpigmentation. All this means that a quality SPF should be an essential part of your skincare routine all year round.

We all know that what we put inside our bodies directly influences how we look on the outside. This means that winter skin wellness starts on your plate; healthy fats (avocado, nuts, olive oil) contribute to barrier repair and hydration, foods high in vitamin C (leafy greens, peppers, citrus fruits) support skin elasticity, and lean protein sources (chicken, eggs, lentils and beans) are packed with amino acids that help with skin structure and repair. 

We get it: a warm, toasty home is just what you need when it’s baltic outside. But having the heating on full-blast sucks moisture from the air as well as your skin. Turning down the thermostat by just a few degrees could help reduce dryness, irritation and that tight-skin feeling when you first wake up. So, use this as an opportunity to throw on your thickest, fluffiest PJs, snuggle up under that super-soft blanket, and fill up your water bottle for an extra warming boost - your skin will thank you for it! 

If you can’t resist having your home extra toasty, then investing in a humidifier can help to add moisture back into the air. 

Winter skincare needn’t be complicated. And in fact, with a few smart tweaks to your lifestyle, you’ll have your complexion feeling (and looking) healthy, hydrated and radiant all season long.