As autumn and winter settle in, dropping outdoor temperatures and dry air can take its toll. Central heating, fluctuating temperatures indoors and out, and limited sunshine all contribute to dryness, irritation, and a feeling of vulnerability in the skin.
Facial skin in particular often struggles to retain moisture which can lead to chapped lips and flaky dry patches. But a few simple adjustments to the skincare routine can help to counteract and combat the effects of cold weather to keep skin feeling comfortable and hydrated.
One easy tip is to wear a scarf outside as this provides a simple physical barrier between face and the cold air. Skin won’t dry out quite as much because its’s not facing the cold air directly.
In terms of a skincare routine, leaving a proper deep cleanse until the evening allows skin to fully benefit overnight. For the morning routine, sticking to a light cleanse or just a splash of water, can be less harsh on winter-dry skin.
Using cream-based or oil-based moisturising cleansers tend to be a little gentler on the skin than foam-based ones because they are less likely to strip the skin’s naturally protective oils, and while cleansing is essential, reducing it to once daily may help prevent that tight, uncomfortable feeling associated with over-cleansing. Likewise, it’s probably beneficial to cut back on exfoliating products during colder months as frequent exfoliation can leave skin more vulnerable to dryness.
Going easy on the toner and changing moisturiser to a richer, thicker version should help – and when using retinol, if there’s any increased sensitivity it may be worth pressing pause on retinol use until temperatures rise.
The importance of using daily sunscreen with a minimum SPF factor of 30 during spring and summer is a given, but it’s just as important during autumn and winter – UV rays can still damage skin, even when it’s overcast.
It might also support the effects of skincare routine tweaks by turning the central heating down a bit and layering up with clothes, or at least by not turning it up, so that the indoor-outdoor temperature contrast isn’t quite so distinct. Likewise, shorter slightly cooler showers prevent moisture loss so won’t dry skin as much as long hot ones.
As a more technical option, investing in a humidifier will maintain a level of indoor humidity which could help prevent dehydrating the skin and enhance the effectiveness of moisturisers. And a tube of lip balm can be a lifesaver all year round but applying it throughout the day can be particularly comforting when the temperature drops.
Although cold weather does have an effect on the skin, some relatively easy steps can help to mitigate it. And if you really feel like treating yourself, a trip to a professional aesthetic clinic gives you expert advice and treatments to make your skin look its absolute best through winter and beyond.