Although the daffodils are out and we’ve seen some blue skies recently, spring is still a little way off. As much as I love walking in the countryside or by the sea on a crisp, frosty winters day, my skin isn’t a fan of cold weather. Tweaking my winter skincare routine and using the right products to support and protect my skin barrier is key. Read on to discover my pro tips and go-to products to help you look after your skin in cold weather…
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Winter Skin Dos and Don’ts
One of the easiest things you can do to look after your skin in cold weather is change the formulation and/or texture of your products. For example, by opting for a balm cleanser instead of a gel or switching to a richer, more hydrating moisturiser.
If your skin is particularly dehydrated during winter, you can also add an oil or serum to your routine. If you’re already using these, consider applying two drops instead of one. Basically, you want to level up your usual routine to support your skin as much as possible. Oh, and you should continue to wear SPF even if we don’t see the sun for weeks on end!
Don’t stop exfoliating in winter. It’s so important to remove dead skin cells to reveal the fresher, healthier cells underneath. Exfoliation also improves circulation and ensures any other products in your skincare routine are absorbed more easily. However, you should avoid using harsh scrubs. Read How to Build a Skincare Routine to discover the best alternatives.
Another simple thing you can do to protect your skin is avoid hot running water. Either turn the temperature down in the shower or commit to washing your face separately with slightly cooler water from the tap. Hot air blowing on your face in the car can also be very drying.
Lauren Loves…
Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm has a buttery soft texture and feels like a spa treatment every time you use it. I also love Elemis Superfood Facial Oil. Formulated with a blend of nine superfood oils, it’s lightweight, easily absorbed and nourishing.
Vichy Mineral 89 Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Serum hydrates and plumps, drenching your skin with long-lasting moisture. The lightweight gel texture of the serum creates a soothing veil and helps support the skin’s natural barrier.
La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Balm B5 Multipurpose Repairing Balm is an all-around skin saviour suitable for even the most sensitive skin. Delivering a skin-soothing effect, the versatile balm is formulated with Tribioma, the brand’s exclusive Thermal Spring Water and 5% panthenol to intensely hydrate. It can even be used on sore, broken skin.
One of my favourite multi-use products, Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream Skin Protectant, is an absolute must-have at this time of year. It restores, calms and helps relieve chapped, cracked and dry skin, soothing roughness, redness and minor skin irritations.
Mist & Mask
If you don’t already use a hydrating mist, then it will be a great addition to your winter skincare routine. If you find your skin feels particularly dry or tight, you can apply it throughout the day. Look for ingredients like glycerin or hyaluronic acid. Products absorb better when applied to damp skin, so spritzing before your serum, oil and/or moisturiser is beneficial at any time of year.
I love using a face mask a couple of times a week during the winter. Rather than a detoxifying clay mask, I’d recommend something rich and hydrating.
Lauren Loves…
Oskia Renaissance Mask is on the pricey side, but it lasts such a long time, and my skin always thanks me for using it. It leaves my complexion softer, smoother and more hydrated, and I find makeup goes on like a dream in the days following application.
Summer Fridays Jetlag Mask is such an amazing all-rounder and a product I always repurchase. It can be used as a daytime moisturiser, nighttime mask or inflight/travel treatment. In winter, I use it as my moisturiser a few nights a week to give my skin a boost of radiance and long-lasting hydration.
Take Care of Your Hands
Our hands can really suffer at this time of year, so a good hand cream is essential. I’d also recommend wearing gloves in cold weather, especially when you’re outside for long periods of time. If you want to give your hands some extra TLC, I love the nourishing, hydrating masks you wear like gloves. They’re perfect for a DIY pamper session at home!
Lauren Loves…
My favourite, reasonably priced hand cream is La Roche Posay Cicaplast Soothing Hand Cream. As well as containing ingredients like thermal spring water, niacinamide and glycerin, the description says it ‘acts as a barrier’ which is always a good term to look out for when you’re shopping for products to help your skin in winter.
Look After Your Lips
Is Vaseline your usual go-to for dry lips? Did you know it’s an occlusive? This means it can help trap moisture, but it cannot create or add moisture that isn’t already there. In other words, it’s a good protective barrier, but it won’t address the underlying cause of your dry lips.
Lauren Loves…
My favourite product for dry lips is Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask. It’s incredibly hydrating – more like a treatment than a lip balm. Make sure you go for the one in a pot, not the squeezy tubes which are glossier and not as intensely hydrating.
Find Out More
You’ll find more skincare and makeup advice from me on Instagram. If you’re getting married, you can learn more about my skin first approach to bridal makeup here.
