It’s time to face the facts: the moment the temperatures change – from a moderately chilly autumn to a bitterly cold winter – your skin suffers first. As temperatures fall and the air gets drier your usual routine just doesn’t cut it anymore, and the arrival of winter calls for a skincare upgrade in more ways than one.

Winter’s cold, dry and unpredictable air is hard on the skin, especially if you’ve got skin that’s on the dry side all year round. Luckily, it’s also the perfect time for putting new rituals and routines in place for those cosy nights in and lazy weekends, when a change in approach is definitely needed. Boost yourself up with some nourishing oils and richer formulas to keep your largest organ looking and feeling as hydrated as possible, and consider some of the tips below…

Easy does it cleansing

Cleansing your skin is one of the most important parts of your skincare regime. It’s a good idea to have a few cleansing formulas on hand that address the way your skin may be feeling on any given day.

With that in mind, consider tracking down a richer, more nourishing cleanser or two for when the temperature plummets. One key element to maintaining great skin over winter is keeping your barrier intact, and when it comes to skincare, this means starting things off on the best foot with this essential first step. A rich but gentle cleanser can definitely help address the dryness that comes with the cooler air, and when used correctly can make a real difference to your skin’s health. 

Cleansing your face with oil is always a good idea, especially in winter. And that even goes for oilier skin types, who are often averse to the idea of adding more on top. A great option is Trilogy’s Rosehip Transformation Cleansing Oil, a stellar performer that definitely won’t break the bank. A certified natural, super silky, and lush feeling pure plant cleansing oil, it’s a little wonder that effortlessly melts away make-up and any impurities simply and gently. One of the many formulas out there that transforms from an oil to cleansing milk when emulsified with water, it also comes enriched with nourishing rosehip, sweet almond, and papaya so that it cleanses skin without stripping any of the good stuff and leaves things feeling soft, hydrated and perfectly clean.

If you prefer a cream cleanser, Trilogy’s certified natural, fragrance-free Very Gentle Cleansing Cream is a fabulous choice. It delicately removes make-up without drying or irritating sensitised and reactive skins, and contains ingredients like natural spring water combined with chamomile and camellia oil. Both are rich in essential fatty acids, to gently cleanse and refresh even the most irritated of complexions.

Practice gentle exfoliation

It’s so hard to achieve healthy, glowing skin without a little exfoliation, especially in winter. It helps unstick lack lustre, dead skin cells so that newer, healthier cells underneath can radiate, and ensures that what goes on top will penetrate better within.

Tailor Skincare’s Polish is a brilliant option for gentle winter resurfacing and uses locally-sourced bentonite clay and coconut glycerine to deeply cleanse without drying. And don’t neglect your lips – try Henné Organics Lip Exfoliator in Lavender Mint for your softest smackers ever.

Lock in moisture

Trans Epidermal Water Loss (TEWL) occurs in winter when the humidity decreases in central-heated offices and homes, and subsequently, moisture is drawn out of the skin and into the air. Add a serum high in hyaluronic acid to your routine to boost your hydration levels, followed by a moisturiser. Trilogy’s Hyaluronic Acid + Booster Treatment packs a major punch, while Nuori’s Bio Fusion Serum is lightweight but packed with potent ingredients. 

Mist, then mist again

Over the cooler months, keep a face mist close at hand so you can spritz over the skin and even over makeup to hydrate your complexion throughout the day. Trilogy’s certified natural Hydrating Mist Toner is a perfect winter pick me up as it’s a revitalising all-in-one toner and floral moisture mist that instantly delivers moisture to thirsty skin, anytime and anywhere. Alternatively, Imbibe’s Lime Pearl Resurfacing Lift Mist also serves as a resurfacing tonic, delivering multi-functional and refreshing exfoliation, hydration, and protection in one. 

Turn down the heat

It may be very tempting to raise the temperature in your bath or shower in winter, but it’s not the best idea for your skin. Hot water is likely to harm the functions of the skin rather than help them, as it can cause dehydration as it tries to regulate temperature. Plus, due to the presence of water, oils from the skin will be removed that would otherwise protect it from the elements. This will again reduce the barrier function, as these lipids play a vital function in antimicrobial, antioxidant, and skin permeability function and preventing water loss. Opt for a warm bath or shower instead, and follow up with a skin barrier-boosting moisturiser like one of Ethique’s butter blocks, or any of Pure Body Luxe’s nourishing oils.

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