Every year when September rolls around, I venture up into the attic to retrieve the suitcase that houses my winter clothes during the summer – unpacking them into my wardrobe and leaving my summer dresses in their place. This year I’ll be doing the same with my skincare. Not lugging them up to the attic, but making some switches that will help my skin weather the cold months ahead. And you should do the same – here’s why.
A sudden change in temperature damages our skin’s barrier which means we’re more susceptible to aggravators (like pollution). This can leave skin dry, sensitive, inflamed and dull. And that’s not the only thing – your skin is probably a little hungover from the summer months (pigmentation from sun damage, we see you).
So, how can you change up your routine?
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1 Switch: Your cleanser
In summer, our skin produces more oil so you may prefer a stronger cleanser. During the colder months, you should switch to something gentler and more moisturising, like a cleansing cream, balm or oil. These hydrate the skin while cleansing, protecting your skin’s barrier from any additional damage. Avoid using hot water when cleansing your skin, it strips moisture from the skin.
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2 Add: Hyaluronic acid
Dry skin is the most common problem in the colder months. The air is drier – less humidity and central heating are both to blame – so our skin loses moisture much faster. Hyaluronic acid is your saviour. It has unrivalled ability to hydrate the skin (and can hold up to one thousand times its own weight in water). Apply a hyaluronic acid serum straight after cleansing to lock in the moisture.
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3 Switch: Your moisturiser
Lightweight moisturisers are great during the summer, or if you have particularly oily skin, but a thicker, richer formula is best for the colder months. Look for ingredients that help to repair the skin’s barrier, like ceramides and fatty acids. If you prefer a lighter moisturiser during the day, or under make-up, use your thicker moisturiser at night. Oils are a great way to boost moisture too, just mix a couple of drops in with your moisturiser.
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4 Add: Lip balm
The skin on our lips is four times thinner than the skin on our face, it also lacks oil-producing glands so struggles to produce and retain moisture and are prone to dryness. Avoid fragranced balms, or ones that contain acids – these will irritate the lips further. A good lip balm has a combination of occlusive, emollient and humectant ingredients (humectants add moisture while occlusive and emollients prevent it from evaporating). Lanolin and beeswax lip balms cover all three bases.