With stormy, cold weather in recent weeks making temperatures plummet, it’s safe to say that the cold season is here to stay. With the cold weather comes sensitivity, reactions, dehydration, lacklustre skin and dryness, though this might not be the case for everyone as all skin react differently. Some are lucky enough to make it through the colder season, with none or very little adjustment to their skincare routine, while some might need a complete overhaul. Here are some changes you can make to your skincare routine to protect it against the colder elements; your summer skin will be thanking you later. 

1. Introduce an oil balm cleanser

The first, and arguably the most important, step in your skincare routine is the cleansing stage. The combination of the harsh cold weather and central heating work together to increase the likelihood of dry skin. Defend at all stages! Oil-based cleansers are nourishing and non-stripping; there isn’t a better time to introduce an oil-based cleanser into your routine. A cult favourite for a reason, the Elemis Pro-Collagen Water Mint Cleansing Balm, works to remove, cleanse and hydrate the skin. With added omega-rich sea buckthorn oil and golden kelp to combat dullness and dryness simultaneously. If you’re not convinced by the balm cleanser, the Oskia Renaissance cleansing gel gives you the best of both worlds. A gel-like lightweight formula, which turns to oil once warmed up, with the cleansing and nourishing properties of an oil cleanser but a non-greasy and lightweight feel of a gel cleanser. Packed with vitamins and “pumpkin enzymes to loosen the bonds between dead skin cells and deeply cleanse the skin leaving it feeling clean, soft and supple,” says Georgie Cleaver founder of Oskia Skincare. 

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Product recommendations

• Biossance Squalane and Antioxidant Cleansing Oil
• FARMACY Green Clean Makeup Meltaway Cleansing Balm
• The Nue Co Barrier Culture Cleanser

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2. Liquid exfoliation is the way forward

The cold, dark days bring with them a distinct lacklustre to the skin. Fret not! One of the best ways to combat this is through liquid exfoliation. The keyword being liquid. Physical exfoliators can be harsh, even more so in the colder weather, as our skin can be just that bit more sensitive. With liquid exfoliators, you have all the exfoliating action without it being rough on the skin. They harness the power of acids to increase cell turnover and brighten your skin. For a sure way to inject some glow into your skin, look to the Versed Weekend Glow Brightening Solution. It boasts a cocktail of hardworking acids including lactic, glycolic, azelaic and Kojac acids to work on dead skin cells and fade pigmentation as well as bearberry and vitamin C to make sure your skin glows all winter long. If you’re new to the world of liquid exfoliators and are a little intimidated by acids, a gentler option is the Cosrx AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner. The gentle formula contains willow bark water and glycolic acid to tackle the build-up of dead skin cells, which results in dullness. One for extra sensitive skin is the Cetaphil Healthy Radiance Refresh Toner, which makes use of natural white Sea Daffodil plant extract and Niacinamide to brighten the skin without compromising the skin barrier. 

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Product recommendations

Ren ready steady glow daily Aha Tonic

Sarah Chapman Skegness Liquid Facial Resurfacer 

The Ordinary glycolic acid 7% toning solution

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3. Layer up with serums

As temperatures drop, your skin tends to lose more water, leaving you with dehydrated skin. Layering a cocktail of hardworking serums can help tackle dehydration and a number of skin concerns caused by the cold weather. SkinCeuticals Hydrating B5 Serum is a powerful combination of vitamin B5 and Hyaluronic acid that will help replenish and hydrate the skin; the end result is smooth and plump skin. Inspired by the amazing skin of skincare aficionados of South Korea, the Tropic Skincare’s Rainforest Dew hydration serum is just the drink your skin needs as the weather takes a turn.”

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Product Recommendations

Allies of Skin 20% Vitamin C Brighten and Firm Serum 

Beauty Pie Triple Hyaluronic Acid 

Typology Plumping Serum 

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4. Cosy up with thick moisturisers

Summertime might be all about the lightweight formulas, but in the colder months, nothing beats a thick moisturiser. The humble moisturiser has come a long way and thick doesn’t necessarily mean greasy and super heavy. A good moisturiser will help seal in hydration, act as a barrier against environmental aggressors and keep your skin looking plump and dewy while offering an extra dose of hydration. You can’t go wrong with Clinique’s Moisture Surge. It’s made specifically for very dry to dry combination skin—and it delivers. It’s a rich cream but an oil-free, cream-gel hybrid. It repairs the skin’s moisture barrier to keep moisture locked in and protect against external aggressors. Drunk Elephant Lala Retro Whipped Cream, the most luscious creamy whipped texture, is thick and creamy but greasy. The Marula oil and Mongongo work together to defend the skin against environmental aggressors, nourish and rejuvenate skin. For very dry and sensitive skin, the Bioderma Atoderm Nourishing Cream is like a nourishing and calming coat for your skin. Powered by an innovative Evodefensine complex to strengthen the skin’s natural defence and soothe any irritations, it’s perfect for anyone with eczema or psoriasis.

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Product recommendations 

Allies of Skin Multi-Nutrient and Dioic Renewing Cream 

Drunk Elephant LaLa Retro Whipped Cream 

Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentré Multi-Purpose Moisturiser 

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5. Don’t skimp on the SPF

While sunshine is practically non-existent, this doesn’t warrant a reason to forgo your daily SPF. Regardless of how much the sun decides to shine, SPF is a daily ritual. For extra hydration, switch up your daily SPF for a more hydrating and nourishing formula. The Ultra Violette’s Supreme Screen Hydrating Facial Skinscreen SPF50+ is what perfect SPFs are made up of. A moisturiser, high factor SPF and primer in one handy product. One of the powerful ingredients in this new age sunscreen is the Kakadu plum, which hosts Vitamin C and antioxidant properties and the ‘dragosine plus’ peptide which keeps the skin feeling plump while protecting against infrared, visible and blue light rays. If you’re looking for something a little lighter, the La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Aquagel SPF30 is a one-of-a-kind gel sunscreen. Packed with pure hyaluronic acid, vitamin B5 and antioxidants, it provides maximum hydration without any greasiness or stickiness. 

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Product recommendations 

Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Cream SPF30

Darling Glowy Face Cream SPf50+

Cerave Facial Moisturising Lotion SPF 25

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