beauty

Five small ways to tweak your skincare routine for winter

Flakey? Blotchy? Dull? Winter skin is about as pleasant as a cold cup of coffee. Here are five beauty routine switch-ups that will help get back your summer glow.

Mask the problem

The biggest challenge during winter is maintaining high moisture levels in your skin. Adding a hydration mask once a week improves texture and makes it easier for your other products to do their job . Masks that contain hyaluronic acid deliver moisture most efficiently and you’ll notice an immediate improvement in surface hydration. I’m obsessed with Rodial Dragon’s Blood Hyaluronic Mask because of its skin-plumping qualities. Yes, the plump is temporary, but gosh it’s fun while it lasts.

Exfoliate. And then exfoliate some more

The single most important thing you can do for your complexion is exfoliate. Regularly. In winter you need to up the ante. Depending on your skin type, you should be exfoliating two-three times a week. More, if you have oily or mature skin. The type of exfoliator you use – chemical or granule – is purely down to preference, all that matters is that the routine removal of dead skin cells. I love Dermalogica Multivitamin Thermafoliant, which combines a chemical exfoliant with the texture of a scrub. The antioxidant base in this product works hard to leave skin smoother and brighter.

Turn down the temperature

When it’s cold we tend to turn the water temperature up a couple of degrees. That intense heat can have a very drying effect on the skin, particularly the more delicate areas on your face. So when you’re cleansing, make an effort to turn the tap temperature down to the lukest of warm. Finish with three to five splashes of ice-cold water. This will help stimulate blood circulation and tighten the appearance of your pores.

ADVERTISEMENT

Make oil your friend

Oil gets such a bad wrap in the beauty world but during winter it can be your fairy godmother. The secret is choosing the right type of oil and then using a light hand in its application. If your skin is sensitive or dry then jojoba oil will work wonders on irritation. Add a pea size amount to your night cream and let it infuse while you sleep. If you have oily or acne prone skin then your best option is light grapeseed or coconut oil. Or, use an almond size squirt but keep it away from the areas on your face which produce the most oil – typically the t-zone and chin.

A great all-rounder is Go-To Exceptionoil which contains 100 percent natural ingredients and leaves no greasy residue.

Add H20 and Omega 3

While external water can dehydrate, the opposite is true when it comes to drinking H20. During winter, the more water you drink, the easier it is to maintain a hydrated complexion. A good way to add extra aqua into your daily routine is by drinking room temperature herbal teas. Make a big pot in the morning and keep visiting it throughout the day. Another great internal hydrator is Omega 3. Up your intake by eating foods like salmon and walnuts or take a daily supplement.