With just a few tweaks to your skincare routine, you can have gorgeous skin in winter.
It may sound cliché to say that changing your wardrobe isn't the only thing you need do in the winter, but that doesn't make it any less true.
Why does my skin get dry in winter?
During winter, the decrease in temperature and humidity levels can have a significant impact on our skin.
The cold, harsh air coupled with indoor heating systems can cause moisture loss, leading to dryness and flakiness.
Additionally, frequent hot showers and baths can further strip away the skin's natural oils, exacerbating the problem. The lack of moisture in the air also hampers the skin's ability to retain hydration.
To combat dry winter skin, it is essential to hydrate and moisturise regularly, use gentle cleansers, avoid hot water, and protect your skin from the elements with appropriate skincare products and protective clothing.
Skin sensitivity, redness, and irritation can all be triggered by these natural elements.
Read on to discover the simple secrets for gorgeous winter skin.
First of all, you don't need to start planning a complete overhaul just yet because all you could need are a few simple changes and additions.
Start by observing how your skin changes over time and alter or replace items as needed.
How to cleanse your skin in winter?
Many women complain about dry skin in the winter, but if you have naturally dry skin, winter can be particularly drying.
Dry skin produces less natural oil or moisture, which, when combined with the dry winter air, can make your skin feel even worse.
Stick to natural and gentle cleansers, as foam-based cleansers can cause your skin to become even more dry.
Why and how to exfoliate your skin in winter
If you have dry skin, avoid using harsh exfoliants because it can irritate your skin and switch to a gentler alternative like our Purifying Konjac Sponge.
The benefits of exfoliation, when done correctly, are well known. Gentle exfoliation can help remove dead skin cells attained from the dry winter air, leaving your skin looking more luminous and aiding the absorption of your post-cleansing moisturiser.
Avoid extra hot showers in winter
Tempting as it is to have a very long and very hot shower in winter it’s best to reduce the length and temperature of your shower.
Prolonged contact with hot water will strip the skin of its natural moisture, leaving you even drier.
Take no more than one lukewarm shower every day.
Apply a nutrient-rich hydrating body lotion as soon as you get out of the shower, when your skin is still damp, to seal in hydration.
You should use enough to leave your skin feeling moisturised and with Merindah Botanicals Pampering Body Lotion you won’t need to re-apply it between showers.
Dry brushing, a ritual that involves massaging your skin with a brush or exfoliating mitt in a soft, circular motion, can help if your skin is flaking more than usual.
The mechanical action can help exfoliate dry winter skin while also encouraging lymphatic drainage. It's also a fantastic self-massage.
Don't forget your lip care in winter
Lip balms aren't the only thing that help you keep your lips hydrated.
You've probably already stocked up on lip balms to treat your chapped lips, but if you have extra dry lips you may need to up your lip care game to cure dry lips.
To remove dead skin cells, gently exfoliate your lips using an organic or natural scrub like our multi-award winning Invigorating Body Scrub.
Exfoliation will also aid in the effective penetration of the lip balm through the lips.
Layer your skincare products
Not to compare skincare to clothing, but it's the most appropriate analogy here.
Consider your skincare routine as outerwear for your skin: in the same way that you need to layer your clothing to be warm in the winter, you need to layer your skin to avoid overdrying in winter.
Layering allows you to address numerous skin issues at the same time with various solutions. If you're looking for a quick explainer on how to layer skincare, a decent rule of thumb is to start with the lightest and work your way up (i.e. serum or facial oil first then moisturiser).
We love layering our skin care products! Start by applying our Nurturing Rosehip Oil first before you follow with our Luxurious Face Cream for the ultimate winter skin hydration.
Incorporate a mask into your skincare routine
We don't need an excuse to put on a face mask, but if you haven't yet, winter is the perfect time to get started.
Merindah Botanicals Instant Glow Face Mask is designed to boost your skin hydration.
And evenings are the perfect time to apply face masks because skin hydration levels begin to fall in the afternoon and continue throughout the night, therefore evening masking is incredibly beneficial in keeping the skin hydrated.
Note: This is also a great opportunity to incorporate more targeted treatments to your skin. For example, those with eczema may benefit from ingredients like aloe, while those seeking anti-ageing benefits may choose a face mask infused with hyaluronic acid or Paracress - a natural alternative to Botox.
And if you're sleeping in a room with a lot of dry heat, use a bedside humidifier.
Winter can be tough on our skin. Between the cold weather and dry indoor air, our skin takes a beating.
But as you can see, with just a few simple tips and tweaks to your skincare routine, it’s easy to have gorgeously radiant skin all winter long.
So, what does your skincare routine look like in winter? Are you using any of the techniques we shared today? If not, make sure to give them a try – your skin will thank you for it!