5 Products For Perfect Skin This Winter

Prioritise these five hydrating, healing heroes in your winter routine for perfect skin all season.

Humidifier

Constant exposure to dry air both due to the cold weather and indoor heating reduces the moisture levels in our skin as it slows oil production and damages the barrier. A humidifier rehydrates the air to help you maintain higher levels of oil and protect the skin’s surface.

You can support the rehydrating effects of your humidifier by avoiding harsh cleansers which strip away natural oils and are more likely to irritate your skin in winter.

Exfoliators

Rough or flaky patches of skin indicate a build-up of dead skin cells. Exfoliation helps to clear these cells to smooth skin texture, give it a glow and aid the absorption of other products.

You can use exfoliating hair removal tools for the face to strip off dead skin cells and soft fuzz simultaneously. These are often more gentle than bottled exfoliators which feature abrasive materials such as sugar or ground nut kernels and acid fruit enzymes. If you have sensitive skin, look for products with poly-hydroxy acids. They are milder than their traditional counterparts. Remember that you shouldn’t use derma-planing tools and exfoliators together.

Sunscreen

We all know the importance of wearing sunscreen in the summer when UVB rays are strong enough to burn the skin but many of us forget that harmful ultraviolet radiation is present all year round so SPF should be a constant part of your skincare routine.

Combat the anti-ageing effects of sunlight including lines, wrinkles and hyperpigmentation with a broad spectrum SPF which protects against UVA as well as UVB. This should be worn beneath your moisturiser for a comprehensive cover.

LED masks

One of the latest crazes in skincare is the use of light therapy. Blue light can be used to treat a variety of skin conditions such as acne, yellow light reduces redness and red light stimulates the production of collagen which gives your skin a younger, plumper appearance. Collagen also helps skin heal faster to reduce the visibility of scars and stretch marks.

You can get home-use LED face masks that can be adjusted to release blue, yellow or red light as needed. These are widely available in beauty stores and online.

Moisturisers

Skin dries out more quickly in winter, so moisturisers should be the stars of your skincare line-up. Look for a slightly heavier lotion that is more intensely moisturising for the season but don’t make drastic changes, especially with your face cream, as this can upset your skin further.

If you suffer from sensitive skin conditions triggered by the change in weather such as eczema and psoriasis, look for non-perfumed emollients which cover the skin in a protective film to trap moisture inside and limit the impact of winter aggressors. These can be applied as a lotion or replace your bath or shower gel.