5 Ways to Prepare Your Skin for Winter

by Chantalle Duffin

Hello, my name is Chantalle and I’m a tv-show-aholic, tea lover, complainer extraordinaire and skincare obsessive. You can find me discussing all things glossy over on my blog cece & grace.

Here’s my advice on 5 ways to prepare your skin for winter!

With the weather slowly becoming chillier by the week, the sun setting earlier and earlier and the heater gradually being turned up, it is safe to say that winter is right around the corner. It is that time of the year again where we (reluctantly) wave a tear filled goodbye to long beach filled days and open toe sandals, and start to welcome open fires, scarves and woolly sweaters.

But just as we switch up our wardrobe, we must do the same with our skincare routines. So before the change in season begins to show up on your skin, arm yourself with the products you need to battle through the cold with these 5 products to have in your survival kit.

Cleanser

Cold and dry air, harsh winds and heating can all wreck havoc on our skin leaving it dry, irritated and sensitive. One of the best (and arguably easiest ways) to add moisture back into thirsty skin is something as simple as switching up your cleansing routine. If you usually use a gel or foaming cleanser try swapping them out for a cream, milk or oil-based alternative. These cleansers are perfect for drawing out excess oil and impurities in the skin, without leaving it feeling tight, stripped or dry – just what you need in winter.

Ones to try: Aesop Parsley Seed Facial Cleansing Oil, Alpha H Balancing Cleanser, Dermalogia Pre Cleanse, RosehipPLUS Organic Daily Cream Cleanser

Face Moisturiser and Facial Oils

If you feel that your skin is feeling particularly dehydrated, switch to a face cream that is designed to specifically nourish and hydrate the skin, then take it to the next level by adding facial oils into your evening routine mix (think ingredients like Rosehip Oil, Jojoba Oil and Almond Oil). As a general rule, apply your facial moisturiser first and then follow with your facial oil. Oils can penetrate moisturisers but not the other way round, so allow your moisturiser to sink in then gently pat oil all over the face to seal in the moisturiser.

Ones to try: Go-to Face Hero, RosehipPLUS Rosehip Oil, Jurlique Purely Age-Defying Firming Face Oil, Philosophy Renewed Hope in a Jar Night Cream, Clinique Moisture Surge Intense Skin Fortifying Hydrator

Facemasks

Give your skin an extra boost of a hydration by treating yourself to a weekly facial. Facemasks are a fantastic way to quickly and effectively target specific skin concerns, while also giving the skin a concentrated boost of active ingredients – and also make perfect way to sneak in some extra ‘you time’ at the end of a busy week. In winter, look for hydrating face masks that not only nourish the skin, but also revive and exfoliate your skin and leaves it looking noticeably more radiant and firm.

Ones to try: SK-II Facial Treatment Mask, Clarins Hydra Quench Cream Mask, Natura Siberica COSMOS Certified Nourishing Facial Mask

Hand Cream

They say your hands are one of the first places to show signs of aging. In winter our hands are more often than not left exposed to the elements, resulting in dry and cracked skin and thus exaggerating signs of any aging skin – which nobody wants. Keep your mitts hydrated and healthy by applying a hand cream daily that is quickly absorbed but leaves the skin feeling moisturised and plump. Bonus tip: apply a thicker hand cream in the evening for silky smooth hands come morning.

Ones to try: L’Occitane Shea Butter Hand Cream, Mecca Cosmetica Hands On Transforming Hand Cream, Natura Siberica Fresh Spa Bania Detox Mitten Protective Hand Cream

Lip Balm

Dry chapped lips are unsightly anytime of the year, but unfortunately for us is more prevalent and in winter. Soothe and repair your kissers with an intensive and hardworking lip balm that restores suppleness and comfort to damaged lips.

Ones to try: By Terry Baume de Rose, Clinique Repairwear Intensive Lip Treatment, Nuxe Reve de Miel Lip Balm, Lanolips 101 Ointment Multi Purpose Balm

What are some of the ways you prepare for the cooler months?

Chantalle xx