6 Skincare Tips We All Need To Follow This Winter

With winter in full swing, it's time to really step up the skincare routine, if you haven't already. No, slapping on layers of moisturiser and drinking your mandatory two litres of water isn't going to cut it anymore. Low temperatures, heaters and hot showers make up the Molotov cocktail of dehydrated, dull skin. Here are six things to help your skin weather the cold without losing its glow.

Be cautious with cleaning

While strong exfoliants are avoidable through the year, be especially wary of them in the winter months. Since the air is anyway low on moisture, making the skin vulnerable, its hydration levels take a further hit if you use acidic makeup removers or face cleansers. Scrubs too are a no-no, since it can rip the moisture protective barrier off your skin and make the dehydration worse. Another thing that absolutely must be cut out of your skincare kit for winter is skin wipes. They contain strong chemicals, alcohols and fragrances and are the absolute worst for your skin barrier, making it feel raw and parched. Bin every toner, astringent, peel or mask that is alcohol-based. Instead, to clean your face, opt for gentle sulfate-free gels or a gentle cleansing milk. If you're a fan of masks, switch from clay masks - they draw out the moisture from the face and make it dry and tight, and use a deep hydrating mask, instead. Also, use them less frequently during the winters. Since I already have dry skin and it is a nightmare when it becomes dehydrated in the winters, my personal favourite, both as a makeup remover and a moisturiser is unrefined, cold-pressed coconut oil. It doesn't work for everyone, so try a small vial to see how your skin reacts to it. If you tone after cleansing, make sure you're using a moisturising toner in the winters.

 Hydrate immediately after that long, hot shower

Moist skin is more absorbent than dry one, so it is always a good idea to hydrate right after a shower. But it is absolutely essential to do it right after long, hot showers that can parch your skin without you realising it. As soon as you step out, lather your skin with a generous amount to reverse the high heat's effect.

Remember the heater

You're obviously not going to turn off that sanity-preserving heater just so it doesn't suck the moisture from your face, but you can take a few precautions to be a bit gentler on your skin. For starters, don't sit too close to the heater, no matter how tempted you are. There is no amount of moisturiser you can use to fight off the havoc the heat will cause to your skin. Make sure you keep a bottle of your hydrating lotion on your desk at work, within easy reach and where you can see it, so you're reminded to use it when the skin starts to feel dry. If you can, invest in a humidifier for your home.

Don't skip the SPF

No, no, just no. Sun protection is absolutely the first and cardinal rule of skincare and beauty. Whether it's sunny, rainy or cloudy, your body needs UV protection. Pick one that protects you from both UVA (the pesky things that cause ageing) and UVB (they make the skin burn) rays. You need a sun screen with an SPF of 15 at the very least, but 30 is always a better bet if your skin is exposed; to be applied 20 to 30 minutes before you step outside.

Let night oil work its magic

Essential fatty acids are essential to maintain skin health by creating a barrier that prevents it from losing moisture. This barrier is often messed up due to the low humidity during winters. When that happens, night oils can be very effective in helping the barrier regenerate and heal itself by creating a layer above the skin and allowing other active ingredients to get absorbed in the skin deeper and faster. Since the skin's blood flow is best in the night, having ingredients reach it faster and better helps it restore its balance more effectively. If your skin is severely dehydrated, you can even consider using a face oil instead of a cream. Face oils with jojoba, calendula, avocado and rose are among our favourites.