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BEAUTY NEWS

THE ULTIMATE WINTER HYDRATION GUIDE FOR GLOWY SKIN

Dark skin model closing her eyes and touching her cheeks. the sun on her face exposing her glowy skin. model has afro hair

With the cold climes settling in, it’s time to turn our attention to extra skin hydration. With a +129% increase in searches for ‘winter skin care’, and a whopping +1300% increase in searches for the ‘best winter face moisturiser’, it’s clear we’re all in need of a daily dose of dew to boost our skin’s seasonal glow.  

So, with the help of Dr Nevianna Bordet – a consultant dermatologist at The Day Clinic— here at Cult Beauty we’ve uncovered the top tips and tricks on how to keep skin looking happy, healthy and glowy...  even if the cold weather has other ideas. 

WHAT AFFECT DOES THE WINTER SEASON HAVE ON THE SKIN

With the degrees dipping and our limbs needing extra layers, it’s our skin that is often left exposed to the harsher elements outside. The result? A complexion craving some much-needed TLC. “Our skin becomes very dry and itchy with conditions like eczema being triggered during the winter. Switching from hot and cold temperatures can cause the redness and inflammation associated with sensitivity and the need to wear hats and scarves can trap oil, leading to breakouts” explains Dr Nevianna.   

SO, WHAT CHANGES SHOULD WE MAKE TO OUR BEAUTY ROUTINE IN THE WINTER

“As the temperature drops, your skin needs richer formulas to penetrate more layers. Look for moisturisers that contain shea butter, hyaluronic acid and glycerin. Cold weather can cause your skin to crack, dry out and lose moisture, so it’s important to keep your skin hydrated to ensure it doesn’t lead to any complications.” Plus, as the skin is the body’s biggest organ, you need to make sure you keep it healthy and protected from any viruses flying around during this time. “Maintaining our moisture levels during the winter, make it easier to transition our skin to other seasons and avoid long term skin irritations.”  

model staring into the camera. she has freckles, dark eyes and glossy lips. her hair is golden and her eyes are brown.

WHAT SHOULD WE AVOID IN OUR BEAUTY ROUTINE DURING WINTER

“Avoid harsh products that include alcohol and fragrances. These ingredients can cause skin irritation and dry out skin. Instead, opt for products that are light and target sensitive skin – even if you don’t have irritation. Also, avoid using any type of strong exfoliant. Look for comforting, hydrating sheet masks or a cream with soothing ingredients like hyaluronic acid or panthenol. If you’re after more limb-loving tips, you can read a comprehensive guide on winter skin care here. 

DR NEVIANNA BODET’S WINTER HYDRATION TIPS.

Now we’ve learnt why winter plays havoc on our skin, it’s time to dive into how we can help our complexion look luminous and glowy during this time. 

1. MOISTURISE DAY AND NIGHT 

Use thick, emollient-rich moisturisers to lock in hydration. Look for creams with ingredients like shea butter, glycerin or hyaluronic acid to have the best effects of hydration. 

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2. USE A HYDRATING CLEANSER 

A gentle, hydrating cleanser is important as it won’t strip your skin of its natural oils. Avoid using harsh soaps that can lead to dryness. 

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3. WEAR SPF 

Don’t forget to apply sunscreen, even in winter. UV rays can still affect your skin and some sunscreens also provide additional moisture - just because it’s cloudy, it doesn’t mean the UV rays aren’t affecting your skin. 

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4. ALWAYS HAVE A LIP BALM HANDY 

Use a hydrating lip balm to protect your lips from chapping. Remember your lips are part of your skin too, so they’re just as important and shouldn’t be neglected. If you can’t get hold of a lip balm, use your face moisturiser. 

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5. EXFOLIATE GENTLY 

Regularly using an exfoliator on your skin to remove dead skin cells but do so gently to avoid irritation and drying your skin out even more. 

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DR NEVIANNA BODET’S DOS AND DON’TS FOR GLOWY WINTER SKIN

1. DO INVEST IN A HUMIDIFYER 

Use a humidifier in your home to add moisture to the air, which can help prevent your skin from drying out 

2. DO DRINK MORE WATER  

Keeping our bodies hydrated with water is also essential to keeping our skin looking radiant. Drinking enough water can help improve blood flow in your skin – including your face. In addition, it can reduce breakouts and is one of the simplest ways to improve skin health. And how much water should we be drinking you ask? “Water intake varies for everyone, but the rule of thumb is to drink two plus liters a day.” 

3. DON’T TAKE HOT SHOWERS, TAKE WARM SHOWERS INSTEAD 

Take shorter, warm showers instead of hot ones, as hot water can dehydrate your skin. If you want to improve the circulation in your skin, finish off with a cold blast of water - this can help reduce pores and tighten skin. 

4. DON’T DRINK COLD WATER 

Stay hydrated from the inside by drinking room temperature water throughout the day to hydrate your skin. Why? Because lukewarm water is the gentlest on the skin. 

WINTER SKIN FAQs

Which vitamin is best for your skin during winter?

The best vitamin for your skin during the winter is vitamin C. With the lack of sunshine during the winter months, adding a dose of vitamin C into your routine will help brighten your complexion and bring back some glow. 

Which serum is best for glowing skin in winter?

The best serums for glowing skin during the winter are formulas which include hyaluronic acid. Not only does this hero ingredient attract and retain moisture, but it plumps the skin, boosts the look of elasticity and supports your skin barrier function— all essential in ensuring your complexion is cared for during winter. 

What is your body lacking when you have dry skin?

There is a plethora of reasons as to why you may have dry skin and usually it’s because you are lacking in a variety of nutrients and vitamins including vitamin C, D and A as well as vitamin B3, zinc and iron. This is why using skin care packed with hardworking minerals and vitamins can do wonders for your complexion. 

Now that you understand the causes behind your winter skin woes and have the tools to keep it nourished and hydrated, you're all set to face the cold with confidence. 

SHOP ALL WINTER SKIN CARE >>> 
Rina Teslica
Rina Teslica Writer and expert

Rina is Cult Beauty’s Junior SEO Copywriter and has always had a passion for beauty and skin care (rich moisturisers are her obsession). What started as a love for The Body Shop and their famed Born Lippy lip balms (in ‘Watermelon’ of course!), she is now more interested in finding products with proven effectiveness instead of broken promises. A loud and proud VIEVE fan, Rina owns nearly every item of the range and recommends the brand to anyone who will listen... When she’s not intently reading ingredient lists, you can find her either immersed in multiple true crime podcasts or co-hosting her own parenting one, with an *extra* hot cappuccino in hand.

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