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winter skincare tips for soft skin

Winter is coming.

And my skin is in panic mode.

Sweeping harsh winds that suck all the moisture out of it. Freezing temperatures that make it flake. And don’t get me started on snow. It reflects UV rays like crazy and that means one thing: sun damage.

It’s gonna be hell for skin. Unless you get it ready for it. Knowing an attack is coming is half the battle. Now, you just have to get your defences up and fight back. Here’s how:

Winter Skincare Tip #1: Use Gentle Cleansers

Use the gentlest cleanser you can find. As long as it does the job, of course.

You know you’ve found the right cleanser when it leaves your skin clean and soft without any tight or dry feeling.

Instead, avoid harsh cleansers like the plague. If your skin feels tight after washing, say bye-bye and look for something gentler.

Your skin’s already being attacked by the elements. It doesn’t need to be attacked by your cleanser too.

Best picks:

Related: How To Choose The Right Cleanser For Your Skin Type

Need help creating the best skincare routine for you dry skin? Sign up to the newsletter below to receive the “Dry Skincare Routine Cheatsheet” (it includes product recommendations, too!).

Winter Skincare Tip #2: Switch To A Rich Moisturiser

Lightweight lotions are great for summer. But, come winter, they just stop working.

There’s just not enough moisture in them to replenish the huge amount your skin loses when facing the dreaded winter cold.

Opt for a richer one instead. It must contain:

  • Humectants: Glycerin, urea and hyaluronic acid all attract moisture into the skin.
  • Occlusive emollients: Oils, shea butter and silicones all form a waterproof barrier that locks moisture in.
  • Skin-soothers: Allantoin, aloe vera and oats calm down redness and irritation.
  • Antioxidants: Vitamins A and C, green tea and co fight the free radicals that lead to wrinkles.

Best Picks:

Related: Dry Skin? Here’s What Your Moisturizer Should Contain (Plus, My Fave Picks)

mad hippie facial spf 30+ review

Winter Skincare Tip #3: Don’t Skip Sunscreen

Just because you can’t see the sun, it doesn’t mean it isn’t there.

That pesky thing likes to hide behind clouds in winter, but it’s very good at penetrating them. Its rays can reflect on snow too.

They then hit your skin, causing all kinds of damage: dryness, wrinkles, dark spots and even cancer.

Pile on that sunscreen!

Don’t know which sunscreen to use? Check out my picks below:

sunday riley good genes glycolic acid treatment

Winter Skincare Tip #4: Exfoliate

You need to exfoliate your skin in winter too. Even if it’s dry.

All skin types need exfoliation. It helps replace old and damaged cells with newer and brighter ones, giving your skin a smoother and brighter appearance.

And, without those dead cells uselessly accumulating on your skin, your skincare products can get deeper into it, so they can work even better.

The best exfoliant for dry winter skin?

Best picks:

Related: The Best Skincare Products With Glycolic Acid.

Winter Skincare Tip #5: Avoid Hot Baths

Is there anything better than soaking in a hot bath when it’s freezing cold outside?

Probably not. So, it sucks that it’s bad for your skin. It’s the reason why my body is dry like sandpaper all the time.

So, yeah, a beauty blogger who preaches something she doesn’t practice…

I’m trying to get better and take short, lukewarm showers. I hope you’ll do too. Your skin will thank you.

Oh, and don’t forget to apply moisturizer afterwards!

Winter Skincare Tip #6: Turn The Humidifier On

Indoor heating systems that blast out hot air to keep you warm inside lower the moisture levels in the air. That inevitably leads to dry skin.

So, let’s pump that moisture back in with a humidifier. It’ll help keep your skin soft and supple all winter long.

Related: How To Care For Dry Skin

Winter Skincare Tip #7: Don’t Forget The Rest Of Your Body

It’s so hard to take good care of something you can’t see, is it?

In winter, your body is covered under layers of clothing. Easy to forget you still need to exfoliate them, moisturize them… you know, the works.

So, this winter let’s all try to fix that and exfoliate our bodies more often. Then, let’s pile on a rich body butter.

And lip balm. And a hand cream. Always keep those staples in your bag, gorgeous. And a pair of winter gloves too.

If not, you’ll end up with chapped lips and cracked hands. Not a good look.

Related: 5 Ways To Treat Chapped Lips

What are your fave winter skincare tips? Share them in the comments below.

About Gio

Hi, I'm Gio. I'm a no-nonsense, tell-it-like-it-is skin coach and writer on a mission to help you achieve your best skin day ever - every day. I bust skincare myths and debunk marketing jargon to help you figure out what's worth the splurge and what's best left on the shelf - using science, not hype. I also offer skincare consultations to help you create the best skincare routine for your unique needs.