While we all have our tried and true skincare favourites, at this time of year they might not be living up to their usual standard. This is because as the weather starts to shift and skin begins to deal with constant changes in temperature, what with indoor heating and then heading outdoors. Other environmental challenges like dry winter air and whipping cold wind can also take their toll.
It’s why over the coldest months you make need to tweak your skincare approach to support your skin’s natural protective barrier.
Lucy Shaw is MECCAversity Category Strategy Manager for beauty megastore Mecca, which means she plays a key role in education across all of Mecca’s numerous brands. Shaw shared some advice on four easy product types to seek out right now that will nourish and protect skin until spring arrives. Plus, she picked out some great examples of those type of products available at Mecca right now.
1. Switch up your cleanser
L-R: Drunk Elephant Slaai Makeup-Melting Butter Cleanser; Susanne Kaufmann Cleansing Milk
“Much like your wardrobe needs an update, as does your skincare wardrobe. Now is the perfect time to swap out foams and gels for a balm, milk or oil cleanser. Not only can you massage into dry skin – because who wants to splash their face over the basin when it’s freezing cold – you can also remove it with a damp muslin cloth or flannel for an at-home spa-like treatment. A cleanser rich in oils will remove makeup, pollution, and SPF adequately but without stripping precious and important oils from your skin, leaving your barrier compromised.”
2. Stay hydrated
L-R: Dr. Dennis Gross Hyaluronic Marine Hydration Booster; Glow Recipe Plum Plump Hyaluronic Serum
“When skin is dry, flaky or a little compromised, moisture is lost more rapidly. For this reason, it’s super important to ensure that you’re boosting skin moisture levels topically, to help supplement this. I recommend a hydrating serum as it will absorb more deeply and replenish this moisture reservoir.”
3. Oils are your best friend
L-R: REN Clean Skincare Evercalm Repair Complex; Conserving Beauty Conserve You Face Oil
“If you’ve been thinking about incorporating a facial oil into your routine, now is the perfect time to do so. If your skin is dry, a facial oil will supplement this, and if your skin is oily or combination, a facial oil will balance this out. In winter, it’s important to make sure your skin is being nourished with oils, as they will slow down water loss and give your skin a healthy glow. Apply as your last step, before SPF or mix a couple of drops in with your moisturiser and apply at once.”
4. Give your lips and cuticles some love
L-R: Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm; Nécessaire The Hand Cream
“When the climate gets cooler and showers get hotter, these effects can manifest into dryness and flakiness on delicate areas like the cuticles and lips. To help strengthen your delicate skin barrier, find a thick, emollient balm that will put a protective seal or ‘second skin’ to prevent further moisture loss.”
