The ultimate moisturising skincare routine to combat winter dryness
Winter is coming! As the days get longer and mornings get colder, now is a better time than ever to give your skin some much-needed TLC. A new season can lead to unwanted changes to your complexion, so it is important to switch up your skincare routine to combat the climatic effects.
Step One: Use a hydrating cleanser
The first step in any routine is removing any built-up excess oils or dirt from your face, whilst ensuring you don't strip away essential moisture from the skin. Dry, flaky skin tends to be an unwelcome side effect of colder weather, so it is important to kickstart your skincare routine with a nourishing, hydrating cleanser.
Gently massage the Elemis Pro-Collagen Nourishing Balm into skin, which will leave your skin looking fresh and glowing. The rich formula effortlessly dissolves into skin and melts away daily grime. Remove with a warm cleansing cloth. Dr Thivi advises that a balm is a ‘great option for very dry skin or if you wear heavier make up and waterproof eye makeup – they are generally oil based so I wouldn’t advocate them for acne-prone skin types.
Top tip: Perfect for a facial massage – they give the necessary glide to prevent pulling or tugging at your skin. The balm also doubles up as a relaxing mask, ideal for a cosy Sunday!
Step Two: Apply hyaluronic acid serum
Our skin naturally produces hyaluronic acid, however environmental factors like the change of season and UV rays, along with ageing, can mean that we produce less of it. Applying a serum is a great way to replenish levels and plump your skin. The result? Fine lines appear diminished and skin looks healthy and radiant.
Try the L’Oreal Paris 1.5% Hyaluronic Acid Revitalift Filler Serum for a hydrating boost. Dry skin is more prone to fine lines and wrinkles. This serum works to create a smoother-looking appearance and is also specially targeted to treat mature skin. Wondering when you should apply hyaluronic acid serum? Dr Thivi says ‘you can apply hyaluronic acid serums in the morning, evening or both!’
Top tip: It is important that it is applied to damp skin – so this can be something as simple as a spritz of La Roche-Posay Toleraine Ultra 8 Mist followed by your hyaluronic acid serum!
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Step Three: Moisturise
Exposure to harsh winds and cold air can affect your skin which is why a good moisturiser is needed to restore balance. Whether you have dry, normal, combination or oily skin, moisturiser is an essential in any skincare routine - you just need to find your perfect match! A cult classic, the CeraVe Moisturising Lotion is a great daily moisturiser for both face and body. A favourite of Dr Thivi, she says
‘What I love about Hyaluronic acid serums such as CeraVe Moisturising Lotion with Hyaluronic Acid, is that they suit all skin types and are easy to layer as part of your morning or evening skin care routine. It can also be combined with other active ingredients such as retinol or vitamin C’
For sensitive skin that needs a bit more TLC, try the La Roche-Posay Toleriane Ultra Cream
Top tip: Dr Thivi advises for dry, sensitive skin types to ‘look for products free of fragrances and potential irritants. I recommend the Toleraine Range by La Roche-Posay which has been formulated with sensitive skin in mind’
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Step Four: Always use SPF
Whilst it may seem counter-intuitive, it is crucial to wear SPF all-year-round as your skin is exposed to harmful UV rays even in winter. A broad spectrum cream will protect from both UVA and UVB rays that can contribute to premature ageing and skin damage. Dr Thivi advises that whilst SPF doesn’t directly protect you from scarring, it is important in the treatment of post-inflammatory pigmentation; dark marks on the skin which can occur after breakouts.
Try the La Roche-Posay Anthelios Ultra-Light Invisible Fluid SPF50+ Sun Cream for ultralight protection that you won’t even know is there! The non-greasy formula glides and quickly absorbs into skin with impressive staying power to keep your complexion safe around the clock.
Step Five: Choose a new foundation formula
Without the sun around for a much-needed glow, a dewy foundation is a great way to achieve your winter skin goals. It is important to select a foundation that is suitable to your skin’s needs, whether it is a more full coverage, matte formula or a hybrid foundation-serum for a hydrating boost that you’re after. The perfect base is key to building your makeup look without sacrificing on skincare.
The MUA-approved MAC Studio Fix Fluid SPF 15 Foundation works to achieve radiance and luminosity whilst keeping shine at bay - perfect for those with oilier skin. The buildable, fuller coverage makes this the ideal product to take from day-to-night - did someone say office Christmas party? For dry to normal skin, full coverage is achievable with the Maybelline Superstay Active Wear Full Coverage 30H Liquid Foundation with Hyaluronic Acid, which packs more than a punch with the hydrating skincare benefits of the key ingredient hyaluronic acid.
For the girl on-the-go, the L'Oréal Paris True Match Nude Plumping Tinted Serum
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A winter skincare routine is essential to maintain healthy, radiant-looking skin! The biggest mistake that people make in a beauty skincare routine in winter according to Dr Thivi is ‘forgetting to adapt their routine to the changing weather! Listen to your skin – in winter months our skin gets drier so consider switching to a richer, more hydrating moisturiser or adding a layer of hyaluronic acid under your usual moisturiser for a boost’.
