Our skin really gets put through the wringer during winter, from the icy weather outside to the harsh dryness of central heating inside.

It’s a perfect recipe for dryness, redness, flakiness and overall irritation – none of which are very fun

That’s why the beauty experts over at Fresha have shared their top winter skincare tips, from what kind of cleanser to use to how strong your SPF should be (yes, even in winter).

No, SPF is not just for summer

The experts say: “Perhaps the most important tip on the list, SPF should be incorporated into your daily winter skincare routine. Despite the lack of visible sunshine and warmth in these colder months, the UV rays from the sun can seep through clouds, and age and damage your skin. We recommend applying a high SPF, such as SPF 30 or 50, after you cleanse but before you moisturise to fully protect your skin; even SPF 15 is too low in the winter season.”

Opt for gentle cleansing 

The experts say: “During this cold season, our skin can become more susceptible to dryness and sensitivity, so it’s crucial to use gentle, non-harsh products to maintain a healthy skin barrier. We recommend using creamy cleansers instead of foaming ones, as well as washing your face with lukewarm water instead of hot water. Implementing these small changes will ensure that your skin’s natural oils are not being stripped away and that your skin barrier is protected to retain moisture.”

Don’t forget to protect your hands and lips

The experts say: “It’s not just your face that needs protecting this winter, as the skin on your hands and lips is thinner and more vulnerable to dryness – hence why we lick our lips and suffer from ‘lick eczema’. To prevent this, applying a good quality lip balm and a rich layer of hand cream in between hand washing, going outside, eating, and drinking is necessary.”

Try a vitamin C serum

The experts say: “Introducing vitamin C to your skincare routine can hydrate and brighten your skin, as well as reduce hyperpigmentation and promote the production of collagen. However, it’s incredibly important to gradually introduce vitamin C to your routine, as it may not be suitable for your skin type. Some vitamin C products may have high concentration, so it could cause minor skin irritation, and in these cases, should be dropped from your routine immediately. Therefore, do a patch test to assess your skin’s reaction by applying a small amount of serum or oil to the back of your hand. If you develop any redness or rashes, then this product is not suitable for your skin.”

Hydrate from the inside out

The experts say: “The harshness of the cold air can be seriously drying to your skin, so using a daily hydrating moisturiser twice a day is a must to lock in moisture and prevent a dry, flaky face. Hydration should also be prioritised from the inside out, so ensure that you’re drinking plenty of water and eating water-rich foods, such as fresh fruits like oranges, vegetables like cucumbers, as well as broths and soups.”

Don’t overload your skin with new products

The experts say: “It is important to bear in mind that the change in temperature does not require a complete change in your usual skincare routine. Overloading the skin with too many products, especially new ones, can exacerbate or evoke skincare issues. It is recommended to trial new products and carefully monitor how your skin responds to them on a day-by-day basis. As well as this, trying one product at time allows you to see the true results with no other factors affecting them, rather than using too many at once and trying to figure out which one isn’t working for you. Taking these steps will ensure that your skincare routine is suitable for your needs, particularly in this cold weather.”

Image: Getty