Do You Need to Change Your Skin Care Routine in Winter?

Is it even Winter if you didn’t swap your smoothies for soup, a bikini for a blanket and nights out for an evening in with Netflix? The truth is, just as our diet, wardrobe and lifestyle choices change to accommodate the chill, so too should our skin care routine. With Dr Shreya Andric, Consulting Dermatologist for Sukin, emphasising the importance of adapting your skin care routine to counter the harsh effects of colder temperatures and lower humidity levels. Here’s how you can keep your skin healthy and radiant during the colder months.

How the cold affects your complexion

Winter brings colder temperatures and lower humidity levels, which can deplete your skin of its natural moisture. Add to that the impact of longer, hotter showers and indoor heating, and you have a recipe for dry, flaky skin. This dryness isn’t limited to your face; it affects your entire body.

According to Dr Shreya, “The main challenges individuals face in the Winter months include increased skin dryness, flakiness, chapped lips, as well as worsening of certain skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis and rosacea.” Issues which require a tailored skin care approach to manage effectively.

So, do you need to change your skin care routine?

Yes, says Dr Shreya! Suggesting a few amendments. “Those with already dry skin may need to review their skin care products and use thicker moisturisers, ensuring they are applying them twice per day. They should utilise an oil-based cleanser – such as Sukin’s Cleansing Oil which features Sunflower, Macadamia and Avocado Oil – to remove makeup at night.” Similarly, those with oily or acne prone skin should also review their skin care. “Products containing active ingredients for acne such as salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide or retinols may start to irritate the skin despite being well tolerated in Summer,” says Dr Shreya. “This doesn’t mean they necessarily need to stop them, but might need to pull back and use a bit less frequently.”

Essential Winter skin care ingredients

As well as switching to oil-based cleaners and thicker moisturisers, dependent on your skin type, Dr Shreya recommends focusing on specific ingredients in your skin care products. “Important ones to look for include humectants such as hyaluronic acid, glycerin, lactic acid and polyglutamic acid, as well as emollients such as shea butter and oils including grapeseed, jojoba and macadamia. Niacinamide is also an excellent ingredient to use in Winter (or year round!). It can reduce inflammation in irritated skin and helps to restore the skin barrier.”

Busting Winter skin care myths

One of the biggest misconceptions about Winter skin care is that you can forgo sunscreen. ” In most parts of Australia, the UV index is still 3 or above during the day so sunscreen application should be maintained, not only to reduce your risk of skin cancers but also for anti-ageing!” says Dr Shreya.

On the flip side, the colder months are a great time to consider scheduling laser treatments. “Reduced sun exposure during the healing phase makes Winter an ideal time for these procedures,” adds Dr Shreya.

Lifestyle factors and Winter skin health

Finally, Dr Shreya, notes several lifestyle factors that may impact skin health during winter. These include

• Avoid long, hot showers: Instead, take shorter, cooler showers and use soap-free washes.
• Moisturise immediately: Apply moisturiser to your entire body as soon as you get out of the shower.
• Use a humidifier: This adds moisture to the air, helping to keep your skin hydrated.
• Wear skin-friendly fabrics: Choose layers of cotton or silk under woollen clothing to prevent irritation.
• Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water daily to hydrate from within.

“By making these adjustments, you can maintain healthy, glowing skin throughout the winter months,” says Dr Shreya.