Your Ultimate Winter Skincare Routine
Happy winter! It’s the most wonderful time of the year, but your skin might disagree. Snowy, cold days seem much more cosy in movies, but the harsh reality is that many of us suffer from dry, irritated or flaky skin during wintertime. What better way to make sure we avoid all this trouble than by amping up our skincare routine? Get your fuzzy socks on and let’s delve into our top picks for the perfect winter daily routine.
Morning
1. Long live the hydrating cleanser
There’s nothing worse than washing your face in the morning and feeling like your skin is sandpaper. Winter calls for hydrating cleansers that leave your skin feeling soft and plump. If you suffer from dry skin, it may be wise to avoid foaming cleansers, or any face washes that leave your skin feeling tight and stripped. Opt for a creamier, luscious cleanser and look out for ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, niacinamade and panthenol, along with nourishing plant extracts and oils.
2. Moisturise well
We cannot stress enough that layering is everything! For many people, one moisturiser simply isn't enough, which results in constant re-application of lotions and creams throughout the day. Many of us assume that we have dry skin, when in fact it's really dehydrated skin that we have. If your skin is thirsty and needs a drink, give it a water/gel based serum first to refresh the face. Mists are also very useful. Afterwards go in with an oil based serum like our Superior Complexion Antioxidant serum and then move on to a thicker occlusive cream that may contain ingredients like shea butter or plant-based waxes and fatty alcohols to seal everything in. It's bound to work! We also like to be mindful of our lips for this step: putting on lip balm only takes a few seconds, but it saves you from those dreadfully annoying chapped lips.
3. Never without SPF
You’ll always hear it from us: ultraviolet rays never take a break! UV rays don’t depend on direct sunshine (although they are harsher when the sun hits you directly). Don’t let your guard down during the winter, and apply some sun protection if you’re heading out. Depending on the formula you choose, some can even give you some extra hydration.
4. Drink a glass of water
All your hard work will be a tad pointless if you don’t keep up with hydrating from within too. Reward yourself for finishing this routine by drinking a tall glass of water – add something extra if you want to feel fancy, like slices of cucumbers. We know that people can be quite divided when it comes to drinking water and how it affects your skin, but remember, a healthy lifestyle is hardly going to make your skin worse is it!
Evening
1. Cleanse again (after removing any makeup)
Don’t fall into the trap of skipping this step; layering creams on top of dirty skin doesn’t do you or your investments justice. We like to keep it simple, so we use the same cleanser both morning and night time. Just remember to do a double-cleanse with a cleansing oil/balm if you've been wearing and SPF or makeup, it breaks down all of the gunk.
2. Apply an eye cream
Your under-eye area is where your skin is the most feeble and thin. This means it could really use some extra help! Products that focus on this area are a good addition to your cold-season routine, and applying the cream right before bed gives it plenty of time to deeply hydrate.
5. Use an oil-based serum
Seal the moisture in! Oil-based serums give you the best of both worlds: those such as our Superior Complexion Antioxidant Serum have active ingredients, making the formula work both inside (to nourish your skin and repair blemishes) and out (to protect your skin barrier from losing excess water and being open to irritants). If you’re looking to sneak new products into your daily routine but aren’t ready for the commitment of a full bottle, the good news is that our serum comes in a mini, sample size! Check it out:
6. Finish with a night cream (only if your skin needs it)
If your skin still needs extra love, go in with a night cream.
Remember, your skin is gentle and can be sensitive. Cold temperatures, winter winds and going back-and-forth to the warmth of your room can all take a toll on your skin. We hope you find our routine suggestions useful –as always, tailor these steps to your own needs and skin type. If you’d like to continue the conversation, come on over to our Instagram at @jierrabeauty, and join our newsletter community for monthly skincare tips and well-being advice.