As the seasons change, so do our skin’s needs. The cooler weather conditions in the Middle East can cause havoc on our skin – think extra dryness, dullness, irritations, redness, tightness and a damaged skin barrier.
The good news is that a few simple changes to your skincare routine can make all the difference in keeping your skin healthy and hydrated throughout the winter season. Read on to discover our top six winter skincare tips that will help you maintain a healthy and glowing complexion even in the coldest months.
USE A GENTLE CLEANSER
Cooler weather conditions can cause the skin to be more sensitive and prone to irritations, so we advise swapping harsh cleansers for a gentle and hydrating cleanser during the winter months. Over-cleansing can strip the skin of its natural oils which leads to dryness and irritation so look for a sulphate-free cleanser as this will nourish your skin while removing impurities, instead of stripping it of essential hydration.
SWITCH TO A THICKER MOISTURISER
When it comes to winter skincare, the richer the moisturiser the better. Lightweight moisturisers are perfect for the hot and humid summer months, but winter is a time for thicker formulas as they help to lock in moisture to keep your skin nourished. We suggest using a rich formula moisturiser at the end of your skincare routine as this will seal in the products you apply before it and also act as a protective barrier against the cold.
AVOID HOT WATER
Hot water can irritate the skin and strip it of its natural oils, so we recommend washing your face with lukewarm water, especially during the winter months when your skin can be extra sensitive. Washing your face with cold water also has its benefits as cold water tightens the appearance of the skin which can help make it look renewed and refreshed.
EXFOLIATE WITH CAUTION
Exfoliation is essential for removing dead skin cells for a glowing and clear complexion but be mindful not to overdo it during the winter months. Try using a gentle exfoliator and only exfoliate once a week as this will reduce the risk of damaging your skin barrier or your skin becoming irritated or inflamed.
DON’T FORGET SPF
We can’t say it enough, but SPF is an essential step in your morning skincare routine every day of the year. UV rays are present year-round, even on cloudy days, so make sure you choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30.
USE SHEET MASKS
From spending more time outside in the sun to exposing our skin to cooler and windier weather conditions, living in the Middle East can take its toll on the condition of our skin during the winter months which can lead to a range of skin concerns. If your skin is dehydrated one day and then sensitive or inflamed the next, your winter skin will reap the rewards of using sheet masks regularly. As the skin’s needs constantly change during winter, we’ve created the ultimate variety pack, the Glowgetter Set, so no matter what skin concerns you have, you’ll have the remedy. This face mask set is great for winter skin as it features our entire range of high-performance sheet masks. Our deeply hydrating sheet mask, the Ultra Hydro Plumping Mask, is ideal for treating dehydrated and dull-looking skin as it’s formulated with a powerful concentration of sodium polyglutamate and sodium hyaluronate which provide immediate and long-lasting hydration. If your skin is inflamed or irritated, we suggest using our Anti-Wrinkle Reviving Mask as this sheet mask is packed with a high concentration of plant-based ingredients such as jania rubens extract and meadowfoam seed oil that reduce inflammation and stimulate your skin’s natural production of collagen. If you spend more time in the sun during the winter months, then we recommend using our Instant Rescue Purifying Mask as this rescue mask features a rich source of natural bioactive and antioxidant ingredients such as allantoin and centella asiatica extract which are known for instantly calming and soothing the skin. To achieve optimal results with sheet masks, we advise using them at least twice a week to keep your skin hydrated, moisturised and glowing.