Cold weather in winter brings festive cheer, but it also poses challenges for our skin. The drop in temperature and humidity can result in dryness, irritation, and an overall dull complexion. Understanding how winter weather affects our skin and knowing how to combat these effects is essential to maintaining a healthy glow throughout the season.
How Winter Weather Affects Our Skin
The winter months can be harsh on our skin. Here’s how:
- Lower Humidity: The air outdoors is often much drier in winter, leading to increased moisture loss from the skin. The result? A tight, flaky, and dull complexion.
- Cooler Air: Cold air can constrict blood vessels, reducing circulation to the skin. This can hinder the delivery of essential nutrients and moisture to skin cells, exacerbating dryness.
- Indoor Heating: While we seek warmth indoors, heating systems can further dehydrate the air, stripping moisture from our skin. This double whammy of cold outdoor air and dry indoor conditions can leave our skin parched.
Recommended Skincare Routine for Winter
It’s crucial to adjust your skincare routine to tackle the winter skin blues. Here are some tips from GLIST:
- Use a Thicker Moisturiser: Switch to a richer, more emollient moisturiser that can provide a barrier against moisture loss. Look for ingredients like shea butter, hyaluronic acid, dimethicone and glycerin to help lock in hydration.
- Incorporate GLIST Ultra Hydration Sheet Masks: Boost your skin hydration with the GLIST Ultra Hydro Plumping Mask. Its key ingredients are sodium hyaluronate, sodium polyglutamate, sodium lactate, and glycerin, making it perfect for combating winter dryness. If you experience redness and irritation from harsh winds, the GLIST Anti-Wrinkle Reviving Mask is an anti-inflammatory mask that offers soothing benefits.
- Layer with Face Oils: After moisturising, consider adding a face oil to seal in hydration. Oils can provide additional protection against the elements, keeping your skin supple and radiant.
- Don’t Forget To Apply Sunscreen: In winter, UV rays can damage your skin. Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen daily to protect your skin from harmful rays.
Daily Habits for Optimal Hydration
In addition to your skincare routine, maintaining hydration through daily habits is essential:
- Stay Hydrated: Drink enough water throughout the day, aiming for at least 2 litres, to keep your body and skin hydrated from the inside out.
- Eat a Balanced Diet: Incorporate foods rich in antioxidants and healthy fats. Avocados, nuts, and leafy greens can help nourish your skin and support its barrier function.
- Get Enough Sleep: Getting quality sleep is essential for skin regeneration. Aim for at least 7 hours of restorative sleep each night to help your skin repair and rejuvenate.
- Limit Hot Showers: Although a hot shower feels wonderful in winter, it can deplete your skin's natural oils. Choose lukewarm water and apply a moisturiser immediately afterwards to retain moisture.