With the colder months here, we find ourselves making changes. We switch from singlets to sweaters, sandals to sneakers, and iced drinks to hot drinks.
While these changes seem obvious, many people forget to make a crucial adjustment: taking care of our skin. Cold weather can wreak havoc on our skin, leaving it dry, irritated, and less radiant.
To help you maintain a healthy glow all season long, Software skin expert Dr Lauren Thomas gives her top five essential skincare swaps you need to make this winter.
1. Swap pore strips and clay masks for hydrating masks and sheet masks
Pore strips and clay masks can be drying and offer the risk of pulling or waxing dry skin off.
Instead, try a hydrating sheet mask, preferably one that contains hyaluronic acid and ceramides. These ingredients will offer an intense burst of moisture, helping the skin to retain moisture and strengthen the skin barrier.
Pouches containing sheet masks often have a generous amount of serum inside, so make the most of it and moisturise other areas of your neck and body while you relax with your face mask on.
2. Swap light moisturising lotions for thicker ceramide moisturiser
During the winter, there is less humidity in the air. Because of this, you may want to swap to a thicker moisturiser. Ceramide-based products help lock in moisture, increasing skin hydration and strengthening the skin barrier.
3. Swap azelaic acid for hydroquinone
For individuals with melasma or pigmentation, alternating between azelaic acid and hydroquinone during winter is smart. However, be mindful that high-strength hydroquinone cannot be used continuously due to the risk of exogenous ochronosis (blue-grey pigmentation).
Oftentimes, azelaic acid use is more gentle but still helps with fading pigmentation. The gentle nature of the acid reduces the risk of irritation and helps to prevent rebound pigmentation.
While you may see a recurring theme of switching to more gentle and hydrating products for the winter, this is the exception.
Again, hydroquinone can be used any time of the year, but when used during the summer, it is essentially competing against the sun. Using hydroquinone in the winter will allow you to see the best results to see your pigmentation fade.
Dr Lauren Thomas.
4. Swap light eye gels for peptide eye cream
Dryness and reduced humidity from indoor heating can be very drying for the eyes and the skin. With rain and cold, increased time indoors, and increased screen usage, there is often more eye rubbing which can exacerbate dark circles.
It is often reported that under-eye dark circles become worse in the winter months. A duller complexion, skin dryness, and lower temperatures can dehydrate the skin and cause puffiness around the eyes.
Swapping your light eye gels for peptide eye cream can help with hydration, collagen production, puffiness, and protection against free radicals in the air.
5. Swap retinoids and retinol for azelaic acid
Retinoids and retinol can be used all year round. However, for those with facial eczema or sensitive skin, the dry skin that can occur during the winter weather partnered with these products may be overwhelming.
Retinoids and retinol may lead to an increase in side effects such as irritant contact dermatitis, peri-orifical dermatitis, and general irritation, redness and further dry skin.
Azelaic acid has very similar benefits and helps with pigmentation, acne, and has anti-ageing properties but is better for the winter months because it is more gentle and has fewer associated side effects.