Winter is good for a lot of things, including hot drinks, cute knitwear, and binging the new season of Bridgeton… but skin hydration? Not so much.
If you notice your skin change in the cooler months, you’re not alone. Cold temperatures, low moisture levels and exposure to internal heating can all suck water from our skin, leading to dryness, dullness, dehydration and even irritation.
But with simple swaps and some smart layering, you can maintain a plump, hydrated, resilient complexion all season long. And we’ve got all the hydration tips you could ever need right here. Keep scrolling for everything you need to know about boosting your complexion’s moisture levels when it needs it most.
Explaining Skin Hydration
In this case, hydration refers to the skin’s water content. This is not to be confused with the skin’s oil content as these are entirely separate issues: skin that lacks water is dehydrated, whereas skin that lacks oil is dry. Dehydration is a temporary condition most often triggered by a change in environment (such as the onset of winter). Dryness, on the other hand, is an ongoing skin type. The two can certainly co-exist, but dehydration can affect any complexion at any time (including oily or acne-prone skin).
Humectants, Emollients And Occlusives
When talking about hydration and winter skin tips, it makes sense to explain the difference between humectant, emollient and occlusive ingredients. These ingredient ‘categories’ have distinct meanings:
- Humectants refer to ingredients that bind to or draw water into the skin (think of them as hydration magnets).
- Emollients both attract water and provide moisture.
- Occlusives are purely moisturising and create a thick seal on the skin, locking in water (such as that brought in by humectant ingredients) to afford long-lasting hydration, as well as nourishment.
How To Layer Hydration For Winter
As a general rule, you should layer your products from thinnest to thickest, starting with mists and water-based serums before moving on to thicker creams and oils. By layering watery humectant formulas first, then finishing with emollient or occlusive products, you’ll dial up water content within the skin before sealing it in for long-lasting moisture.
Five Winter Skincare Tips
To maintain healthy, glowing skin this cold season, give some of these seasonal tips a go:
Add a hydrating serum
Remember humectants? One of our favourite ingredients falls into this category: Hyaluronic Acid. Our 1% Hyaluronic Complex Serum contains a multi-weight Hyaluronic Acid to provide instant and long-lasting hydration. It plumps, smooths, fights dehydration and diffuses fine lines.
If you want your hydration with a side of antioxidants, try Rejuvenate 15 Serum. Like a multivitamin for your skin, it replenishes lipid levels while promoting Collagen synthesis for a firmer, more hydrated complexion.
Avoid piping hot showers
Hot water can leach moisture from the skin by impairing the barrier. Tempting as it might be, try and avoid scalding showers in winter, or if you can’t resist, at the very least don’t put your face directly under the hot water flow.
Apply products onto a damp face
Fun fact: Hydrating serums will work even more effectively when applied to damp skin – surface water provides humectant ingredients something to hold on to, instead of pulling moisture from the air. Multi-Active Mist is perfect for the job; it also contains Hyaluronic Acid for hydration, plus Vitamin C, Niacinamide, and Aloe Vera to soothe dehydrated skin.
Try an oil-based cleanser
Oil cleansers are great year-round, but they are especially fantastic as an additional source of nourishment during the winter months. Expert Replenish Squalane Cleansing Oil breaks down excess sebum, skincare and sunscreen while replenishing your barrier and restoring softness – massage it into dry skin as your first step.
Don’t skip SPF
If you think winter gives you permission to skip sun protection, think again. UV damage is always prevalent and can cause dehydration as well as long-term damage.
Want more tips to ensure optimal hydration this season? Read up on ceramides and their impacts on the skin barrier here.