With bitter winds, artificial heating, and no sunshine, the colder seasons are not kind to our skin. Keeping yourself glowing, youthful, and bright can be trickier than ever come November. We’ve put together some of the best products around to banish dry, dull skin and instead keep you feeling hydrated and smooth.
Read on to find out which skincare saviors should be on your shopping list this winter.
#1 Vitamin C
An absolute essential, vitamin C helps combat uneven skin tone and brightens to give you a fresh, youthful-looking face. If you love the radiant look, a good quality vitamin C serum will keep you looking revived so pop it on every morning to look as though you’ve achieved 10 hours of sleep!
#2 Niacinamide
A concentrated form of vitamin B, niacinamide is a lifesaver in a bottle. It reduces redness and uneven skin tone, a huge issue for anyone with sensitive skin complaints like rosacea and eczema that can flare up even more in winter. It is hugely hydrating and will help lock in the moisturizing properties of thicker face creams, plus it can promote ceramide barrier production which helps retain moisture.
#3 Hyaluronic Acid
This hydrating hero will be your best friend come wintertime. Found naturally in the skin it gives structure and gives you that plump, youthful look. As you age your body produces less hyaluronic acid, so adding it to your skincare routine is important. It can hold up to 1000 times its weight in water so in the harsh, cold months it will keep you thoroughly moisturized, leaving you with bouncy, hydrated skin.
#4 Retinol
The anti-aging champion, retinol is a derivative of vitamin A. Some retinoids can be prescribed by a dermatologist as it combats a number of skin complaints, however, over-the-counter versions can still be super effective in winter. As well as reducing fine lines and wrinkles, it can help regulate sebum production – a must in winter as acne-prone skin is known to flare in cold weather.
#5 Shea Butter Lip Balm
Rich in oils, shea butter is easily absorbed into the skin. Whilst lips are always prone to becoming dry and flaky, this can ramp up in the winter, leaving them sore, chapped, and cracked. Regularly using a shea butter lip balm will keep your lips hydrated, avoiding any painful and unsightly lips. Apply on at night as a mask then gently buff your lips when you wake to keep them flake-free.
#6 AHAs/BHAs
Whilst Alpha-Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) and Beta-Hydroxy Acids (BHAs) have become popular in recent years, they are often overlooked in winter as people rein in their exfoliation. This can actually have the opposite effect that you desire. Unexfoliated skin can prevent other products from sinking in and working got their full effect. This means your thick, rich moisturizers may not be reaching their full potential. Use a gentle AHA/BHA toner or facial wash once a week and you discover the secret to smoother, plumper, and healthier skin. Just be sure to opt for a chemical exfoliator rather than harsh and harmful scrubs.
What are your favorite skincare saviors for winter? Let us know in the comments!
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