Winter Skincare: Protecting your Skin from Harsh Weather

Winter Skincare: Protecting Your Skin from Harsh Weather

Winter Skincare can be challenging when the temperature drops and the winds pick up. It’s a good time to adapt your skincare routine and consider adding some products that are specially formulated to protect your skin at this time of the year. Here, we’ll consider the best way to take care of your skin during the winter and recommend some great solutions to rehydrate and nourish your skin.

It’s a good idea to build a routine that works for you and incorporate products that suit your skin type as well as your winter skincare lifestyle. If you work outdoors or spend a lot of time in the elements, you may need a heavier-duty moisturiser than if you are inside all day, for instance. Very sensitive skin may be more susceptible to damage in the winter and identifying products that are designed especially for this type of sensitivity can be game-changing. We recommend doing your research thoroughly before you decide on skincare products and don’t be afraid to change things up if you don’t get the results you’re hoping for.

Simple Skincare

A simple cleanse, tone and moisturise routine is the basic method for skin success in the winter, and finding the right products for your skin can make all the difference. Taking the time to give your skin this type of care every day will keep it feeling clean and healthy, and ensure you can address any problem areas or breakouts immediately.

The most important part of your winter skincare routine is consistency. Scrimping on your self-care will result in dried-out skin, clogged pores and breakouts. Ensure that you set aside the time to use your carefully selected products each day, in the morning and the evening for the best results. You’ll benefit from using different products during the day and at night time since you can really indulge your skin with a night cream or mask while you sleep, setting you up to look and feel as fresh as a daisy in the morning.

Solutions for dry skin

If your skin is prone to dryness, redness or itching, you’ll probably find that it worsens during the winter. Increasing the moisture level in your skin will help to resolve these problems, and the good news is that there are several products that can come to the rescue here. We especially recommend products that contain omegas 3 and 6, as well as rosehips and ceramides, and these can be found in many rich moisturising creams.

Aveeno products are designed for intensive moisturising, ideal for winter skincare. Aveeno Skin Relief is an intense moisturising formula that includes nourishing oats and shea butter and is perfect for dry and irritated skin. A good moisturiser will create a barrier on your skin to protect against pollution and the weather, and finding one that suits your skin will be a beneficial addition to your skincare routine at any time of the year. We love the luxurious Vichy Aqualia Thermal Night Spa, which provides an intense boost of hydration and soothes your skin as you sleep.

Solutions for breakouts

Do you find that your skin tends to be more prone to spots and breakouts during the winter months? This is often due to the increased layers of clothing we wear around the face, or to blowing our noses more frequently. We would recommend introducing a serum into your skincare routine to combat this problem. A serum can be layered underneath your moisturiser to retain water content in the skin and give your skin a boost.

For winter skincare we love the Seoulista Beauty Calming Super Serum, which is formulated to offer a lightweight hydrating layer for your skin. This is ideal for protecting your skin against the elements and giving it an extra boost with niacinamide, squalane and bisabolol, to brighten the skin and create an even tone. It’s a good idea to avoid strong ingredients such as retinol if your skin is sensitive, although these can be a good option if you can tolerate them.

Don’t forget your SPF

Protecting your skin from the sun is essential all year round, and ensuring that your moisturiser has SPF included is a great way to do this. The level of protection you require will depend upon your skin type and how sensitive to the sun you are, and you’ll want to explore different options to find your own personal preference. Most day moisturisers now include SPF, so this is great for your peace of mind and your skin, too.

Holistic skincare

Finding skincare products that suit your skin is a great way to ensure a healthy glow, but looking after your skin – and your general health – is more complicated than that. Skincare starts on the inside, and what you put into your body will have a huge effect on how your skin looks and feels, so try these top tips for a real skincare revolution.

1. Drink more water. It’s a simple tip, but drinking water is the most important thing you can do to hydrate your skin. Giving your skin a boost from the inside out is easy when you drink at least 8 glasses of water – preferably mineral water – each day. You can set reminders on your phone or use a bottle with indicators to monitor how much you are drinking, and if you usually don’t drink as much as this, you’ll soon notice the difference!

2. Eat a balanced diet. A balanced whole food diet with lots of fresh foods will improve your health immeasurably and you’ll see the difference in your skin. Be sure to include healthy fats in your diet, as the oils needed to nourish the skin are contained in foods like avocados and oily fish, and eat a range of colours to ensure you have the vitamins and minerals you need. Some foods, such as dairy products, can aggravate the skin and lead to breakouts, and you may wish to avoid these if your skin feels particularly out of control at the moment. Sugar is also a common culprit for skin problems, and eliminating it from your diet for a short time can show you whether this is an issue for you.

3. Exfoliate. Exfoliating removes dead skin cells and promotes regeneration, so it’s a great practice to include in your skincare routine. Use a body brush or exfoliator regularly for glowing skin, brushing your skin firmly in the direction of your heart to improve your circulation. Do this before showering and then nourish yourself with a rich moisturising oil afterwards and enjoy your soft, smooth skin.

4. Take off make-up. Another easy way to maintain your skin health and promote a healthy glow is to be rigorous with your make-up removal routine. If you leave make-up on your skin overnight, you will prevent your pores from breathing and accumulate dirt and oil on your skin. Removing it properly allows your skin to recover and gives you the opportunity to use a rich moisturising cream overnight to really nurture your skin.

5. Exercise. You might be surprised to learn that a good exercise routine will be beneficial for your skin, but it’s true! Exercising helps to improve your blood and lymph circulation and this is great news for cell regeneration – exactly what you need to ensure that your skin looks fresh and clean at all times. You should aim to exercise for at least 30 minutes, 3-5 times per week, including a balance of cardio and weight-bearing exercise. Trying something new will be great for your body and your mental health as well as your skin.

6. Sleep well. Getting a good night’s sleep is essential for your health and will have a big impact on your skin as well. You should aim for 7-9 hours each night, depending on your personal situation and preferences, and try to incorporate a healthy bedtime routine each day that allows you to wind down and relax, promoting deep rest. If you struggle to get to sleep or wake up in the night a lot, you may wish to spend some time exploring this so that you can develop a better, more restful routine.

Protecting your skin all year round

Here at Gray’s Pharmacy, we want to help you take care of your skin all year round, and whether you suffer from dry skin or want to treat problem patches of eczema, we have products in our range to help. You can talk to us in-store or via our online services to find out about the most suitable products for your lifestyle, and we’ll help you find the perfect solutions to hydrate and nourish your skin.

You can shop online for all your health and skincare products, or pop into our community pharmacy in Castletroy, Limerick, for advice and support with any healthcare questions you have. We have a wide range of health and personal care products for babies, children and adults, and we will always be happy to help you find what you need.