Bar remembering to Always Wear Sunscreen, summer skin pretty much takes care of itself. The sunshine (in moderation, of course) leaves us tanned and healthy-looking, vitamin D clears up blemishes and makes us glow, and sand and saltwater leave us as smooth as a well-blended pina colada.
Sadly the same does not apply for winter. Instead of being beneficial, every element of the season seems to turn on us as the temperatures drop. Bitter winds leave our skin chapped, central heating dries us out, and sugary, fatty winter comfort foods leave our complexions looking tired and dull.
But it doesn’t have to be this way. Simply follow our simple guide and learn how to prep your skin for winter.
Adapt your routine
While you might use an alcohol-based toner to avoid midday shine in the summer, harsh formulas like this won’t do you any good in winter. Your skin will need all the help it can get to stay hydrated so now is the time to change up your routine if you want to avoid damaging your complexion. Switch to a more hydrating moisturiser and, if your skin still needs toning, a hydrating toner too.
Protect yourself
It’s also a good idea to stay aware of where you’re most vulnerable. If you tend to experience chapped lips, invest in a richer lip balm while hands can be saved from winter dryness with a high intensity hand and nail cream. Covering up will help too, popping on some moisturiser and a pair of gloves will keep your hands warm and safe all day.
Eat your way to beautiful
As it gets colder, the urge to tuck into rich comfort foods can be overwhelming – not to mention the constant coffee house temptation of creamy pumpkin lattes and sweet hot chocolate. We’re big fans of indulgence but it’s important to remember that you can eat healthily in winter too and that doing so is one of the best ways to protect your skin. Dark leafy green vegetables such as kale and broccoli are all in season during winter, alongside other healthy alternatives such as squashes, pumpkins, apples, and citrus fruits. Not only will these healthy treats give you back your glow, all that vitamin C should help you stave off winter colds too.
Vital vitamins
Talking of vitamins, they can be beneficial on the outside as well as from the inside. Look out for vitamin-enriched creams to give skin an added boost.
