The Author: Chelsey
After eighteen years navigating the beauty landscape – from the shop floor to now – I've learned a thing or two about what you truly need. At Escentual, I'm here to bring that experience directly to you, offering expert advice to achieve your personal beauty goals.
With UK temperatures currently plummeting and the first frost settling across the country, your skin is likely feeling the bite. Between the freezing outdoor air and the moisture-stripping central heating inside, winter is the toughest season for our complexions.
To help you put a stop to the scratching and cracking, I’ve put together my essential guide on why the UK winter affects our skin so aggressively and, more importantly, how you can winter-proof your routine using my favourites.
Why does my skin get drier in winter?
Your skin gets drier in winter due to the drop in humidity (meaning the air is drier). The dry air literally sucks the moisture out of your skin, and cold weather can cause sensitivity, itching and redness, also known as ‘The Winter Itch’. If you’re outside more, protect your face with a snood or scarf, and check the tips below for winter-proofing your skincare routine.
💡 Did you know
Physical barriers are your best friend. Protect your face with a soft scarf when outdoors. Indoors, I counteract the drying effects of radiators by keeping a hydrating mist on my desk to top up my moisture levels throughout the day.
Out of the hundreds I’ve tried, I prefer this mist’s formula as it’s weightless, but it’s packed with moisturising properties that traps moisture in the skin – it’s perfect for wintertime, trust me.
How can I winter-proof my current routine?
1. Check your cleanser:
If your skin feels tight as soon as you step out of the shower, your cleanser is likely too harsh for the season. In winter, even tap water can be irritating, so you need a formula that cleanses while leaving your natural oils alone.
💡 Did you know
This is my go-to for sensitive winter skin. It has a milky texture that wipes away the day without the need for aggressive scrubbing.
2. Upgrade Your Textures
Just as you swap your trench coat for a puffer jacket when the cold hits, you should upgrade your moisturiser's weight. You don't necessarily need to change your entire brand, just look for richer versions of what you already love. For example. swap from…
• Fluid to Cream
• Lotion to Cream
• Cream to Balm
💡 Did you know
This is my ultimate favourite product. In the summer, I use the fluid, but in winter that’s not enough, so I have to use the cream.
3. Power Up With Hyaluronic Acid
Serums penetrate deeper into the skin than any moisturiser can. So if you don’t use a hydrating serum, now’s the time to reap the benefits. You’ll see an improvement in your skin’s texture, softness and health!
💡 Did you know
This is the gold standard for bouncy, hydrated skin. It helps plump out dehydration lines that become more visible when it's cold outside.
4. The "Hydration Sandwich"
To truly beat the winter itch, one application of moisturiser in the morning isn't enough. I recommend "sandwiching" your hydration: apply your serum and cream, then mist your face throughout the day to prevent the dry air from stealing your skin's water.
💡 Did you know
I keep this in my handbag. It’s the perfect way to layer hydration on the go without disturbing your SPF or foundation.
💡 Did you know
This is the gold standard for bouncy, hydrated skin. It helps plump out dehydration lines that become more visible when it's cold outside.
4. Don’t Forget Your Winter SPF
It’s a common mistake to pack away the sunscreen once the summer ends, but UVA rays (the ones responsible for ageing and skin damage) are present even on the greyest UK winter days. Plus, if your skin is already sensitised by the cold, it needs that extra layer of protection more than ever.
💡 Did you know
In the winter, I swap my ultra-light fluid for this hydrating cream version. It offers the same world-class protection but feels like a nourishing moisturiser, making it perfect for dry, winter skin.
Have you got any more questions on winter skin you’d like answered? Or perhaps you’d like to know more about the products mentioned in the video? You can send me a message on Instagram for personal advice and any links you need!
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