WINTER PROOF YOUR SKIN WITH THESE BEAUTY TIPS

After months of fun in the sun, it’s time to revisit your beauty routine and give your skin the boost it needs during the chilly season.

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Taking care of your skin is a year-round necessity, but just as your wardrobe changes with the season, so should your beauty routine. Although every age group has different skincare needs, cold weather can cause skin to become dry, flaky, red and inflamed. But, with a few simple adjustments and product changes, it’s possible to keep your complexion plump and radiant throughout the winter months.

THE 20S
Your twenties should be dedicated to nurturing your skin and creating a solid beauty routine that preps, protects and ensures your skin’s long-term health. However, as the cold weather arrives, it’s essential to adjust your routine to protect your skin from the harshness of winter.

Related article: Skincare for all ages

• SWITCH TO A HYDRATING CLEANSER
  Using a foam or gel cleanser in summer is ideal for removing extra sweat and grime; however, a cream cleanser works better in winter. Gentle and nourishing, it provides a deep cleanse without compromising the skin’s barrier or stripping it of its natural oils.
  
  
• INCREASE YOUR VITAMINS
  Just as you boost and build your immune system in winter with daily vitamins and minerals, it’s equally wise to do so with your skincare. Introducing products infused with antioxidants like vitamins A and C can help counteract free radicals and prevent collagen breakdown.
  
  
• DON’T SKIMP ON SPF
  You should not forgo this crucial step when it comes to sun protection. While UVB rays might be weaker in the winter, UVA rays, which cause wrinkles, premature ageing and damage, are still present, so an SPF is critical. When choosing a formula, opt for one that includes nourishing properties to aid with hydration and boost moisture levels.

THE 30S
In your thirties, you’ll start to see the physical signs of ageing or damage that began in your twenties. Your skin-cell turnover also slows down, resulting in dead cells staying on the skin’s surface for longer, causing it to look dull and uneven. Continue to cleanse with a cream cleanser and wear an SPF of 30 or higher, use a hydrating moisturiser daily, and introduce an exfoliator to your routine.

• EXFOLIATION
  Exfoliation is one of the most essential yet overlooked steps in a skincare routine. Aside from replenishing skin by clearing away dry and dead cells so that newer, healthier cells underneath can emerge rejuvenated, regular exfoliation also unclogs pores. This allows rich, nourishing ingredients from your skincare to penetrate deeper and work more effectively, leaving skin radiant.
  
  That said, you don’t want to overdo the exfoliation either, especially in winter when skin is extra sensitive. Instead, reduce the number of times you exfoliate to once a week and opt for a nourishing, gentle exfoliator that is not too abrasive.

Related article: 4 anti-ageing skin habits to keep that youthful glow

• UPGRADE YOUR MOISTURISER
  To counteract cold wind and low temperatures, you need to take a zealous approach to moisturising. While a lightweight lotion is an excellent option for summer skin, come winter, you’ve got to bump itup a notch and, instead, opt for moisturisers that:
  
  1. Contain a good humectant (retains moisture) like hyaluronic acid or glycerin, which draws moisture from the environment into the skin.
  
  2. Include a good occlusive agent like lanolin or beeswax, which will seal in the moisture and protect your skin from the harsh winter elements.

• NOCTURNAL NOURISHMENT
  Getting a good night’s sleep already leads to many skin benefits, while slathering on an overnight mask or treatment will boost your beauty sleep even further. From combating dryness to stimulating cell renewal and collagen production, these hardworking products renew and revive your complexion.

THE 40S & BEYOND
This is when age spots, fine lines and wrinkles become more prominent. Additionally, hormone changes during this time, such as decreasing levels of oestrogen, may cause a decrease in collagen and elasticity, making your face look less plump and youthful. Continue your skincare from your twenties and thirties (cleanse, exfoliate, moisturise and use an SPF), but also pay attention to changes in your skin.

Related article: Tips to keep your skin youthful in your 40s

• TAG-TEAM YOUR SERUM AND MOISTURISER
  If you’re not already layering serum under your moisturiser daily, now’s the time to start doubling up. Formulated to penetrate the skin deeply, serums are usually a combination of water, oils, peptides and potent speciality ingredients. In contrast, moisturisers are a combination of water, oil, waxes and active ingredients. Although serums are designed to reach the deeper dermal layers, a moisturiser makes the formula more effective by forming a physical barrier on the skin’s surface and locking in all the goodness the serum has to offer.
  
  
• FOCUS ON THE SKIN AROUND YOUR EYES 
  The skin area around the eyes is thinner and has little-to-no oil glands to protect it. A rich eye cream containing lipids and hydrating properties will help soothe, protect and plump the skin around the eye area.
  
  
• ADD RETINOL
  Adding a healthy dose of retinol (vitamin A) to your routine during winter can reverse some of the effects of summer sun exposure, such as dark spots and UV damage. Start with layering a retinoid every other night and follow with a rich moisturising cream or oil to lock in hydration.

Related article: How to adapt your skincare routine for cooler weather