If there’s a particular time of year that our skin takes a beating, it’s winter. From freezing cold temperatures outdoors to central heating indoors which can often lead to dehydration, dryness, itching, and flakiness.
Chatting with Ultraceuticals Expert Advocate and Multi-award-winning Facialist Corinna Tolan, she shares: “January and February are always the toughest months for skin. Cold outdoor temperatures, indoor heating, reduced humidity and post Christmas lifestyle habits all place the skin barrier under stress. When the barrier is compromised, skin loses water more easily, looks dull and fine lines appear more pronounced.
But it’s not all bad news, the slow nature of winter leaves us with more time to take care of our skin and ourselves, combatting the damage the season does. The key is knowing where to start with that.
“At this time of year,” begins Corinna. “I encourage people to simplify rather than overcorrect. Skin does not need more products in winter. It needs the right support.”
So what does the right support look like? Corinna breaks it down in four simple steps which are designed to protect the barrier, restore hydration and defend the skin against daily environmental stress.
Step one: Gentle cleansing
“In winter, stripping cleansers do more harm than good. A milk-based cleanser removes impurities while preserving the skin’s natural lipids.”
For this, it’s recommended to use a milk-based cleanser that will clean the skin without leaving it tight or compromised.
Clarins Velvet Cleansing milk – €31
Step two: Hydration
“Dehydration is one of the biggest contributors to lacklustre winter skin. A hydrating serum delivers water into the skin and helps soften the appearance of fine lines caused by dryness.”
Corinna recommends a lightweight serum that will provide hydration and support the skin’s ability to retain moisture throughout the day.
Sculpted By Aimee HydraGlo serum €32
Step three: Moisturising with intent
“A rich moisturiser should not simply sit on the surface but should help reinforce the barrier and reduce trans epidermal water loss.”
Look for a moisturiser that will provide your skin with comfort, nourishment and protection against the elements, without sitting too heavy on the skin.
La Roche-Posay Effaclar H Iso-Biome Hydrating care €25
Step four: Antioxidant protection
“This is the step many people overlook in winter, yet it is one of the most important. Environmental stress does not stop when summer ends. Pollution, indoor heating and oxidative stress continue to impact the skin daily.”
Antioxidants work synergistically with sunscreen, and this combination is advantageous year-round, not just during sunnier months. This step comes before your SPF and Corinna recommends Ultraceutical’s Ultra Protective Antioxidant Complex which will provide you with “antioxidant protection against non UV environmental stressors, supports collagen integrity and helps reduce visible signs of premature ageing.”
Ultraceutical’s Ultra Protective Antioxidant Complex €66
