Winter Skin SOS: Your Essential Skincare Guide

As the chilly winds and dropping temperatures set in, it's time to revamp your skincare routine for the winter season. Join us on a journey to discover the indispensable tips and tricks to keep your skin radiant, hydrated, and protected in the face of frosty weather. From moisture-boosting secrets to winter-ready must-haves, we've got your skin covered. 

Gentle Cleansing

• Prevent Overcleansing

While thorough cleansing is crucial for maintaining a clear, radiant complexion, excessive washing can lead to dehydration and damage to the skin barrier due to moisture loss. Use an appropriate amount (generally a dime-sized portion), gently massage into the skin without rubbing, and ensure thorough rinsing with lukewarm water.

• Create A Rich Lather

When utilising a foam cleanser, it's crucial to generate a generous foam before application to create a cushion between your hands and the skin. This method ensures the formation of a luxurious lather, promoting effective cleansing of the skin.

B.LAB Matcha Hydrating Foam Cleanser (120ml) - £12.95

Enriched with Green Tea Extracts for skin protection and hydration, B.LAB Matcha hydrating foam cleanser features star ingredients like soothing Centella Extract and hydrating, brightening Fig Extract—all with EWG-grade safety.

• Opt for Cleansing Balms Instead of Oils

If your skin tends to feel dry and tight, experiment with a rich, creamy cleansing balm to shield your skin from dryness. Apply a modest amount of the balm onto dry skin, delicately massage in circular motions to dissolve makeup and impurities, then emulsify with water and rinse thoroughly for a clean and nourished complexion. Ensure a gentle touch during cleansing, avoiding any unnecessary rubbing for the utmost care of your skin.

HEIMISH All Clean Balm (120ml) - £15.99

HEIMISH All clean balm is a gentle, hypoallergenic cleansing balm effectively dissolves sebum, dirt, and makeup, leaving the skin hydrated and nourished with botanical ingredients like Vitamin A, C, D, and E.

Hydration is the Key

• Choose Richer Formula

If you feel that the toner, essence, and serum you were using until autumn are no longer sufficient, it's okay to switch to a highly moisturising type. Products containing moisturising ingredients such as ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and collagen are recommended.

HARUHARU WONDER Black Rice Hyaluronic Toner (150ml) - £16.00

HARUHARU WONDER Black rice hyaluronic toner brightens and deeply hydrates the skin with Fermented Black Rice and Bamboo Shoot Extract to provide deep moisture, antioxidant protection, and anti-ageing benefits for the skin.

SKINFOOD Royal Honey Propolis Enrich Essence (50ml) - £29.95

An award-winning Korean favorite, SKINFOOD Royal honey propolis enrich essence provides unparalleled hydration, fortifying the skin's natural barrier against environmental stressors with Propolis Extract, Royal Jelly, and Honey. Utilising PRO-SHIELD technology through 10 days of fermentation, it maximises active ingredients for a richer essence.

TIRTIR Ceramic Milk Ampoule (40ml) - £36.00

Formulated with 37% Vegan Milk Complex and 4% Rice Bran Oil, TIRTIR Ceramic milk ampoule instantly brightens and moisturises skin with a water-glow texture, featuring three layers for hydration and nourishment without any greasy residue.

• Apply the Right Amount

The appropriate quantity of products varies depending on the specific products and your skin's needs. Generally, a dime-sized amount of toner and essence, along with a similar quantity of serum, should be applied, adjusting based on the product's consistency and your skin's hydration requirements. Starting with smaller amounts and adjusting as needed is often more effective.

• Never Skip Moisturiser

After applying toner, essence, and serum to replenish moisture, protect your skin with a moisturiser to prevent moisture loss. Choose the appropriate moisturiser for your skin type, ensuring it creates a strong moisture barrier on the skin.

Dry Skin: MIXSOON Bifida Cream (60ml) - £26.00

Enriched with Bifida Ferment Lysate, MIXSOON Bifida cream offers nourishment, hydration, and skin barrier fortification, promoting firmness and protection against environmental aggressors to prevent ageing signs.

Oily Skin: ISNTREE Mugwort Calming Cream (50ml) - £22.00

Formulated with enriched with 50% Ganghwa Mugwort Extract, Licorice Root, and Allantoin, ISNTREE Mugwort calming cream effectively soothes redness, minimizes breakouts, strengthens the skin, ensuring exceptional moisture and oil balance for well-hydrated skin all day.

Combination Skin: NACIFIC Fresh Herb Origin Cream (50ml) - £19.00

NACIFIC Fresh herb origin cream effectively nourishes, repairs, and rejuvenates the skin, regulating natural oils and reducing the appearance of wrinkles for a plump and brightened complexion with 62% Chamomile Extract, Sepicalm, Niacinamide, and Adenosine.

Normal Skin: TIRTIR Ceramic Cream (50ml) - £25.00

TIRTIR Ceramic cream, a rich moisturiser with Polyglutamic Acid, Shea Butter Extract, Allantoin, and Centella Asiatica Extract, effortlessly hydrates, strengthens the skin's barrier, and promotes a radiant, velvety-smooth complexion while soothing and calming skin irritation.

Sensitive Skin: ANUA Heartleaf 70% Intense Calming Cream (50ml) - £24.00

The ANUA Heartleaf 70% intense calming cream offers a powerhouse trio for skin barrier protection, soothing irritation, nourishing, and hydrating the skin, leaving it plumped and hydrated throughout the day with Heartleaf extract, Ceramides, and Panthenol.

Incorporate Face Massaging

In winter, decreased blood circulation due to the body's susceptibility to cold can lead to dull skin. To counter this, consider adding massages to your regular skincare routine.

Utilise a face oil (or alternatively, moisturiser) for a gentle facial massage to minimise friction. It is advised to glide your fingers from bottom to top for each area. With no specific timing required, integrating this into your regular skincare routine is beneficial. Performing it in the morning can enhance makeup application, and doing so during bath time or after a bath further improves circulation.

HARUHARU WONDER Black Rice Facial Oil (30ml) - £28.00

Infused with 45% Fermented Black Rice Extract, rich in vitamins and antioxidants, HARUHARU WONDER Black rice facial oil deeply moisturises and nourishes the skin, while the unique WONDER technology with 6-year-old Ginseng concentrate fights signs of ageing and eliminates impurities.

Don't forget to moisturise the body

Often overlooked, just like the face, the skin on the body is prone to dryness in winter. Especially after a bath, take the time to thoroughly moisturise your entire body along with your face.

ILLIYOON Ceramide Ato Lotion (350ml) - £22.00

ILLIYOON Ceramide Ato Lotion delivers daily hydration and soothing care for the face and body, featuring Illiyoon's patented Ceramide Skin Complex™, Glycerin, and Perilla Seed to enhance moisture retention, strengthen the skin barrier, and alleviate dryness and itchiness for a soothed, smooth, and healthy complexion.

Be Mindful of Humidity and Hydration

Despite thorough moisturising, your skin is susceptible to moisture loss in dry air. Utilise a humidifier or similar devices to maintain adequate room humidity. In winter, the sensation of thirst diminishes compared to summer, resulting in reduced awareness of water intake. Dry skin signifies a lack of moisture throughout the body. Consume water regularly and prioritise internal care.

Keep Your Body Warm

Prevent chilling as it can lead to poor blood circulation, so make an effort to keep your body warm. Establish habits such as drinking warm beverages, maintaining a bathing routine, using a hot water bottle, and incorporating items like a belly wrap, neck warmer, or arm warmers. Explore methods that don't overly rely on heating.