Winter brings with it the annual battle against the fluctuating external factors that turn your skin into a dehydrated shadow of its former glowing self. Why exactly does the most wonderful time of the year have such a negative impact on our complexions?
"Cool air, low humidity, cold winds and moving from warm central heating into the cold and back again can significantly dehydrate our skin," Dr. Johanna Ward, founder of ZENii Skincare, explains. "The main issue in autumn and winter is skin dehydration or lack of water. This is different to skin dryness, which refers to skin that lacks lipids or oil. Dehydration is when there is a lack of water in the stratum corneum or outer layer of the skin. It can result in anything from sensitive skin and red cracked lips to rough, dry & flaky skin."
We look to the finest day creams, moisturisers and oils to pump life into our skin, while often forgetting that not all skin is the same. A heavy cream may work for the dry among us, but overpower the oily. Where exactly should we start when tackling our skin this season?
"To fight the cold weather, rely on the two 'Ms' – microneedling and moisturising," Jamie O'Banion, cofounder of Beauty Bioscience, says. "It’s critical to slough dead, dehydrated, dry skin, and microneedling forces deep exfoliation while triggering the formation of plump, new hydrated skin cells." Once you've prepped the skin? "Look for a moisturiser with moisture-binding humectants that are especially helpful to soften skin’s texture and keep skin looking plump, firm and dewy."
"Add in a powerful serum hydrator like hyaluronic acid to keep the skin moist and hydrated – it's a powerful humectant, which means it draws water up from the deeper layers of the skin into the more superficial layers," Dr. Ward explains. "It uses the water that you drink and the water in your body to deeply hydrate the skin. Changing your daily products – just as you would change your wardrobe – is beneficial in the cooler months. No matter what your skin type, rehydrating the skin needs to be your focus."
Now we've got the basics down, click through to find the moisturisers, packed with hydrating acids, vitamins and serums, for every skin type, from extremely dry through to combination via sensitive and oily.
"Oily skin can become congested in the winter," a REN Skincare spokesperson explains. "The combination of dehydration, excess oil's attempt to protect the surface, and flaky skin can congest and block pores, leading to breakouts and redness."
The answer? Gels, serums, and light creams to tackle dehydration without overloading the skin.
Lixir Skin's smart moisturiser uses a unique emulsifying technique to deliver molecular water to the skin and boost its ability to retain it. The hook? Once applied, there's zero oil throughout the day, meaning makeup stays put and shine is nowhere to be seen – all while giving you a hydration hit.
Lixir Skin Universal Emulsion, £45, available at Liberty
Kiehl's' oil-free formula contains vitamin E to keep skin fresh and clean, while Antarcticine provides the ultimate protection against dryness. Plus, the lightweight formula will keep shine at bay.
Kiehl's Ultra Facial Oil-Free Lotion, £26, available at Space NK
REN's emulsion-based skin treatment boosts hydration without the heaviness of most creams. Hyaluronic acid maximises water levels while xylitol keeps skin looking plump.
REN Flash Hydro-Boost Instant Plumping Emulsion, £34, available at REN
"Sensitive skin can become itchy, flaky, irritated and flushed during the winter months," O'Banion says. To tackle this, "using a viscous, emollient moisturiser helps provide a barrier to protect easily inflamed skin. It’s also important to use a serum loaded with antioxidants to help calm irritated, sensitive skin."
This calming but fresh formula desensitises skin deep down, protecting it from within. The cream is thick but doesn't leave any residue before makeup.
Clarins Gentle Day Cream, £36, available at John Lewis
The Daily is power-packed with the brand's HyperVitamin Complex to boost antioxidant levels while shielding against daily free radical damage. All while keeping skin super soft, of course.
Beauty Bioscience The Daily, £75, available at Beauty Bioscience
"If you have dry skin you are lacking oil rather than water, but in winter most skins lack both," Dr. Ward explains. Here, it's all about hydrating skin with deep-down moisture.
This skin-softening, daily moisturiser restores the skin's depleted moisture levels. With anti-irritating thermal spring water, it tackles the effects of the elements, delivering a radiant and supple complexion.
Avene Hydrance Rich Hydrating Cream, £14.50, available at Boots
Packed with hyaluronic acid and thermal spa water, this paraben-free, hypoallergenic hit from Vichy works wonders for those with scaly skin come winter.
Vichy Aqualia Thermal Rich Hydration For Dry Sensitive Skin, £12, available at Feel Unique
Another product filled with hyaluronic acid, this oil-free cream-gel penetrates skin, leaving your visage plump, glowy, and fully hydrated.
Clinique Moisture Surge Extended Thirst Relief, £34, available at Look Fantastic
Beech tree peptides strengthen the skin's structure, while beauty's golden child, hyaluronic acid, keeps it hydrated. A host of active ingredients from REN's global Protection Complex make this a hard worker.
REN Ultra Moisture Day Cream, £29, available at Space NK
Despite sometimes having the best of both worlds, during the winter "combination skin will experience side-effects of both dry and oily skin simultaneously in different skin regions," says O'Banion. Amp up your skincare regime with acids and serums, but also use hydrating masks and overnight cream.
This cream is super lightweight (so no shiny nose by lunchtime) but hydrating enough to tackle dry cheek areas. Ginseng and coffee beans boost radiance all day long.
Origins GinZing Energy-Boosting Gel Moisturiser, £25, available at Look Fantastic
"‘Cocos Nucifera’ or coconut fruit extract is an important component in our Bio-Cellulose face masks; it’s a wonderful emollient that helps prevent water loss which is crucial in the winter months," Nicole Arnoldussen, cofounder of STARSKIN, explains.
STARSKIN® Red Carpet Ready™ Coconut Bio-Cellulose Second Skin Hydrating Face Mask, £8.50, available at Feel Unique
This brilliant night cream is full of antioxidant vitamins E, B5 and C, and sodium hyaluronate for effective moisture. Perfect for slathering on while skin repairs overnight.
ZENii Micronutrient Repair Night Cream, £75, available at ZENii
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