From the dry, inclement weather outdoors to the electric heating indoors, winter really wreaks havoc on the skin. But our skin types are as different as our personalities, and while this season doesn’t do any favours for anybody’s face, it affects some far more than it does others. There is no one-size-fits-all manual to winter skincare, and so we’ve comprised a guide that caters to all skin concerns, covering those are rosacea prone to those who suffer from acne, and everybody in between.
Acne
Those who suffer from acne will find that winter only exacerbates the condition. This is because the face will secrete more oil to lubricate the skin and combat winter’s drying effects, which, in turn, results in even more acne. But not all hope is lost — light therapy has been proven to be particularly beneficial for the condition as the blue light used has a specific frequency that kills off the acne bacteria (Propionibacterium acne), all while healing existing breakouts quicker. We think the Light Me Up treatments at Forme Spa are the ultimate acne solution, especially when added to one of their ultra-luxe facials.
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Dry Skin
If you already suffer from dry skin then this season is seriously going to wreak havoc. Unsurprisingly, your face is crying out for moisture, so be sure to add it into your skincare regimen wherever possible. Start using a heavy duty moisturiser – Bioelements Crucial Moisture has become our bathroom cupboard mainstay — and be sure to incorporate a facial oil or serum into your daily routine (here is a list of some of our favourites). A few times a week, try to use a very gentle exfoliant to slough off dead skin cells, and every now and then, treat yourself to a really hydrating facial. East Day Spa’s VOTARY Hydration facial is packed to the rafters with natural, super-ingredients to deliver a much-needed boost of moisture to the skin.
Rosacea
A red facial rash that most commonly affects the nose, cheeks, forehead and chin, rosacea can often feel like some sort of skin curse. The sudden plunge in temperature will only trigger symptoms further and — given that little is still known about the condition — treatments are still very much in the trial and error process. That being said, there are a few things that you can be doing to minimise the redness, such as limiting alcohol, hot beverages and stress, wearing a scarf to protect the face from harsh winter winds, avoiding hot baths or showers and respecting your particular triggers, whatever they may be. For a specific condition such as this, however, we couldn’t recommend putting your face in the hands of a professional enough.
Oily
Contrary to popular belief, even those that suffer from oily skin still need to amp up the hydration come winter time. Wash your face twice a day to keep excess sebum to a minimum and start incorporating a lightweight, oil-free moisturiser into your daily routine. Water-based moisturisers are what you need to be turning to when the weather goes south — we usually turn to Dr. Dennis Gross’ velvety Hydra-Pure Oil-Free Moisturiser, its lightweight, detoxifying formula is a saviour come this time of year.
Sensitive Skin
For those with normal skin, the drop in mercury and chilly winds can often bring on dryness, itchiness and flakiness — meaning that those who already suffer from sensitive skin will find this time of year even more sufferable than most. Steer clear of products that contain aggravating ingredients like fragrance, and instead, favour skincare that is clean and natural — everything from eco-friendly brand Ecostore is free from all the nasties and crafted purely from kind-to-skin, natural ingredients. When cleansing, use extra-gentle, sulfate-free cleanser — like KORA Organics Gentle Cleanser — and saturate the skin with ultra-hydrating moisturisers as regularly as possible.
Dull Skin
Come winter, a dull, dehydrated complexion is inescapable for pretty much all of us, but it’s nothing that quality treatments and skincare can’t remedy. Be sure to start using a revitalising cream — Tatcha’s The Dewy Skin Cream is our winter go-to thanks to its ability to deliver a refreshed and dewy, glowing visage even during the most brutal of seasons — and treat yourself to a facial that is specifically catered to lacklustre skin. The Facialist’s The SuperFacial is, undeniably, one of the best for brightening and reviving skin. Combining light therapy, massage, facial and steaming into a blissful one hour 30 minutes, there’s nothing that whips a dull face into shape like this multifaceted treatment.
