How to winterproof your skin in freezing temperatures 

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  Cult Beauty reveals the top tips to winterproof your skin
• From switching to oils and balms to turning your thermostat down, Cult Beauty have you covered for glowing winter skin

With the UK witnessing baltic temperatures this week, winter is well and truly upon us. 

But the colder months can wreak havoc on your skin, from the cold air, too many winter cocktails and mince pies to even sitting by the fire can give your flaky dry skin and chapped lips.

Well, thanks to the beauty experts at Cult Beauty there are many things you can do to winterproof your skin.

Switch to oils and balms to pack in moisture

Is your skin dry and craving hydration? Well, temperature changes wreak havoc with hydration levels. The air is less humid (both outdoors thanks to the cold air and indoors with the cranked-up heating and the fire on, which means you’re undoubtedly feeling and looking a little bit parched.

Why not switch out your gel or foaming cleansers for oils/balms as the temperatures drops for a more nourishing cleanse. Ensure your exfoliating one to three times a week, ideally with an AHA-based formula to ensure dead skin cells are sloughed away.

Opt for humectants like hyaluronic acid, polyglutamic acid, and glycerin in your products to draw water into the skin and lock in moisture. Adding a hydrating mist into your daily routine between skincare steps will help you further quench your thirsty complexion and keep it looking bouncy.

Change up your moisturiser for one including ultra-hydrating ingredients like squalene and jojoba oils, which will nourish and feed the skin without leaving it feeling too heavy. For a richer texture, try shea butter, sweet almond oil and marula.

Look for skincare products with low levels of exfoliants 

Are you breaking out from too much fun? Well, its hard to avoid overindulging in winter, especially over the festive period. It is the best thing about this time of year but all that mulled wine, cocktails and mince pies can lead to very unwelcome breakouts.

Why not pre-empt any breakouts by using clarifying formulas to intensely cleanse and remove impurities before they amount to anything. Look for products with low levels of exfoliants as you want to be able to use them daily without over-exfoliating and aggravating your skin.

Another way to banish breakouts before they see the light of day is to use supplements that are designed to support digestive health.

Invest in a humidifier

In the winter months, the outdoor air is much drier. Put a humidifier on in your bedroom or office to keep indoor humidity levels up and restore moisture in the air for hydrated skin.

Try a face mask with brightening properties

If you’ve been burning the candles at both ends and you can’t remember the last time you got a full eight hours sleep, then your skin may be suffering as a result. Lack of sleep can lead to dehydrated and dull skin and the appearance of dark circles and fine lines. It’s called beauty sleep for a reason!

Try a face mask with instant brightening properties and ingredients like AHAs and enzymes to buff away dead skin cells that can cause the skin to look dull. Follow with skin care products featuring circulation-boosting heroes like caffeine to depuff and bring back a healthy glow.

Turn your thermostat down

Returning inside from the chilly winter air, you may be tempted to turn up the central heating as soon as you home. But with the current cost of living crisis, your wallet will be happy that the beauty experts recommend turning your heating down to a comfortable setting to prevent your skin from drying out even further.

Treat your lips to some TLC

That same dreaded coupling of cold air outside and the heated air inside is what makes chapped lips so common in winter. But with all that under-the-mistletoe action waiting for you and Christmas partying, sore, cracked and scaly lips are the last thing you need.

Rule number one? Stop licking your lips – you’ll only make things worse. Then use an exfoliating lip scrub to slough away any flaking cells before applying a conditioning lip balm or butter. Adding an overnight mask works wonders for keeping lips plump and chap free too.

Don’t forget to apply sunscreen

Just as you would in the summer months on holiday its just as important to apply sunscreen in the winter so don’t be fooled by the gloomy days as 80% of the sun’s UV rays can permeate through clouds and still cause as much damage to your skin. Add applying factor 30 or over to you sunscreen to your body every morning.

Invest in a non-stripping hand wash and hand sanitiser

Your hands are yet another part of your body likely to suffer the consequences of winter, becoming dry, red, sore and scaly. And that’s only intensified by the need to scrub and santitise to avoid catching any dreaded lurgy.

Invest in a non-stripping hand wash and hand sanitiser to prevent your mitts from drying out. Carry a hand cream in your bag.

Remember to eat your 5 a day

With all the pumpkin-spiced lattes’ were currently drinking and the indulgent Christmas food on the horizon, it can be easy to forget about eating fruit and vegetables.

Remember to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water to avoid dryness in your skin. Avoid processed food and eat lots of fruit and vegetables as well as foods that are rich in vitamins and minerals to help give you a winter glow.

For more information on winter skincare tips please visit https://www.cultbeauty.co.uk/blog/2022/10/winter-skin-care-tips/