How to hydrate your skin if the cold weather is already drying it out

Summer is well and truly over and if you hadn’t quite noticed it yet, your skin certainly will have. The cold can leave skin feeling irritated and dry. Here’s how to protect your skin from damaging environmental factors.

If there’s one thing we’ve gotten really good at over the past year and a half, it’s being outside. From wintery local walks to getting a breath of fresh air for mental clarity, long distance runs to huddling beneath heaters over drinks with friends; many of us have found solace in the great outdoors. 

There is a particularly inconvenient consequence, though. You may notice that alongside numb fingers, the cold weather is starting to leave your skin irritated, red and dry. Add central heating to that and your face can be left feeling tight and uncomfortable.

“Wind and cold temperatures affect skin in a significant way,” says Dr Barbara Kubicka, founder, director and doctor at Clinicbe. “The effects on the skin will depend on an individual’s sensitivity but generally, it dries the skin making it rough and uneven in texture.”

You may also like

28 of the best supercharged skincare products

Alongside drier complexions, colder temperatures can cause more skin issues for some. Dr Kubicka adds: “The winter condition will affect capillaries making the skin more prone to redness, sometimes resulting in little broken capillaries, thread veins and spider veins as they are called by some.

“Also, as many of us have noticed, it makes the skin on our lips very dry, making them cracked and sore.”

Before you step outside, it’s important to prep and protect your skin against cold, harsh winds and damaging environmental factors.

“It’s much easier to protect your skin than to repair the damage done by winter conditions,” says Dr Kubicka. “Use a barrier cream on your face and a hydrating product on your lips.” 

You may also like

How to repair a damaged skin barrier for stronger, healthier skin

She also recommends being more mindful of the ingredients you’re applying to your face. “I advise reducing the use of a water-based serums in the morning during this time.

“If your skin can handle more oily, heavier productsuse these instead. [Reducing the use of water-based serums] will protect your skin from perspiration that occurs due to elements such as an increase in central heating, which can cause further dryness.”

Additionally, Dr Kubicka recommends “face oils with vitamin E and a soothing, calming vitamin B complex, like panthenol. Also, niacinamide and zinc are key ingredients to look out for in your skincare.”

If you get in from a walk and your face feels still feel dry, tight or uncomfortable, Dr Kubicka says: “You can apply an extra layer of moisturiser with healing properties, such aloe vera or again, face oils with vitamin E.”

Here, we round up the products to keep your skin happy, healthy and hydrated.

You may also like

Best moisturisers to keep skin nourished and hydrated in winter

Best face products to protect skin against the cold

• Eucerin Aquaphor Soothing Skin Balm

  This clever formula contains vitamin B, glycerin and bisabolo (from chamomile) to soothe, smooth and moisturise irritated, sensitive skin. It’s no wonder then, that it’s a favourite among celebrities including Beyonce, Meghan Markle and Nicole Kidman.

  This skin balm was first put on our radar by Stylist’s Email Content Director Gemma Crisp. “It’s great for giving your skin a layer of glossy protection when you’re heading out into the cold,” says Crisp. “Plus, it can be used as a clear highlighter, rather than a shimmery one, which is hard to get right.”

  Shop Eucerin Aquaphor Soothing Skin Balm at Boots, £9

  buy now

• Superdrug Vitamin E Skin Oil

  This inexpensive face oil has rave reviews thanks to its ability to leave skin moisturised and reduce redness. It contains vitamin E, an antioxidant that protects skin against damaging free radicals, and sinks into skin without any hints of greasiness.

  Shop Superdrug Vitamin E Skin Oil at Superdrug, £3.99

  buy now

• Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream Skin Protectant

  Elizabeth Arden’s Eight Hour Cream Skin Protectant is a cult classic for a reason. It contains petrolatum and vitamin E to soothe irritation and provide intense hydrating to extremely dry skin. Warm a small amount of the balm up between your hands, massage it into skin and let it get to work.

  Shop Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream Skin Protectant at lookfantastic, £18.75

  buy now

You may also like

Pretty Damn Good: the multipurpose product this make-up artist relies on for glowing skin

Best lip products to treat sore, cracked lips

• Medik8 Mutiny Lip Balm

  This Medik8 lip balm is squalane-based, an ingredient that locks in moisture, has anti-inflammatory properties and boosts collagen production. It also contains glycerin for a double dose of hydration.

  Shop Medik8 Mutiny Lip Balm at lookfantastic, £19

  buy now

• The Body Shop Hemp Heavy Duty Lip Care

  Part of the brand’s cult Hemp line-up, this lip balm is formulated with hemp seed oil, an ingredient known for its intense hydrating abilities. 

  Shop The Body Shop Hemp Heavy Duty Lip Care at The Body Shop, £4.50

  buy now

• Lanolips The Original 101 Ointment

  Inside this squeezy tube is a rich balm made up of pure medical grade lanolin, a humectant that seals in moisture. As well as your lips, it can be used in a multitude of ways, including to treat dry cuticles, itchy skin, brittle nails, insect bites and dry nasal passages. A true all-rounder.

  Shop Lanolips The Original 101 Ointment at lookfantastic, £10.99

  buy now

You may also like

Claudia Winkleman tested 20 lip balms for the cold weather, and these are her honest thoughts

You may also like

Best overnight face masks to hydrate and repair your skin while you sleep

Main image: Getty

Source: Read Full Article