Just because it’s winter doesn’t mean your complexion needs to lack radiance. Sure, the colder days mean more time indoors, less exposure to vitamin D, more exposure to indoor heating, and in some cases, excessive dryness and irritation. We’re no stranger to dullness either. Aesthetic and discomfort reasons aside, we need to focus on maintaining the healthy condition of our skin, especially as we age. Here’s how to prolong your glowing complexion throughout the year:
Shield your skin with SPF
Wearing daily SPF is the easiest and most effective way to protect your skin from UV rays. Even in winter we need to be vigilant. Unprotected skin is susceptible to sunburn, hyperpigmentation, premature ageing and cancer. Choose a hydrating, lightweight formula with a SPF no less than 30. Don’t forget to apply it to places such as your neck and ears (they’re often overlooked!).
Add exfoliation to your routine
Dead skin cells are on the top of our list for contributing towards a ‘meh’ complexion. Due to winter dryness, we collect more of it than usual, so be sure to have a trusted exfoliator in your skincare routine to prevent build-up. Exfoliate one to two times a week (keep it gentle – we don’t want you to disrupt your skin barrier!) and watch your complexion become smooth and radiant. You’ll notice your other products absorb more easily too.
Lean on vitamin C
Vitamin C is the golden child of ingredients when it comes to brightening. It boosts the skin’s collagen levels, helps with sun damage and hyperpigmenation and slows down ageing. Vitamin C also assists the skin with hydration (a must during winter) and overall radiance. Apply it in the morning onto cleansed skin and then layer your moisturiser and SPF. If you’re using retinol in your regimen, we suggest not using vitamin C, as this can cause severe irritation.
Hydration station
Feel your face with your fingertips. Does your skin feel dry or is it red or inflamed? Have you noticed fine lines appearing around your eyes and mouth? If so, there’s a strong chance that your skin is dehydrated. Reach for a rich-textured hydrating cream with ingredients such as hyaluronic acid to replenish your skin and get your moisture levels back on track.
Lay off the matte foundations
During winter, we push our dewy, sheer foundations to the side and pick matte formulations. If you have a very dry, dehydrated skin type, we’re telling you to stop! Dewy foundations have hydrating ingredients within their formulas to keep skin glowy while wearing make-up. Matte foundations can make your complexion appear flat and sometimes flakey (if your skin isn’t properly hydrated).
Bronzer > blush
Swap your usual blush for bronzer in order to give your skin an instant faux sun-kissed glow. It’s a great product to add warmth to the skin during the winter months. Choose a bronzer without shimmer to avoid looking like a disco ball (unless that’s your thing). Sweep the powder over your cheekbones, jawline and the bridge of your nose for definition.
