Expert shares her top six tips to protect your skin from the elements this winter

Here’s how to care for your skin this winter (Picture: Getty)

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As winter descends with its icy grip, the colder season not only brings inclement weather conditions and the odd cosy moment, but it can wreak havoc with our skin too.

The harsh conditions – characterised by biting winds, plummeting temperatures, and low humidity levels – can leave our skin in need of TLC.

By stripping away its natural moisture and leaving it vulnerable to dryness, flakiness, and irritation, some of our skincare habits must change. What we needed in summer and early autumn no longer benefits us.

The combination of frigid air outdoors and the drying effects of indoor heating systems creates a perfect storm that requires us to change our skincare routines.

As we bundle up in layers to shield ourselves from the cold, it becomes equally essential to fortify our skin against the seasonal attack, ensuring a healthy and radiant complexion amidst the winter chill.

So, how do we fix the problem? Well, maintaining a healthy skin barrier throughout the winter months is skincare professional Eavanna Breen’s biggest single piece of advice.

And here she shares her top six steps on how exactly to do this. 

Gentle cleansing

Eavanna recommends to stay away from anything harsh over the coming weeks.

‘Opt for mild, hydrating cleansers that won’t strip away your skin’s natural oils,’ she advises. ‘Consider occasional gentle exfoliation using chemical exfoliants like alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) or beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) to remove dead skin cells without physical abrasion.

‘Oil cleansers are best for adding that more moisturise.’

Intense hydration

Hydration is key once the air gets colder.

‘Incorporate hydrating facial masks or deep moisturising treatments to provide an extra boost of hydration to your skin,’ Eavanna advises. ‘Choose moisturisers and serums with ceramides and fatty acids, to support the skin barrier and enhance its resilience.

‘Something like Paula’s Choice Clinical Ceramide-Enriched Firming Moisturiser is a good shout.’

Regular application of serums

Integrate serums into your routine. She says: ‘Look out for panthenol, antioxidants, and skin-replenishing ingredients such as hyaluronic acid to strengthen the skin barrier, decrease transepidermal water loss, and hydrate the skin.

‘I launched my own “Intensive Hyaluronic Acid Serum” earlier this year. The unique intensive serum gives the skin a sudden moisture boost while improving the skins long term hydration over time.’

Sun protection

Think SPF is only for summer? Well, you would be wrong.

‘Even in winter, UV rays can damage the skin barrier,’ Eavanna explains. ‘Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen daily, especially on exposed areas like the face and hands.’

Increase your intake of antioxidants

Next, Eavanna says to take a good look at your diet as we move further into the colder months.

‘Absorbing antioxidants can hugely help protect your skin from UV damage, all year long,’ she notes. ‘Foods that are rich in beta-carotene and other carotenoids,such as lycopene, could improve your skin’s protection against UV rays.

‘The best sources of carotenoids are carrots, sweet potatoes, pumpkins, spinach, squash, broccoli, mangos, apricots, kale, peas, tomatoes and melon. The Vitamin E contained in vegetable oils, almonds and nuts also helps to protect us from the sun.’