The products that can save your skin this winter
Written by Chelsea Tromans
Our skin does it tough in winter. A combination of the temperature drop, dehydrating dry air and moisture-zapping indoor heating can send our complexions into a tizzy as it tries to stay hydrated and radiant. And it’s not just dry skin that cops it - oily and combination skin types need to make the necessary adjustments to their skincare routines if they’re going to survive the season.
Follow these winter skin care hacks according to your skin type.
How to take care of dry skin in winter
Any ol’ moisturiser isn’t going to cut it for dry skin in winter. Being strategic about the ingredients in your chosen formula will make all the difference: even more so than simply swapping from a lightweight lotion to something rich and creamy. To maximise the water in your skin, you need something that draws in moisture and holds onto it - and there’s arguably no better ingredient for the job than Hyaluronic Acid. The powerful moisturiser can hold 1,000 times its weight in water. We like amilera Intense Serum as it uses a unique triple Hyaluronic Acid formula for ultimate hydration.
A good exfoliant is also key to preventing flakiness from taking over - but be careful not to overdo it. Exfoliating 2-3 times a week will suffice. Make sure you stay away from harsh exfoliants that strip the skin of essential moisture or cause irritation, too. Inflammation is another top concern for dry skin types in winter.
We love Savar Refining Revitalising Facial Exfoliator. The non-abrasive and gently hydrating exfoliant buffs skin with natural Bamboo Beads, which won’t irritate or strip the skin.
How to take care of combination skin in winter
Combination skin has it twice as tough, dealing with oiliness (often around the T-zone) and dryness (especially on the cheeks) at the same time. In summer, chances are your oily T-zone gives you the most grief since the high humidity lessens the severity of your dry patches. In winter, however, it’s the opposite. You will probably find your oily areas aren’t as bad but the rest of your skin is crying out for moisture. The solution? A balancing toner that hydrates while keeping your oily zones in check. Finish off with a moisturiser that has a lightweight formula to hydrate without that heavy, greasy feel. For your combination skin winter regimen, we recommend Savar Instant Boost Multi Toner and Invisible Zinc Sheer Defence Moisturiser SPF 50 Untinted.
How to take care of oily skin in winter
The trick for oily skin in winter is to continue to balance your oil production, but keep in mind that the low humidity also means there’s less moisture in the air so you’ll need to ensure the skincare products you use aren’t stripping. You may need to swap from a foaming cleanser to a gentle cream cleanser and try a chemical exfoliant instead of a physical scrub.
The natural instinct is to reach for richer moisturising formulas in winter, but for oily skin types this can exacerbate your sebum production and clog your pores - two things you have dedicated your entire skincare regimen to avoiding. Unlike dry skin types, you need a moisturiser that’s ultra-nourishing but still lightweight. Start with a facial essence to replenish moisture then lock it in with a facial oil. Just make sure you choose one that is fast-absorbing (to avoid that greasy after-feel) and has a composition that resembles oil naturally occurring in skin so that it hydrates without clogging pores. The most ideal face oils for oily skin are Jojoba, Squalane, and Grapeseed Oil.
Our picks? Minenssey Hydrating Dynamic Facial Essence combines the hydrating powers of Australian Flannel Flower with probiotic ACB Yoghurt Dermal Respiratory Factor to balance skin. Layer it with Minenssey Rejuvenating Superfood Facial Elixir, which is enriched with nourishing superfood seed oils and a hydrating blend of Jojoba, Macadamia and Olive Extract.
