The winter season is approaching and it brings with it cold harsh winds and a dry atmosphere. The chilly winds of the weather can be detrimental to the quality of your skin and the dry surroundings rob them of their natural moisture. Conditions like eczema often become severe during dry seasons. Skin in the winter months needs a specialised regimen to ensure it retains moisture and does not become dry and itchy. We detail five essential steps that you must do to achieve healthy, flawless skin in the winter.

Cleanse thoroughly

Cleansing is an important part of any skincare routine but in the winter months, your skin is more prone to dryness. And harsh cleansers can cause additional damage, making skin itchy and flaky. It is important to use gentle cleansers, especially during the cold weather season. You need a cleanser that gets rid of dead skin cells and impurities without disturbing the skin’s natural oil balance. You could swap your daily cleanser with a cleansing cream or oil, which will rub off dirt, makeup, and dead skin, while hydrating your skin. Perenne’s Hydrating Face Wash and Nourishing Cleansing Cream are specifically designed to gently cleanse the skin without stripping it off the natural oils. Remember to wash your face using cold or lukewarm water. Hot water is harsh on the skin and can induce dry and red skin.

Moisturise regularly

Your moisturisers in the summer worked well for you but they may not be enough for your skin in the winter. It requires products that not only lock in the moisture but also replenish the natural oils lost by your skin due to the harsh weather. Heavy creams, dry oils, and hydrating serums can help regain that moisture. According to Harvard Health Publishing, moisturisers require three major ingredients: Humectants, like glycerin and hyaluronic acid, that attract moisture to the skin; mineral oils that help skin retain moisture; and finally, emollients that smoothen skin’s texture, making it look radiant and glowy. Heavier hydrating products have more binding elements and are better suited for your skin in the winters. Our Radiance Day Cream is a non-greasy hydrating formula that restores skin moisture without making it look too oily. The Eternal Glow Nectar and Instant Hydration Nectar dry oils are also well-suited for a non-greasy yet lasting moisture. The formulas also work for sensitive skin as they prevent acne and pimples that often accompany heavy creams. We recommend using a moisturiser on damp skin as it absorbs the products quickly and effectively.

Apply sunscreen

A common mistake many people make during winters is to skip sunblock. The sun’s warm rays may give you some solace but they can still damage your skin. UV rays are strongest during the summer but they are harmful year-round. Sun damage can cause the skin to get burnt and flaky and the dry weather conditions do nothing to ease this worry. This is why it is important to use SPF regularly to prevent damage to your skin in the winter season. Perenne’s Sweatproof Sun Essential Sunscreen is a light-weight gel formula that glides onto your skin and intensely hydrates, thanks to cocoa butter, jojoba oils, and green tea extract. It is suitable for all skin types.

Mask twice a week

Being exposed to cold and dry winds can make your skin look dull and take away its elasticity. It also pronounces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Masking is an effective and more potent way to make your skin feel hydrated and rejuvenated. They are infused with feel-good serums and pack a hydrating punch, which work very well together for winters. Try overnight masks: They are thicker in formula and work all night to provide the hydration and moisturisation your skin needs. You will wake up to skin that is soft, nourished, and healthy. We recommend masking twice a week, before bedtime.

Don't forget your hands and feet

The skin on your hands is thinner than the skin on your face, and they are known to show the first sign of ageing. Chilly winds can cause them to look withered and dry, and speed up the ageing process. They can also cause flaking and redness, which can be uncomfortable. And while your feet may not face as much exposure as your hands, they are susceptible to cracked heels, which look unattractive and unpleasant. It is important to look after your hands and feet all year round, but especially in the dry months. Try incorporating hand and foot creams in your daily skincare routine, which will help keep the skin on your hands and feet feeling soft and hydrated and prevent flaking.