As the January chill tightens its grip, our skin often becomes the first casualty of plummeting temperatures and harsh indoor heating. Hannah Britt, an experienced Features Editor and Beauty Editor with 15 years in the industry, offers an exclusive guide to navigating this seasonal shift. The key, she explains, lies in adapting your routine with targeted products that protect, hydrate, and soothe.
The Non-Negotiable: Daily Sun Protection
One of the most crucial yet overlooked winter skincare steps is daily sun protection. UVA and UVB rays can harm your skin even on cold, cloudy, or rainy days, contributing to fine lines, pigmentation, and more serious concerns. Hannah Britt insists on using a separate SPF product with at least SPF30 every single day, even when indoors.
Modern formulations are designed to be undetectable. Her recommendation is the CeraVe Invisible Hydrating Sunscreen SPF 50+, priced at £21. This product strengthens the skin barrier while offering broad-spectrum protection and absorbs in seconds for a weightless feel.
Fortify and Hydrate Your Complexion
The combination of cold air outside and dry heat inside can strip the skin, leading to irritation and redness. To combat this, the focus must be on barrier protection and intense moisture.
Strengthening the skin's barrier is paramount. Look for ingredients like ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and niacinamide. Britt suggests trying Medik8 Niacinamide Peptides for £49, which contains 10% niacinamide alongside peptides and zinc to refine pores and boost radiance.
When it comes to moisturiser, your summer formula may no longer suffice. Switching to a richer, more emollient cream helps skin retain vital hydration. The Kiehl's Ultra Facial Meltdown Recovery Cream (£23), with soothing colloidal oatmeal and dexpanthenol, is highlighted as an ideal choice for daily ultra-hydration and skin emergencies.
For an additional moisture boost, consider incorporating a hydrating serum. The Muji Fermented Booster Serum (£19.95) utilises ingredients like rice ferment to bolster skin resilience during the winter months.
Don't Neglect Lips, Hands, and Scalp
Winter's assault isn't limited to the face. Lips, hands, and the scalp are frequently forgotten but equally vulnerable areas.
Chapped lips are a common winter woe. Protect them by applying SPF, avoiding licking, and using a nourishing balm. Britt recommends the Gisou Honey Glaze Collagen Lip Mask (£24), a luxuriously thick formula packed with honey, ceramides, collagen, and hyaluronic acid.
Hands also suffer, leading to chapping and redness. Regular application of a ceramide-rich hand cream is essential. The L'Occitane Shea Karité Hand Balm (£29) is noted for its rich yet fast-absorbing shea butter formula, perfect for keeping on a desk or in a pocket.
A dry, flaky scalp can also spike in winter due to the same environmental factors and product buildup. The solution involves exfoliation and hydration. The Aroma Zone Strengthening & Densifying Hair Serum (£12), with peptides and plant extracts, aims to support the scalp and promote healthier hair growth.
Expert Advice: Switch Your Cleanser
Dr Alexis Granite, Consultant Dermatologist for CeraVe, provides professional insight into winter cleansing. "The drop in temperatures, lower humidity, and indoor heating can cause skin dryness and irritation," she says. "Switching to a cleansing balm in winter is beneficial as they are richer and more moisturising."
Balm cleansers effectively remove dirt and makeup without stripping the skin's natural oils, thus protecting the barrier. The recommended product is the CeraVe Make-up Removing Cleansing Balm (£14.49), which is formulated with skin-friendly ceramides.
By following this expert-curated guide and integrating these targeted products, you can help ensure your skin remains soothed, protected, and radiant throughout the challenging January weather.
