With colder temperatures forecast in the lead up to Christmas, the team at EcoOrigin.co.uk offer advice and tips on how consumers can refine their skincare routine during colder winter months, including commenting on how the changing weather can impact your skin, and providing tips on making changes to your skincare routine steps, gentle makeup removal techniques, and more.
Sajjad Haider, founder at EcoOrigin.co.uk commented that “winter weather is a skin saboteur. It robs your skin of moisture and makes it inflamed, dry, itchy, and dull. From chapped lips to cracked heels, it’s a battlefield. The plummeting humidity is the real culprit in the situation. It weakens the skin barrier, making it trickier to retain moisture. To make things worse, long, hot showers make the skin flaky by stripping the skin of its natural oils. And the indoor heating system? Yep, that’s not doing any good to your skin, either”.
RECOMMENDED WINTER SKINCARE ROUTINE
Below is a dermatologist-approved skincare routine that’ll keep your beautiful skin feeling supple and moisturised:
- Double Cleanse – Use an oil like almond oil or jojoba oil to cleanse your skin. Wipe off the oil and impurities with makeup remover cotton pads, then wash your face with a mild foam-based cleanser. Do it on alternate nights
- Exfoliate – Exfoliating twice a week removes dead skin and makes your skin feel brighter and shinier
- Apply Serum – Serums deal with most of your skin woes. Use one that has hyaluronic acid in it. It’ll hydrate your skin. The best way to apply is with your fingers or with cotton pads for your face; it’ll give you better coverage
- Moisturise – Opt for a moisturiser that has ceramides in it. It’ll rebuild the lost skin barrier and keep your skin hydrated all day long. Pick one with SPF for extra protection
- Lip Balm – Don’t forget your lips! Apply a nourishing lip balm to prevent chapping
- Night Cream – Use a heavier moisturiser at night to help replenish the moisture lost during the day
- Hydrating Mask – Once a week, pamper your skin with a hydrating mask.
Sajjad added that “your winter skin game plan should be gentle. Use oil-based cleansers or micellar water to remove makeup. Rosehip, jojoba, and grapeseed oil are great natural options. Avoid using makeup remover wipes – instead, use soft, gentle makeup remover cotton pads that won’t tug at your skin. This one might seem tricky, but avoid hot water. And when it comes to drying, never rub a towel against your skin. Always pat dry using reusable facial pads.
“Your skincare winter routine must include a heavier moisturiser, a nourishing lip balm, and a gentle exfoliant. Stick to gentle formulas with ingredients like hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and glycerin. Also, keep yourself hydrated – if the insides are well-moisturised, the skin looks plumper. Of course, sunscreen is a given. UV rays can find their way to your skin even through the clouds. And, always listen to your skin. If it feels tight, flaky, or irritated, slow down on exfoliation and switch to a milder face wash.
“However, your winter skincare goes beyond just products and techniques. Your environment also plays a role in how your skin looks and feels during winter. Make sure to humidify your home and office to prevent dry air from sucking moisture from your skin. Invest in silk pillowcases. Unlike cotton, silk won’t absorb your skin’s natural oils. And, of course, balance your diet with foods rich in Omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants. They’ll help nourish your skin from within. Healthy skin starts with nutrition, after all!”.
ACTIVE INGREDIENTS VS WINTER SKIN
EcoOrigin.co.uk also share which active ingredients work best for winter skin, and those that should potentially be avoided in winter. These included:
| Active ingredient | Reason | |
| Active ingredients that work wonders on winter skin | Hyaluronic acid | An incredible humectant that attracts and holds onto moisture in the skin |
| Ceramides | Essential for maintaining a strong skin barrier and preventing moisture loss | |
| Glycerin | Helps the skin retain moisture | |
| Vitamin C | Brightens the skin, reduces inflammation, and helps to stimulate collagen production | |
| Shea butter | Rich in fatty acids, antioxidants, and vitamins, shea butter fights with skin dryness | |
| Active ingredients to consider avoiding during winter | Salicylic acid | Helps fight acne but can be too harsh for the skin during winter |
| Alcohol | It strips the skin of its natural oils, leading to dryness and irritation | |
| Retinoids | This ingredient works by accelerating cellular turnover, so you might experience pronounced flaking and peeling during winter |
MAKEUP REMOVAL AND SKIN EXFOLIATION
When it comes to gentle makeup removal, Sajjad added that “makeup remover bamboo cotton pads are a game-changer. They’re made from 100% pure bamboo fibres, which means they’re biodegradable and eco-friendly. Plus, they are gentle on the skin, hypoallergenic, and highly absorbent. Use bamboo cotton pads for makeup removal to wipe away your makeup without irritating your skin. They can be used with oil-based cleansers, micellar water, or a gentle face wash. For skincare, use bamboo cotton pads to apply toner or serum. They’ll help deliver the product evenly and efficiently onto your skin without wasting any precious drops on your hands or fingers”. More information on makeup remover bamboo cotton pads, visit: https://ecoorigin.co.uk/collections/bamboo-cotton-pads
Sajjad also shared that “dermaplaning razors are an excellent way to exfoliate your skin during winter. These tiny, sharp blades work wonders in removing dead skin cells, peach fuzz, and light hair, all while giving you a smooth, glowing complexion. They also help remove the barrier of dead skin and hair, allowing toners and other products to penetrate deeper”. More information on eco-friendly dermaplaning razors, visit: https://ecoorigin.co.uk/products/dermaplaning-blades-eyebrow-razors-for-women
