How to winter-proof your skin and fake a summer glow even when it’s freezing

As Australia shivers through these colder months, looking after your skin can take a backseat.

But you needn’t suffer a lacklustre complexion, endless dead skin cells and breakouts, provided you take on board a few handy hints.

Here, speaking to FEMAIL, some of Australia’s leading beauty personalities share their top tips to ensure you winter-proof your skin and fake a summer glow, even when it’s freezing.

Because in the same way that summer bodies are made in winter, so too does our skin look its best when we look after it in the colder months as well as we do in the heat.

The founder of Mukti Organics , Mukti (pictured), explained that having a hot shower is one of the worst things you can do for your skin

SKIP THE HOT SHOWERS  

There’s nothing like a hot shower to make. you feel revitalised and re-energised when it’s cold outside, right?

Wrong.

The founder of Mukti Organics, Mukti, said in fact this is one of the worst things you can do for your skin.

‘As tempting as it may be, avoid really hot showers and exfoliate regularly to remove dead skin cells,’ she told FEMAIL.

This is because frequent hot showers can lead to drier, more itchy and irritable skin, while cooler or more lukewarm water helps to keep it hydrated.

If you must indulge in a hot shower or bath, keep your bathroom door closed and lock in moisture by moisturising directly afterwards. 

‘Keep your lips hydrated too, by using plant-based emollients, and limit the use of lipstick, which has a drying effect on chapped lips.’

DON’T FORGET SPF

As soon as the weather turns, it can be easy to think that you no longer need to slather on the sun cream.

But thanks to the harsh climate in Australia, just because it’s cold, it doesn’t mean the sun’s harmful rays are not penetrating your skin.

‘While there is less UVB around in winter, the levels of UVA (or UV ageing) are still significant enough to age your skin,’ Vicki Engsall, co-founder of The Jojoba Company, told FEMAIL.

‘Apply a safe option like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide to exposed areas and make sure you remember to moisturise too.’

Vicki recommends applying moisturiser to damp skin to help ‘seal that dampness into the skin’.

If you’re having a bath, a few drops of jojoba oil will help to add moisture while you relax.

How you use your products is as important as which ones you do, and you should never scrimp on SPF, just because it’s winter (stock image)

APPLY PRODUCTS IN THE RIGHT ORDER

Adding in extra products, whether that’s a toner (pictured) or face oil, is key

How you use your products is as important as which ones you do, according to Ee Ting, the founder of hop & cotton Personalised Skincare. 

‘To maintain good hydration during the dry winter season, how you use your products matters as much as the products themselves,’ she explained.

‘Our outermost’s skin’s water level is at its highest after cleansing, so your moisturiser will work its best if you apply it directly after a shower or cleanse when the skin is still damp.

‘This will seal in all of that hydration throughout the day and night.’

Try incorporating a richer moisturiser into your daily regime, and apply plenty of serums and night creams before bed.

ADD IN EXTRA STEPS TO YOUR ROUTINE

Fiona Stewart (pictured) of Silk says sleeping on a silk pillowcase will help your complexion

Our skin needs some extra TLC in winter, so don’t be afraid to add various lotions and potions into your morning and night-time skin routine.

‘Add a mist toner into your routine,’ Elizabeth Barbalich, the CEO of Antipodes, told FEMAIL. 

‘A spritz of something like an antioxidant-rich gentle toner at any time of the day delivers a powerful moisture boost and can help you to feel instantly relaxed.’

Elizabeth also recommends adding a water-based serum in to your day-to-day products, and ‘nourishing the skin’ with a face oil.

‘Our skin is more dehydrated in the winter, and dehydrated skin leads to signs of early ageing, so it’s a good idea to keep an eye on it,’ she said. 

Fiona Stewart, of Silk, finally says that sleeping on a silk pillowcase will help your complexion to look its best.