1. Stop Having Super Hot Showers.
I'm personally guilty of taking really long, hot showers in winter.
Then, I act surprised when my skin feels tight and itchy, but according to Jo, I should take note.
“Everybody loves a super hot shower, especially when it gets really cold. You’ll often find when you get out of a really hot shower or bath, your skin feels quite itchy and tight," she says.
"That's not a good sign, that’s your skin screaming out for hydration."
Instead, try sticking to warm showers over scalding hot. Try being the operative word.
2. Look for These Skin Barrier Ingredients.
If you've heard about this 'skin barrier thing' before but aren't sure what it means, allow Jo to explain.
"If you are experiencing super dry skin, I would say it's likely you’re experiencing an impaired barrier to some degree.”
“Your barrier is the most important thing for you to keep supported when you’ve got really dry skin, because if you’ve impaired your barrier, the water in your skin is just going to go straight out."
You can support your skin barrier in winter by using products containing ingredients like vitamin E, ceramides and essential fatty acids.
Jo adds, "They will all support your skin’s barrier, and support what’s going on under the skin to make sure it stays hydrated.”
3. Use a Face Oil (Even If You Have Oily Skin).
Why should you think about adding a face oil into your winter skincare routine?
“If you think about dryness and dehydration: dehydration is a lack of water, and dryness is a lack of oil," Jo says.
"You want to be replenishing dry skin with oils so that it can function at its best.”
Facial oils can get messy, so Jo recommends adding a few drops of your facial oil in with your moisturiser.
Apply your oil at least half an hour before bed to give it time to absorb into the skin - and not onto your pillow.
The best face oil for you will depend on your skin type.
4. Switch Your Cleanser.
Did you know gel or foaming cleansers might be stripping away more oil than your skin requires in winter?
If you find your skin feels tight or dry, try switching to hydrating oil cleansers and cream cleansers.
You could also try skipping cleanser in the morning, or alternating between hydrating and gel cleansers throughout the week.
5. Switch Your Exfoliant, Too.
When Jo's Beauty IQ Uncensored co-host Hannah asked if dry skin-havers should avoid exfoliating cleansers, turns out switching to a gentler exfoliant in winter can actually help.
“Lactic acid still hydrates skin, and at the same time, it gently exfoliates so those hydrating products can get into the skin," she says.
"You’re still encouraging that cell turnover, but you’re not going to be causing any skin irritation, or risk going overboard or over-exfoliating.”
6. Get Yourself a Winter Moisturiser.
This might be a no-brainer, but it's always a good idea to switch from your summer gel moisturiser to something more substantial in winter.
"You need something richer to make sure you’re creating more of an occlusive barrier [over the skin] to keep moisture in, and all of the cold and wind out."
Got oily skin like Hannah? She sticks to lighter gel moisturisers in the day, but will sub in a heavier moisturiser at night.
7. Try a Hydrating Overnight Mask.
The last tip Jo has for us involves an optional step in your evening skincare routine.
If you are super dry, she suggests opting for a hydrating overnight mask over a moisturiser.
"These act like barrier creams to prevent water loss. I apply a thick layer and leave it on overnight."
Hot tip: Some overnight masks or sleeping masks also double as excellent skin prep options before makeup to avoid patchy foundation.
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