7 Skincare Secrets to Transitioning from Summer to Winter – From Ethically Kate

It’s the time of year we begin to put our swimwear away, bring out the jumpers, and swap beach days with movie nights. Autumn is here! Along with cuddling indoors, hot chocolate in hand, it’s also the perfect time to reassess your skincare routine.

During season changes, our skin goes on a rollercoaster, and it’s important that we look after it. Winter is all about keeping your skin hydrated, noticing when it gets fed up from going hot (indoors) to cold (outdoors), and making sure your natural glow isn’t depleted by the chill.

This winter, smoothly transition your summer skincare routine to winter, with these seven easy tips:

1. Layers layers layers

Flaky dry cheeks and cracked skin can be the worst during winter. No one wants it! To hold in moisture, and make sure your skin is getting what it needs to avoid cracks and flakes, think layers. I’d recommend a cleanser, toner, serum for dry spots, and a moisturiser before you apply any makeup.

2. Exfoliate (but not too often)

Dead skin can build up on your body very quickly, especially when it’s too chilly for your daily swim in the ocean! The roughness on your back and dryness on your legs, can all be solved with a visit from your friend: the dry brush. This brush will remove dead skin cells and help with circulation. Brushing your face is less than ideal, so use a face exfoliator, like my favourite; the Ginger Snap Scrub. Honestly? It smells so good, and comes in the shape of a chocolate block… you’ll want to eat it.

TIP: Do not exfoliate every day; this won’t give your skin enough time to refresh properly between scrubs, and can cause redness and irritation. Exfoliate your face 2-3 times a week, and use a dry brush on your body every other day.

3. Create a regular post-shower routine

After showering, your body is moist from the water. Moisturising straight after a shower will trap in some of this moisture, causing your moisturiser to be even more effective at hydrating your skin. It’s easy to get carried away checking Instagram, answering texts, and choosing what to wear straight after your shower, but it’s definitely worth your time moisturising before you focus on anything else. Oh Natural have a great range of natural and cruelty free moisturisers for all types of skin, including dry / dehydrated skin.

4. Stick to products with ‘hydrating’ and ‘moisturising’ on their label

That thin moisturiser you’ve been using on your body throughout summer, may not cut the mustard now the temperature has dropped. You’re going to need something thicker and more suitable to protect and nourish your fragile winter skin.

Watch out for words like ‘hydrating’ and ‘moisturising’, and choose something thicker than the rest. If you’re like me and aim for plastic-free (I’m a poet!), try moisturising bars and waste free sticks. Check out Aotearoad’s Pink Grapefruit & Ylang Ylang Natural Body Moisturiser Stick for your body and Ethique’s ‘The Perfector’ for your face.

5. Apply a face mask regularly

My favourite activity during winter, is watching a movie with a face mask. Even if you only have a chance once a week to pop on a mask and sit quietly for a few moments, it’s so worth it. A mask rejuvenates your skin with an intense boost of all the good stuff. The Herb Farm’s Hydrating Overnight Face Mask has excellent 5 Star reviews and Oh Natural’s owner Kate thinks it’s fab!

6. Focus on hydration

Hydrating your face and body with moisturiser is one thing, but there are many other ways to keep your skin hydrated during winter. The first is obvious: drink water. I can’t encourage you enough, to keep a reusable water bottle beside you at all times, and make sure you take regular gulps. They say 8 glasses a day will do the trick. Just because you’re not hot and sweaty, doesn’t mean your body doesn’t need it. Among many other things, consuming water will help your skin escape dryness. If you’d prefer something warmer with more flavour, drinking herbal tea from a reusable cup is great too. 

I don’t know about you, but the winter dryness hits my lips the most. Cracked lips are super painful! Make sure this doesn’t happen by applying a natural lip balm every day, regardless of how they are doing, to prevent rather than treat. I use this one from Hurraw!

7. Go eco when you tan

If you can’t handle losing your summer glow during winter, eco-tanners are for you. Along with keeping your skin fresh and coloured, eco tanners are also nourishing, and best for the environment. Try Eco Tan’s range on your face and body.

Written by Kate Hall from Ethically Kate