As temperatures drop, many people find their skin struggles with tightness, dryness, and irritation. Elise Wilson, a qualified makeup artist and Daily Mail stylist, sought advice from dermal therapist Razia Moe to identify effective and affordable skincare solutions for the colder months. Moe's recommendations focus on hardworking pharmacy products designed to combat winter skin woes.
Gentle Lip Care
Dry lips are a common winter complaint, as they lack oil glands and lose hydration quickly. Moe advises against harsh lip scrubs, which can exacerbate dryness. Instead, she suggests The Ordinary PHA Exfoliating Lip Serum. This product utilizes polyhydroxy acids (PHAs), which are larger molecules that gently dissolve dead skin cells without abrasive physical scrubbing. Combined with hydrating ingredients like glycerin and ectoin, it can be applied nightly before a lip balm to seal in moisture.
Cuticle and Hand Hydration
Dry cuticles can lead to cracking and discomfort. For this, Moe recommends the Sally Hansen Cuticle Oil Pen, featuring a twist-up applicator for easy use. Enriched with vitamin E, apricot oil, and aloe, it helps to soften and moisturize the surrounding skin throughout the day. For sustained hand hydration, Neutrogena Norwegian Formula Hand Cream is a long-standing favorite. Its high glycerin content acts as a humectant, softening dry skin without leaving a greasy residue, making it suitable for frequent use.
Rethinking Cleansing Habits
Moe suggests that a common mistake during winter is using the same cleanser year-round. Foaming cleansers can strip the skin of its natural moisture, leading to tightness and discomfort. She advocates for a switch to creamier formulations, such as the Bubble Soft Launch Cream Cleanser. This product is formulated with ceramides, allantoin, and avocado oil to remove makeup and sunscreen effectively while preserving the skin's natural moisture barrier.
Body Wash and Shower Practices
Itchy, dry skin all over the body in winter may be aggravated by body washes and hot showers. Moe recommends switching to a moisturizing body wash like Bioderma Atoderm Shower Oil. Despite its name, it lathers like a traditional body wash but deposits hydrating ingredients onto the skin during cleansing. This approach helps maintain skin hydration even before applying lotion. She also notes that hot showers strip the skin's natural lipid barrier more aggressively than lukewarm water.
Targeted Treatments for Vulnerable Areas
Areas like the skin around the nose and patches of eczema can be particularly susceptible to winter dryness. Yours Only Balm, a fragrance-free formula, is recommended for creating an occlusive film over these vulnerable areas. This helps prevent further moisture loss and aids in the recovery of damaged skin. It can be applied at night to the face or other body parts, including heels, to lock in moisture.
Additional Evening Routine Enhancements
Beyond Moe's recommendations, Wilson highlights two products that have impressed her. Wrinkle Schminkles Under Eye Patches are reusable silicone pads designed to lock in hydration and reduce puffiness and fine lines when worn overnight. Another surprising yet effective product is Bepanthen's Nappy Rash Ointment. Applied as a final step in a nighttime routine, a thin layer over other products can help seal in moisture, leading to a plump, glowing complexion by morning. This product is noted for its ability to deeply nourish dry and compromised skin.