Instep Desk

Leaves turn red, summer sales finish and stored away suitcases of winter clothing are brought out.  Even though Game of Thrones has been claiming it for a while, those are just some of the ways we know that winter is (actually) coming. The not-so-pleasant ways include static everywhere, dry, itchy skin and runny noses. Extreme winter weather, like the kind we get in the northern parts of Pakistan, can really put stress on our skin and hair.

We know we’re supposed to switch to darker colours in winter but do we know how to switch up our beauty routines? Instep breaks down the changes so that you’re armed and ready for the upcoming season.

1. Switch cleanser

Changing your regular cleanser to a cream cleanser is the first swap to make in your beauty routine during colder months. Many gel and foaming cleansers, especially those for blemishes, contain drying ingredients so look for a cream cleanser that contains glycerin, beeswax or any type of oil.

Recommended: Cetaphil Cleansing Lotion, Clean and Clear deep action cream cleanser

2. Add facial mist

This may seem unnecessary but a moisturizing facial mist can make a world of difference before applying face lotion or makeup. Spray and prepare skin for the next step i.e. post cleansing cream or makeup routine or use it any time throughout the day when your skin is feeling dry. Facial sprays are great for putting moisture back into dry winter skin whilst giving that elusive glow that’s hard to achieve in winter. All you have to do is spray the mist on your face and then apply moisturizer to lock it in. It may seem unreasonable to spray water on your face when the air outside is sharp and chilly, but trust us with this one!

Recommended: Marhaba Rose Water Spray, Evian Mineral Spray, Mac Mineralized Charged Water Skin Hydrating Mist

3. Switch moisturizer

The skin on our face will usually be the first to tell us when it’s time to switch things

up for the winter. Keep yourself from drying like a prune by exchanging your lightweight face lotion for a thick moisturizer to prevent dry patches and keep the skin feeling and looking youthful and plump.

Recommended: Physiogel Daily Moisture Therapy Cream, Charlotte Tilbury’s Magic Cream

4. Add exfoliation

To moisturize skin effectively to lock in moisture in the colder months, one has to exfoliate. Start exfoliating that body to get rid of dead skin cells and prep it for moisture absorption with ingredients like sea salt and sugar. Do the same for your face and if physical exfoliates are too harsh for your face, try a gentle exfoliate that will give you the same results without the irritation from scrubbing.

Recommended: Spa Ceylon body scrub

5. Switch to body butter

Lightweight products are nice to use in the warmer

months when slathering on a heavy body butter can leave the skin feeling greasy. But in the winter when moisture is sparse, switch to body butter as it doesn’t seep into the skin as easily as lotions and keeps your skin feeling supple for longer.

Recommended: Body shop body butter

6. Add oils

In the warmer months, it’s easy to avoid applying oils because the moisture in the air prevents skin from drying out but during the colder months when skin is desperately craving moisture, adding a layer of oil can change everything! Contrary to popular belief, using face oils doesn’t make your skin oily but do use a light oil for already oily skin and heavier oils such as coconut or almond for dry skin. You should apply a small amount of oil to hair after showering to keep the frizz at bay. A little goes a long way!

Recommended: Spa in a bottle 24k gold serum, L’Oreal Elvive extraordinary hair oil

7. Add face mask

When you think of a face mask, you may think of a tightening clay mask that draws out impurities and and leaves the skin taut and clear. Those are more beneficial in the summer but winter means switching up the routine to include hydrating face masks that return a healthy glow to your skin. Also, they’re convenient to use and fuss free - what’s not to love?

Recommended: Garnier Moisture Bomb Hydrating Mask, Soko Glam Moisturizing Recovery Mask