Winter skin is like allergies. When a certain time of the year rolls around, dry skin is anticipated. Dry skin in winter can also appear in the form of redness, cracking, rough texture, itching, and increased sensitivity. Let’s also not forget that a bad case of winter skin can even develop into dermatitis and rashes. End the vicious cycle of oily skin in summer and dry skin in winter by adjusting your skincare routine as needed. When the winter months are quickly approaching, prepare ahead of time by adding skincare ingredients for dry skin into your routine. Ideally, look for ingredients that are hydrating, nourishing, and protecting. If you’re not a pro at reading skincare product labels, these skincare ingredients for dry winter skin should help. Read on:

Ceramides

Ceramides make up at least half of the lipids in the skin barrier, which is the body’s first line of defense against the elements. Not only does the skin barrier keep invaders out, but it’s also responsible for keeping moisture in.

Ceramides in skincare products are considered a skin-identical ingredient since they’re naturally found in the skin. In fact, ceramides act as the glue that holds skin cells together. Without the right amount of ceramides in the skin, the skin barrier becomes weakened and compromised. This allows for precious moisture to escape while leaving skin vulnerable to environmental aggressors.

Incorporating ceramide skincare products into your winter routine is one way to prevent dry skin. Since ceramides help retain moisture, this skincare ingredient will help strengthen the barrier between skin and the harsh conditions in winter.

Lactic acid

Who says you don’t need to exfoliate during winter? Your skin needs exfoliation in this season due to an increased level of dead skin build-up caused by dryness. Lactic acid is derived from milk and is a moisturising agent. It is an amazing ingredient since it does not irritate the skin or cause any dryness and flakiness since the molecule size is large while working for all skin types. Lactic acid is one of the gentlest alpha-hydroxy acids that offers mild exfoliation while retaining moisture in the skin, since it is a humectant.

Squalane

Winter is the perfect time to make facial oils your friend. In the summer, facial oils may feel too thick and greasy on top of already oily skin. In the winter, facial oils may be just what your skin needs to feel moisturised and protected.

If you want to dip your toes into the world of facial oils, squalane oil is a great starting point. The skin benefits of squalane include boosted hydration, antioxidant properties, and increased firmness. During the winter months, increased moisture and protection against free radical damage is exactly what the skin needs.

Hyaluronic acid

People with dry skin types likely use a hyaluronic acid serum year-round. This is a well-known skincare ingredient for dry skin since it can hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water.

Since it’s so hydrating, using a hyaluronic acid serum to increase hydration in dry winter skin is a plus. Remember to layer your serums before sealing them in with a thick moisturiser.

Shea butter

Shea butter is an emollient, which is a type of skincare ingredient that helps form a protective layer around the skin that traps moisture in while protecting against the elements. Emollients also soften and soothe the skin. While shea butter may be too rich for the warmer months, it’s perfect for winter because of its emollient properties. When dry winter skin becomes leathery and itchy, shea butter can relieve that uncomfortable feeling. Use a shea butter cream as the last step of your skincare routine to keep the hydration in and the unwanted invaders out.