The body care steps skin experts never skip in winter

When the cooler months finally breeze on in, we're usually dealing with an onslaught of colds and somehow never being able to find an umbrella when we need one. 

But there are also a few necessary steps we need to make in our daily routine to ensure our skin, hair and makeup all hold up through one of the most stressful seasons. However it can also be hard to know where to start, when we're so short on daylight (and not to mention patience).

That's why BEAUTYcrew tapped Lust Minerals' Dermal Therapist Stacey Hollands, and Bangn Body Founder Priscilla Hajiantoni, for some much-needed assistance. Ahead the skin experts break down the body care steps they never skip, as well as lifestyle changes you probably never realised were impacting the quality of your skin too. 

Your internal and external environments are impacting your skin quality

"No body cream can outwork dehydration. In winter, most people are mildly dehydrated without realising it, and it shows up directly in skin texture: dryness, dullness, and that tight, crepe-like feel that no topical product fully fixes," Hollands tells us.

"Aim for two to three litres of water daily and support it with foods rich in essential fatty acids," she advises. "Omega-3's internally — for me diet plays a direct role in skin lipid production — evening primrose, flaxseed, or a quality fish oil supplement supports barrier function from within."

"Carry a water bottle with you to keep up your hydration. Always carry SPF — I always opt for a mineral SPF 50 — winter sun is still UV-active, especially in Australia. UVA penetrates cloud cover year-round and is the primary driver of collagen breakdown. Always wear SPF. I opt for natural SPF always," Holland went on to say.

She also recommends investing in a humidifier: "Personally I find central heating pulls moisture from air and directly from skin — a bedroom humidifier is one of the most underrated skin tools in winter."

Yes, you should still be exfoliating in winter

"I think a lot of people stop exfoliating in winter because their skin feels dry, but gentle exfoliation is actually so important to lightly help the skin cells rejuvenate," says Hajiantoni. "It helps remove the buildup of dry, flaky skin and allows your hydrating products to work more effectively. I always recommend being gentle and focusing on maintaining a healthy skin barrier."

"Cold air and indoor heating creates a double dehydration hit. The skin compensates by accelerating cell turnover to shed damaged surface cells, but those cells pile up rather than shedding cleanly when skin is dry. The result: A rough, dull texture that physically blocks your moisturiser from doing its job. Dead cell buildup accelerates in cold, dry conditions, so sloughing them away is non-negotiable," Hollands explains.

"In saying that, winter calls for a softer touch: enzyme-based or fine physical exfoliating gloves at my favourite option, one to two times per week max. Regular (gentle) exfoliation in winter removes the dead cell barrier so hydrators can actually absorb, improves circulation and that post-exfoliation glow, allows self-tan to apply and develop more evenly, and keeps skin texture smooth despite the harsh conditions," she tells us. 

Here, at BEAUTYcrew, we've been eyeing up all the new launches in the category.

Frank Body's Express-O Whipped Body Scrub ($30 from MECCA), Alpha-H's Smoothing AHA Face & Body Scrub 12% Glycolic Acid ($49.95 from MECCA), and Mutha's The Nudist Exfoliating Body Bar Detox Greens ($49 from MECCA) are all at the top of our wishlist.

Your steaming hot shower is ruining your skin

"One of the biggest things I've learnt is that hydration starts in the shower," Hajiantoni admits. "I try to avoid very hot showers."

"Hot showers feel amazing in winter but they're the number one culprit for stripping the skin's lipid barrier," Hollands tells us. "Avoid hot showers — shower temp, as I mentioned — lukewarm is always best, and ideally not hot. Every degree matters."

Finding the right body wash formula is important

"Winter is when I really focus on supporting my skin barrier and keeping my skin hydrated and comfortable. Starting with a nourishing shower oil like Bangn Body's Firming Shower Oil ($42 from Bangn Body) to cleanse without stripping my skin [is important]," Hajiantoni tells us. 

While, Hollands recommends a pH-balanced, body wash or cleanser to preserve the skin's microbiome and keeps natural oils intact.

Preventing trans-epidermal water loss should be your top priority

"The three minute window after stepping out of the shower is everything," Hollands tells us. "Your skin is still slightly moist and the barrier is open, so this is when a body oil or hydrating moisturiser absorbs deepest and TEWL (trans-epidermal water loss) is best prevented."

When you're towelling off, pat don't rub, as towel friction can disrupt a compromised barrier, and make sure you layer your body care products — starting with the lightest formulas first.

"I always use a lightweight hydrator like hyaluronic acid first, then I seal with a richer cream and barrier oil on top," Holland explains. "I personally opt for Lust Minerals Gradual Tanning Moisturiser ($54 from Lust Minerals) or add a few drops of barrier oil to my moisturiser."

"Using a gentle body cleanser for an extra layer of care and hydration, and applying a hydrating body essence straight after showering while your skin is still slightly damp helps to allow the skin to 'drink' and prep it ahead of any lotion application to get ingredients to travel deeper," Hajiantoni concurs. "Following with body oil to help lock in moisture and keep your skin feeling soft and supple, and finishing with a rich body lotion to seal everything in and provide long-lasting hydration throughout the day."

At BEAUTYcrew we've added the Go-To Skincare Oil Over Firming Body Oil ($51 from Go-To Skincare) to try this season.

Skin still not playing ball? Your skin may not be dehydrated, you could have immune fatigue.

Main image credit: @kendalljenner