Your winter skincare problems & how to solve them

Have you noticed your skin feeling a little different in recent weeks? Maybe it's feeling tighter or perhaps you've spotted a pesky dry patch? As we enter winter, our skin will be facing some harsh conditions, from cold outdoor temperatures and cutting winds to moisture-absorbing heated homes. It's no surprise then that we may see some problem areas flare up. 

You're not alone. One glance at the winter skin videos on TikTok shows that it's a problem that affects many.

In fact, videos tagged with #WinterSkin have been watched on TikTok no less than 4.9 BILLION times! With 314 million views of #DrySkin videos, 41.7 million on #ChappedLips videos and 14.3 million views on #DryHands videos, it's clear we're serious about finding a solution.

Below you'll find which videos relating to winter skin on TikTok are the most popular, as well as tips on how you can best care for your skin during the winter months.

The Most Popular Winter Skin Videos on TikTok

Skincare Tips to Beat the Winter Blues

To help you look and feel your best this winter, we've rounded up some of the most popular skincare tips from across the web, addressing some of the most common winter skin ailments.

1. Avoid Hot Baths and Showers

If you have dry skin, you should avoid having hot baths or showers, which may go against your natural instincts on a cold day. Instead, take a lukewarm shower or bath; the cooler temperatures are kinder on your skin and won't dry it out any further.

The same goes for washing your hands, which we're all doing a lot of during the pandemic. Having your water so hot it leaves your hands pink is suboptimal for retaining moisture, so turn the temperature down and if you're using a hand dryer, do so until your hands are damp rather than completely dry.

2. Drink Plenty of Water

Staying hydrated is one skincare tip that's as relevant in the winter as it is in the summer. Hydrating your skin from the inside out is a good way to combat dry winter skin, so make sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day.

3. Eat Well

Just like drinking lots of water can hydrate your skin, so can eating well. Eating more good fats in winter can help to moisturize your skin from the inside, while enjoying some delicious food in the process.

4. Keep Wearing Sun Protection

You may have packed away your SPF at the end of the summer but did you know that UVA (often nicknamed UV-aging) rays are still high in winter? While it may be cooler outside, those harmful rays can accelerate the ageing process even if it doesn't seem like a warm, sunny day.

Continue wearing an SPF during winter, ideally one that offers specific protection against UVA rays.

5. Choose Richer Skincare Products

You don't need to completely revolutionize your skincare routine during winter; Rather, some simple swaps is all you need to keep your skin looking and feeling good. 

Choose a richer moisturiser before bed; A hydrating night cream will help to nourish your skin as you sleep. Try to avoid alcohol-based or fragranced products, as these can dry your skin out further.

To rehydrate your hands and feet, invest in a pair of cotton gloves and socks. Wear them after you've applied your lotion to avoid losing any of that must-have moisture.

6. Don't Forget Your Lips!

Skincare is one thing but we can sometimes forget to nourish our lips. To make sure we have a perfect pout for party season, remember to regularly apply a lip balm. If you leave your lips to dry out, you may be tempted to lick them, which can leave them feeling even more dry, red and sore in the long term. 

7. Don’t Be Frightened of Exfoliation

Exfoliation has had something of a bad reputation of late. While exfoliating too frequently can damage your skin, there’s nothing wrong with lightly exfoliating any dry patches you have. Doing so can help remove the old skin cells, revealing baby soft new skin cells in their place.

8. Use a Humidifier

How you heat your home can impact how your skin feels. As the temperature plummets, the temptation is to turn up the thermostat on your home’s heating. However, consistent exposure to central heating will dry your skin out. 

Instead of turning it up to the max, keep the temperature at a moderate level and look to other ways of keeping warm instead. For example, could you add another layer or use a hot water bottle?

Invest in a humidifier and use it to add moisture to the air in the rooms you spend the most time in. This will help to keep your skin’s barrier hydrated.

9. Avoid Itchy Fabrics

The colder months are when we start to reach for those chunky woolen knits, which can sometimes itch our skin. Irritating fabrics can be bad news when we have dry skin, so wear a soft cotton layer underneath your jumpers to protect your skin.

With the right routine, diet and some simple lifestyle changes, you can have glowing skin all winter long.