#1. Don’t Skip Your Sunscreen!

The first thing - just because it’s important every single day.

“But I haven’t seen the sun for days”, you say. Unfortunately, the presence of UVA rays has nothing to do with visible sun. These dangerous rays – the ones that penetrate deep into the dermis - are there all year round (and in SA, are strong in winter as well as summer).

Unprotected exposure can lead not only to premature skin ageing and wrinkling, but also a suppressed immune system. Because UV rays mess with your skin’s normal barrier function, your sunscreen is your first line of defence against premature ageing.

And don’t forget that your face includes your neck. Even though it might be wrapped in a scarf, it also needs some sun protection attention.

Our favourite sunscreens: Bionike Defence Sun SPF30 Face and Body Cream, Eucerin Sun Fluid Mattifying SPF50 Face and Bioderma Photoderm Max Sun Milk SPF 50+.

#2. Keeping Hydrated

We’re talking about good old H2O. We all know that drinking plenty of water is the way your body keeps itself hydrated and functions properly, while eliminating those unwanted toxins.

Most of us, though, tend to cut down on drinking water in winter and switch to warm drinks instead. If this sounds like you, set a reminder on your phone to keep drinking water. If you tend to avoid cold drinks, try warm water with a slice of lemon and some honey, or a caffeine-free herbal tea like rooibos or chamomile – just keep drinking water.

#3. Dehydrated Skin

An easy way to add extra hydration to your skin-care routine is to start using a toner. An alcohol-free toner will help to boost hydration after cleansing.

And why not invest in a humidifier? Chances are you’re drifting from one heated environment to another. Heaters and air conditioners all conspire to suck hydration from your skin, but humidifiers add moisture to the air, so they’re not only great for easing some of the usual cold and flu symptoms, but they also help to prevent dryness and irritation in your skin.

Good toners we like: Avène Gentle Toner for Dry Sensitive Skin, Gatineau Gentle Silk Toner for Sensitive Skin and Clarins Toning Lotion Alcohol Free for Oily Combination Skin.

#4. Too Much Moisturiser?

It sounds obvious that adding extra moisturiser to dry skin will sort out the problem. But you’d be wrong, at least partly. The truth is that your skin can only absorb so much. Like a sponge, it absorbs what it can, and the rest just sort of sits on top. This extra layer is not only wasteful, it may cause congestion and even breakouts.

The solution is to make sure you’re using the correct moisturiser for your skin type. While something quite lightweight is enough for your summer needs, it may be necessary to change to a richer moisturiser in the winter. If you’re using a lotion, try switching to a cream. Good options are BioNike Defence Hydra5 Opthydra Moisturiser Multiple Action and Noreva Aquava Rich Moisturising Cream 24 Hours.

Your moisturiser should provide hydration while also preventing water loss. But in winter it is often a good idea to add a serum under your moisturiser to provide intense hydration.

Read More. The Best Serums Will Help You Reach Your Dream Skin (Yes, Really)

#5. Don’t Take Your Time

Did you know that you have about 60 seconds after cleansing to seal moisture into your skin? Even the walk from the bathroom to the bedroom may be a step too far. Take your moisturising products to the bathroom with you and apply to damp skin (all over) to avoid dryness. Try not to take long showers (Western Capers know all about this!) - and avoid very hot water.

#6. It’s Not Too Late to Exfoliate

Exfoliation becomes even more important in winter. Piling moisturiser onto dead skin cells is a pointless (and expensive) exercise.

Exfoliating is vital, not only for radiant, silky skin, but to prevent breakouts caused by a build-up of dead skin cells, on your face and especially on your back and chest. Regular exfoliation also helps to lift facial skin discoloration which may have crept up on you during the summer months.

Make sure it’s gentle though. Harsh scrubbing is likely to cause even more irritation and moisture loss. For your face, we recommend using a gentle chemical exfoliator with fruit acids, etc., which melt the ‘glue’ between your old dead skin cells and living skin cells, so they slough off, rather than using a gritty scrub. For body, we love sugar scrubs.

Read More. Want Glowing Skin? You Need to Exfoliate Like A Pro

#7. Check Those Ingredients

Does your product contain alcohol or perfume? Put it away. Check to see whether the product you’re using contains ingredients designed to bind water and prevent water loss.

These may include glycerine, lactic acid, hyaluronic acid or alpha-hydroxy acids. Mineral oils, almond or jojoba oil and shea butter are also all good.

#8. Too Many Long Baths and Lovely Soap

Who doesn’t long to sink into a hot bath at the end of a chilly day to warm up? Sorry to be a downer, but no – at least, not on a regular basis. As mentioned above, a short lukewarm shower is a much better idea for winter skin.

If you can, find a soap that contains no alcohol or perfume or give up traditional soap completely (you can find soap-free bar cleansers) or use a gentle liquid cleanser. Definitely avoid anything antibacterial.

Our product picks: Bioderma Creme de Douche Ultra Nourishing Shower Cleansing Cream and La Roche Posay Lipikar Cleansing Body Cream Gel Anti Irritation.

#9. The Lips Say It All

Heaters and air conditioners dry out the air in our offices and cars, so we lick our lips to keep them moist. It may provide instant relief – but spells long-term disaster. When you moisten your lips with saliva, it evaporates from the surface so attracting moisture from deep within your skin to the surface which is then lost. To make matters worse, digestive enzymes in your saliva break down the skin, causing cracks.

Some lip balms contain menthol, peppermint or perfume, which may taste good, but ultimately irritate lips even further. Find a conditioning lip balm and use it regularly throughout the day to keep your lips perfectly kissable. Bonus points if your lip balm contains an SPF!

Our favourites: Mavala Lip Balm SPF 10, Dr Organic Royal Jelly Lip Serum and Payot Hydra 24+ Moisturising and Protecting Lip Balm.

#10. Sensitive Skin Alert

Cold, dry weather can make your skin red, more sensitive and reactive. If you already suffer from rosacea, it may flare up. Make-up will help to conceal the redness, but it’s a better idea to try to calm your skin. Choose a product containing antioxidants and ingredients designed to soothe and intensely hydrate.

We like Uriage Roséliane, BioNike Defence Tolerance, La Roche Posay Rosaliac and the Bioderma Sensibio AR ranges.

#11. Updating Your Cleanser

When temperatures drop, your skin tends to produce less oil. Consider whether your usual foaming cleanser is still working, or whether your skin now feels drier after cleansing. You may need to switch to a less drying lotion/milk type cleanser for a while. Try BioNike Defence Comfort Peeling Cleansing Cream, Clarins Cleansing Milk for Combination Oily Skin or Eucerin Dermatoclean Mild Cleansing Milk for Dry Sensitive Skin.

Once again – avoid using ordinary soaps, which often destroy the skin’s natural barrier. Many have an alkaline pH which can be very irritating for your skin.

#12. Mask It

If you don’t normally use a mask, now is the perfect time to start. A mask (particularly an overnight one) forms a seal on your skin and allows whatever products are underneath to really do their work. Hydration while you sleep!

Our product picks: Two of our favourites are Clarins SOS Hydra Refreshing Hydration Mask and Clarins Hydraquench Cream Mask, but other good ones are IQ Dermatreat Rescue Mask for all skin types, BioNike Defence Rosys Soothing Mask for sensitive skin, Avène Essential Care Soothing Moisture Mask and Payot Hydra 24+ Super Hydrating Comforting Mask.

Read More. How to Multi Mask to Really Improve Your Skin's Healthy Glow

#13. Does Diet Matter?

Yes it does! Your diet should always contain foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, but particularly in winter. Omega-3s, as well as having an anti-inflammatory effect, are able to soothe irritated skin. Add flaxseeds and coconut oil somewhere in your diet to give your skin a boost.

Junk food is always bad, but in winter the effects are more far-reaching. Basically, any foods that are high on the glycaemic index will spike your insulin, leading to inflammation in your body, including your skin. Ditch the sugar and keep your skin calm.

#14. And Lastly… Listen to Your Skin!

This is the bottom line. Your skin will let you know when things are not hunky dory.

If your skin feels tight, itchy, red or hypersensitive, chances are your skin-care routine is wrong. Make sure you know your skin type and its current condition (it can change, according to your inner weather and the outer weather - see a professional if needs be) and use products appropriate to its needs. PLUS follow our guidelines here.

Don’t hink that if you have an oily skin you don’t need extra hydration in the winter. Both dry and oily/combination skin types need extra moisture during the winter months. For oily skins, look for gentle options that won’t trigger excess oil. You’re probably already avoiding anything too heavy or clogging. Don’t make the mistake of changing to a heavier product, though – find something light and gentle that will provide extra moisture without clogging.

Whatever your skin type, a routine that includes at least a water-soluble cleanser, a toner (non-drying if you have dry skin), an exfoliant (AHAs are better for dry skin, while BHAs are better suited to oily, clogged skin) and both a daytime and night time moisturiser is essential.

Start making that shopping list now!

Read more. How to Seriously Improve Your Skincare Routine in a Few Easy Steps