5 fixes to repair your skin post-winter

Winter may be over but that doesn’t mean its dry traces have gone with it. It’s time to ramp up your skin care routine and go into repair mode so you can welcome spring with clean (and smooth) skin. Here are five face fixes for winter skin glitches.

Flaky nose

“Extreme cold, air con, heating, or excess friction from blowing your nose can all dry out the skin,” explains Emma Hobson, education manager at The International Dermal Institute and Dermalogica. 

Morning repair: Avoid applying any active skin care or makeup on your nose and reach for an anti-inflammatory serum to reduce redness and boost hydration. Top with moisturiser.

Nighttime treatment: Start by gently exfoliating to remove excess dry skin and follow with a “water-free, silicone-based moisturiser like Dermalogica UltraCalming Barrier Repair that will coat the skin and form a protective barrier, helping repair it”, advises Hobson. If your nose can tolerate it, a vitamin B5 serum or mask can fast track healing.

Rough patches

“This is a sure sign of dehydration,” says Hobson. Causes can be environmental (cold, wind, air con, heating) or using incorrect products and poor skin care (not moisturising or exfoliating enough). 

Morning repair: Instantly boost moisture levels with a hyaluronic acid serum, such as Neutrogena Hydro Boost Serum, followed by a hydrating mist like Skinstitut Multi-Active Mist. Repeat throughout the day. 

Nighttime treatment: Use a moisturising repair serum. Exfoliate a few times a week (don’t be too aggressive) and follow with a hydrating gel mask.

Watery, red eyes

Causes include dry conditions, fatigue, infections and product irritation.

Morning repair: Start with calming eye drops, followed with a light, fragrance-free eye serum (we love Bioderma Sensibio Eye Contour Gel) or moisturiser. “Avoid makeup with artificial fragrance, don’t apply too close to the lids, and don’t use mascara or false lashes,” adds Hobson.

Nighttime treatment: Use a soothing eye makeup remover, such as Dior Instant Cleansing Water, and squeeze more eye drops in each eye. Follow with more eye serum or moisturiser (or both), ensuring you employ a light touch with clean hands.

Chapped lips

Your pout is made of delicate skin that doesn’t produce any oil – two good reasons why your lips are prone to drying out from heating and cold, blustery weather.

Morning repair: Steer clear of lipsticks (especially those with dark or strong pigments) and slather on a nourishing lip balm (try La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Levres Barrier Repairing Balm). If you can’t find your trusty lip balm, use a smidge of your heaviest moisturiser and layer a clear gloss over the top for a healthy sheen.

Nighttime treatment: Hobson suggests gently exfoliating (coat your lips in petroleum jelly and lightly massage with a soft, wet toothbrush or damp washcloth), repeating this two to three times per week. Apply a rich lip balm every night.

Sensitivity and irritation

Dehydration is the culprit – it impairs the skin’s natural barrier, allowing allergens and irritants to wreak havoc.

Morning repair: Start with a sensitive skin approved cream cleanser (try Racinne Delicare Perfection Cleansing Cream), and follow with a skin-calming spray to instantly reduce redness and irritation. “Top that with a gentle, not-too-rich moisturiser that’s packed with hydrating ingredients, not oil,” says Hobson. We recommend L’Occitane Shea Face Soothing Fluid.

Nighttime treatment: Exfoliate with hydroxy acids or enzymes (no scrubs!) and follow with a multivitamin mask like Sanctuary Spa Time Reversal Face Mask. Do this two or three times a week. Skip active ingredients and incorporate an anti-inflammatory serum, such as Paula’s Choice Calm Redness Relief Repairing Serum, and a silicone moisturiser into your PM routine.

For more skin care tips from marie claire, check out marieclaire.com.au

Photography by Edward Urrutia