During winter you may notice your skin and hair start to change, and not for the better.
The lack of humidity in the air, plus the extra time spent indoors in rooms with the heating on full blast, can really take a toll on the moisture levels in your skin.
Not to mention every time you step outside you're faced with harsh conditions like bracing cold and winds of biblical proportions.
So it's only natural that your beauty routine might have to change too in order to meet your skin and hair where it's at.
But if you're unsure where to start in the seasonal overhaul of your skin and hair care routines, then never fear, we've spoken to experts in the field Jaye Edwards (Founder of Edwards & Co and Jaye Haircare) and James Vivian (Dermal Clinician and Founder of Viviology Skincare) for some advice on the matter.
"We have seen a spike in Keratin Treatment appointments in the salon," Jaye Edwards tells BEAUTYcrew. "This treatment puts protein back into the hair, smoothing the hair cuticles which repairs damaged strands and decreases frizz, making the hair appear shinier."
"It's the perfect winter treatment as the colder weather makes our hair dryer, and frizzier due to the lack of humidity in the air," Edwards explains.
Luckily, there's a wealth of reputable keratin treatments you can try from the comfort of your own home.
There's the Elizavecca Cer-100 Collagen Coating Hair Protein Treatment ($16 from Amazon Australia), which combines hydrolysed keratin with hydrolyzed collagen, silk, ceramides and plant extracts to coat and seal the hair. The TikTok viral K18 Leave-In Molecular Repair Hair Mask ($79.96 from Shaver Shop) also boasts an innovative peptide complex, which helps to boost keratin proteins in the hair follicle. Then, of course, the best-selling Olaplex No.3 Hair Perfector ($45.99 from Chemist Warehouse), which helps to restore broken protein bonds in the hair for a healthier mane.
According to Dermal Clinician, James Vivian, when it comes to winter skin care there are a handful of thing to consider, which could help to contribute to a happier complexion come the cooler months.
"It's important to have your skincare routine down pat all year round, and it should be altered in winter to save your skin from the cold weather," he tells BEAUTYcrew.
"This includes switching to an oil cleanser, using a humidifier in your room, and looking out for key ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and niacinamide," Vivian explains. "Don't forget to use SPF daily, this is the same advice I give to clients during this time of year."
Switching to an oil cleanser doesn't have to be an expensive endeavour, in fact there are many affordable options available to shop online and at your local discount Chemist.
Personally, we really rate the transformative CeraVe Hydrating Foaming Oil Cleanser ($18.60 from Chemist Warehouse), which lathers into a purifying foam when it makes contact with water. The Bioderma Sensibio Micellar Cleansing Oil ($31.52 from Amazon Australia) uses micelles in an oil base to melt away makeup, dirt and impurities while you wash your face. And Kose Cosmeport softymo Speedy Cleansing Oil ($18.99 from Amazon Australia) is a best-seller in Japan thanks to it's pore-purifying abilities.
Investing in a humidifier during the cooler months can mean the difference between dry, uncomfortable skin and a hydrated, glowing complexion. It doesn't have to cost you an arm and a leg either. This 3L Humidifier for a large room ($44 from Amazon Australia) has the capacity to operate for 24 hours in a large bedroom or living room, and it's whisper quiet.
Using products that boast hydrating, strengthening and nourishing ingredients like hyaluronic acid, ceramides and niacinamide is a must in winter, because they help the skin's natural moisture barrier to function properly.
We recommend integrating no-nonsense and affordable formulas into your skin care routine this winter (read: no fragrance) to reduce irritating your already dry skin. The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 ($15.90 from Adore Beauty) was upgraded earlier this year to promise even more potency with a blend of skin supporting hyaluronic acid, ceramides and pro-vitamin B5 (panthenol). The versatile Ego QV Ceramides Lotion ($11.99 from Chemist Warehouse) is gentle enough for skin on the face and body thanks to a blend of three ceramides (EOP, NP, AP), niacinamide and glycerin.
As for SPF (which you should be using year round anyway), a hydrating but lightweight formula is best. Look for sunscreens that incorporate some of the same skin care ingredients you're using on your skin during the season anyway, like hyaluronic acid and niacinamide.
Main image credit:@shaymitchell
Want more tips for updating your skin care routine? This is how to take care of your skin in winter.
Briar Clark got her start in the media industry in 2017, as an intern for Marie Claire and InStyle. Since then, her keen interest in fashion and beauty has landed her gigs as a Digital Content Producer and Beauty Editor with titles like Girlfriend, Refinery29, BEAUTYcrew and beautyheaven. She loves the way seemingly innocuous topics like skin care and style have the ability to put a smile on people’s faces or make them think about themselves a little differently. A big believer in self love and experimentation, Briar has made a point of becoming the Australian beauty industry’s unofficial guinea pig for unusual treatments and daring hair trends. When she’s not testing out the latest beauty launches, Briar is big on broadening her horizons, mostly in the form of food but she’s also partial to travelling to new destinations both near and far (and of course, allocating an extra bag to bring their best beauty offerings home with her).
