To tweak or not to tweak your beauty routines for winter. That is the question. If you go on TikTok, you’ll hear conflicting answers from so-called ‘experts’ talking on a phone. With no actual accreditation in sight other than their own experience, which let’s be real, is definitely biased.
So, I decided to ask people who are actually qualified to find out what the fuck we’re actually supposed to do when it gets cold. In the haircare corner, we’ve got Trichologist (which BTW, is someone who literally specialises in hair and scalp health) Robert Bradder. He’s also a Senior Educator for Wella Professionals and Nioxin, so you already know he’s on top of his game. And in the skincare category, we’ve got Nurse Kate Sowden, Co-Founder of BeautyFULL Cosmetic Medical.
Without further ado, here’s what you should do with your beauty routine now that winter’s here.
@devynnmadrid It could start snowing in my apartment at any moment #australianwinter ♬ original sound – ★
Winter haircare tips
What actually happens to our hair in winter?
If you feel like your hair turns dry and brittle in winter, you’re not going crazy. Bradder told me that due to the drop in humidity, there’s less moisture in the air, which in turn dries out your hair. This can cause breakages, split ends, and that frizzy look that drives you mad. I KNEW IT.
“With the cooler months, it is also common that there is an increase in the temperature of our showers, which cause hair damage,” Bradder said.
I feel so called out right now. My worst nightmare has come true. Those nice, toasty winter showers strip hair of its natural oils, which causes — you guessed it — dry, brittle, and frizzy hair. Ick. We can’t have anything.
@justarandomcrow ♬ Opera – Puccini – Hollywood Strings Orchestra
So, should we change up our haircare routine for winter?
Bradder’s verdict? Yes, you should change your haircare for winter. Products that prioritise nourishment are the best pick here.
Wella Professionals Ultimate Smooth Miracle Hair Oil Serum
“Such as a hair oil like the Wella Professionals Ultimate Smooth Miracle Hair Oil Serum,” Bradder said.
What ingredients should you look out for? Jojoba oil or shea butter are great places to start, “as these have a lipid that mimics the hair’s natural lipid for more nourishment and protection,” says Bradder.
His biggest tip is to consider your hair type. If you have fine hair, you don’t want to overload or weigh it down. A gel-based moisturiser is the way to go in that instance.
System Professional Hydrate Quenching Spray
“Something lightweight, such as the System Professional Hydrate Quenching Spray, is beautiful because it is super light and really hydrating,” Bradder said.
What other things can we do for our hair?
Have you ever deep-cleaned your scalp recently (or ever)? Yeah, me neither.
“I like to think of hair in skincare terms,” Bradder said. “We cleanse our skin daily and give ourselves monthly facials, so why aren’t we doing the same thing for our scalp?”
Bradder recommends deep cleaning your scalp once a week (or at least once a month) for the maximum benefits and a healthier head of hair.
Nioxin Scalp Purifying Exfoliator
“Nioxin Scalp Purifying Exfoliator is great as it contains cellulose microbeads that break down and exfoliate dry skin and debris for a clean scalp, while still moisturising the scalp with aloe vera,” Bradder said.
The next thing is a hair mask (which I’m also guilty of never doing).
“Applying a hair mask is like drinking pure cordial, whereas conditioners are watered-down cordial,” Bradder said. “A hair mask has the strongest molecular effect on the head, so if your hair needs more moisture, you should definitely start looking at using intensive masks.”
You can even occasionally swap out your conditioner for a mask this winter for max moisture and shine.
Nioxin Density Defend Anti-Breakage Strengthening Mask
“The Nioxin Density Defend Anti-Breakage Strengthening Mask is great for any hair type, from fine to coarse hair types, as it strengthens and moisturises the hair,” Bradder said.
What are other ways we’re damaging our hair?
On behalf of Bradder, I’m going to give it to you straight. Put down the damn hot tools without using protectant. Yes, that includes a blow dryer. A heat protector is literally what’s stopping you from frying your hair off — so I don’t want to see you near any straightener without one. Cool? Cool.
Wella Professionals EIMI Thermal Image
“Any type of thermal protection is always the way. I would recommend the Wella Professionals EIMI Thermal Image,” Bradder said.
Now we say, “Thank you, Bradder for stopping us from ruining our hair in winter.”
Hello, gorg locks!
Winter skincare tips
How does winter impact our skin?
Just like hair in winter, low humidity combined with blasting heating and scalding showers can all dry out your skin.
“You might notice signs like tightness, flakiness, dullness, increased sensitivity or even increased redness,” Sowden told me.
I thought our skin would be more sensitive in summer with all the sweat, but winter is the true culprit here.
So, what can you do about it? Sowden recommends paying attention to how exactly your skin changes now that it’s getting colder, so you can tweak your routine accordingly.
“Your skincare routine should change and adapt to the seasons,” Sowden said. “I always think of winter as the time to nourish and protect your skin.”
@gracecjohn Anyone else feel like they’re the only one dealing with this? I have a super dry skin so it gets so much worse in the cold weather. #skincare #beforeandafter #dryskin #dehydrated #skintok #skincare101 #relatable #reaction #dryskincare ♬ origineel geluid – r & m <3 ⸆⸉
Sensitive skin winter routine
However, if your skin is as sensitive as your ex when you called them out for cheating, then you’re the outlier in this equation. Sowden advised that if you’re already using fragrance-free and calming products, then you can keep your routine the same in winter.
The only thing you’ll change is avoiding those hot showers as much as possible. Sad, I know, but your skin will thank you for it.
@benjikrol ♬ slimpetras nicki minaj pluggnrage – slimpetras
Dry skin winter routine
Does your skin feel dehydrated and have a dull complexion in winter? Then you most likely have dry skin.
Sowden recommends switching to a richer, cream-based cleanser and incorporating a hydrating serum with ingredients like hyaluronic acid or niacinamide, finishing with a thick moisturiser.
Why? So you can deeply nourish, repair and stimulate collagen, which is key to brightening your skin right back up. If you’re looking for treatments, then she recommends a Skin Booster and LED Dermalux Light Therapy Treatment.
@driplist the struggle is real for us folk with dry skin😁😅 how are you guys holding up? #livinginthenetherlands #winterishere #dryskinproblems #Amsterdam #netherlands ♬ original sound – Somi Lynda💕
Oily / acne-prone skin winter routine
If you have oily / acne-prone skin like me, I’m about to call us out right now. STOP OVER-CLEANSING AND HARSH EXFOLIATIONS. This is especially true in winter, as this strips our skin, which is already agitated as it is.
On the other hand, not hydrating your skin enough can lead to increased oil production. It’s a fine line, and it’ll take some trial and error to get it right.
Don’t be mad at your skin, though, as it’s just trying to replace the lost moisture. Enter stage right: non-comedogenic moisturisers, which help hydrate your skin without clogging pores.
@leonkaretkin That one crazy aunties advice #acne #meme #foyrou ♬ original sound – Leon
Combination skin winter routine
Layering is your best friend for those with combination skin in winter.
“Start by applying a hydrating serum all over, then spot-apply a richer moisturiser to dry or flaky areas to maintain balance across the face,” Sowden said.
Basically, you should use all the tips we provided above since you’re a triple threat, baby. Now that’s a compliment.
@alicegabrii #greenscreen Is this your skin type? Combination skin usually feels oily in the T-zone and dry everywhere else! It is important to use a gentle cleanser, exfoliate your skin 2-3x per week and moisturize! #skintok #skincare #skincareroutine #combinationskin #oilyskin #dryskin ♬ Her Way (Sped Up) – PARTYNEXTDOOR
What else should we do for our skin in winter?
“Two treatments I will always recommend to my clients during winter are skin needling and PRP treatments,” Sowden said.
You can even get them both at the same time, AKA a vampire facial. Where blood is drawn, the platelets are separated and reinjected to stimulate collagen production and promote rejuvenation.
Well, there you have it, folks! Who’s in for a vampire facial?
Image Credit: Misspeytonsmith, Warner Bros.
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