Winter is well and truly here! The winds are high, the rain is making itself at home, and the coats are on regular rotation. While cozy nights watching Netflix are great, dry, tight skin is certainly not. Many of us find ourselves with dullness, scaliness, chapped lips, and dry, thirsty faces. That glow we took for granted during Summer is gone, so we resort to piling on more moisturising products in the hopes to quench the thirst.

However...are products enough to fight the winter dry spell? And if so, which ones are best? Well, the answers are found at home and in the clinic.

Winter Skin Tip One: Hyaluronic Acid

You may not be surprised to see hyaluronic acid at the top of the list, as it’s a superstar in the skincare world. That’s because it’s a humectant, meaning that it attracts and traps water in great amounts relative to its volume.

Our body naturally produces hyaluronic acid and uses it to keep joints, eyes, and skin plump and hydrated. However, hyaluronic acid production decreases as we age (just like collagen, sigh). No fear, as we can replace hyaluronic acid ourselves, by way of supplements and topical treatments.

Pure hyaluronic acid serums and HA-containing moisturizers draw moisture to the surface of the skin or deeper into the epidermis, depending on molecule size. This results in plumper, more supple, more hydrated skin, even during winter.

An HA serum under your regular day and/or night cream can create a hydrating barrier for the skin, helping to prevent wind and heating units from stripping your much-needed moisture.

Winter Skin Tip Two: Regular Facials for Exfoliation

Let’s say you’re sticking to your skincare routine to a T. You’re applying your hyaluronic acid serums and glycerin-packed creams without fail. That’s great. However, if your skin is covered and clogged with dead cells, your products won’t have a chance to work their true magic.

It may seem counterintuitive to want to exfoliate during winter, as many people associate exfoliation with oil control. However, exfoliation is really to shed those dead layers and encourage new, fresh cells to come to the fore. Not only does this make you appear younger and more glowy (woo!), it allows products to sink in and penetrate deep into the layers.

Regular exfoliation facials at the clinic are one of the best ways you can maintain healthy, hydrated, and youthful skin during winter.