Winter Skin Survival Guide

Flaky skin, chapped lips, unquenchable dry patches — sound familiar? Yep, they’re the hallmarks of your skin during winter, and they’re much less awesome accessories than new boots and cozy socks. But the phrase “winter glow” doesn’t have to be a totally nonsensical phrase. With a little extra pampering you can have skin that’s luminous, healthy, and not embarrassing to have on display when you take off your extra layers.

1. Exfoliate, Exfoliate, Exfoliate

Not only does it feel good, it helps to get rid of the dead skin cells that lead to flaky patches and overall dryness. Do it gently though — too much elbow grease can lead to irritation, sensitivity, and even more dryness. Dermalogica’s Ultimate Buffing Cloth will give you a power buff without any pain, or try a luxe body scrub packed with sugar crystals and essential oils, like this one from L’Occitane to make this extra skincare step one you’ll never want to skip.

BUY NOW: Dermalogica Ultimate Buffing Cloth, $23; L’Occitane Aromachologie Revitalising Body Scrub, $45

2. Prime Your Pout

Cracked lips are one of the worst things about cold weather, and also one of the most immediately noticeable to both you and everyone else. Stay away from super sheer or shiny lip products, as these will only draw attention to chapped areas, and instead choose a lipstick or tinted balm with moisturising properties. The Moisture Cream Lipsticks from David Jones Beauty are a steal at just $14.95, and Napoleon’s Auto Pilot Lip Repair is a cult staple you should already be using obsessively. This face, lip, and cheek combo from Burberry is also perfect for cheating your way to a windblown glow.

BUY NOW: David Jones Moisture Cream Lipsticks, 14.95; Napoleon Perdis Auto Pilot Lip Repair, $28; Burberry Face Lip & Cheek Bloom, $62

3. Obey the Three-Minute Rule

No, this has nothing to do with eating food off the floor. It’s the skincare mantra that will help you get the most out of your moisturiser bottle by applying it no more than three minutes after washing. After this time period the water has evaporated from your skin, meaning whatever product you apply won’t be locking anything in. The same goes for face washing — try a hydrating cleansing oil like this one from Payot, followed with toner and moisturiser immediately. Dermalogica’s Multi-Active Toner is supercharged with moisture-binding properties.

BUY NOW: Payot Huile Fondant Demaquillante Milky Cleansing Oil, $41.60; Dermalogica Multi-Active Toner, $47.50

4. Step Up Your Day Cream Game

Your go-to face moisturiser probably won’t cut it when the temperature drops. Look for words like “intensive” and products with the highest percentage of ingredients for repairing dryness. Glycolic acid, lactic acid, and aloe vera are all great. But caking on the creams can be even worse for your skin than not applying them at all, causing bumps and clogged pores. Focus on finding a cream that suits your skin’s specific needs, and use it in combination with a skin oil too add an extra layer of moisture. And whatever you do, don’t forget SPF. It’s just as important in July as it is in January.

BUY NOW: Elizabeth Arden 8hr Intensive Daily Face Moisturizer, $24; Antipodes Avocado & Rosehip Divine Face Oil, $29

5. Maximise Your Shower

A warm shower isn’t just a good reason to drag yourself out of bed. It’s also necessary for maintaining a healthy glow — but it’s all about doing it in the right order. If you haven’t yet jumped on the dry brushing bandwagon, now’s the time. Giving your skin a light massage with a natural-bristled body brush before jumping in the shower a) feels divine and b) gives you super soft baby skin. Skip the drying soaps and scented body washes for something a little more decadent, like L’Occitane’s Almond Shower Oil. And don’t forget that three-minute rule when you get out.

BUY NOW: David Jones Beauty Wooden Body Brush, $19.95; L’Occitane Almond Shower Oil, $36

6. Best Feet Forward

Sleeping with your socks on might not be the most sexy thing you can do, but your feet — and whoever is looking at them — will definitely thank you for this trick. Apply an intensive cream for dry feet and cracked heels — we love AHAVA’s Dermud Dead Sea blend and Paylot’s Cooling Foot Gel — and put some clean cotton socks over the top. It’ll literally give you gorgeous feet while you sleep.

BUY NOW: AHAVA Dermud Intensive Foot Cream, $33; Payot Cooling Foot Gel, $36.80

7. Up Your Omega 3s

It’s tempting to go hard on the takeout in winter. But healthy hair and glowing, hydrated skin are the best excuses to swap traditional comfort foods for healthier (and more delicious) options. Flaxseed oil, salmon, chia seeds, and walnuts are all high in Omega 3 fatty acids, as are veggies, soybeans, and oysters. Can you think of any better reason to hit up The Morrison’s $1 Oyster Happy Hour?