Skin therapist’s top tricks to avoid dull winter skin

Winter can be synonymous with dry, dehydrated skin … but it doesn’t have to be.

Skin therapist Amanda Flynn reveals the cooler months are in fact the ideal time for a “skin boot camp”.

If you want to glow as much as Taylor Swift does on her Eras tour by the time summer arrives, follow these simple tips to make your skincare regime winter-friendly.

1. Focus on ingredients

According to Flynn, owner of Donna Bella The Beautiful Woman salon in Padbury, it’s easy to develop skin sensitivities during winter due to the drop in humidity, the cold outside and the heating indoors. But this can be easily combatted by introducing a few key ingredients into a skincare routine with a hydrating mist or serum.

“Our skin becomes dehydrated and our protective barrier impaired so we need to adjust our routine to focus on rehydrating our skin and locking in moisture. Products containing ceramides, hyaluronic acid and vitamin E help to repair the skin’s barrier and replace lost hydration,” Flynn says.

2. Don’t drop SPF

If you ask just about any skin therapist in Perth, it’s almost guaranteed they will encourage you to maintain wearing SPF throughout winter. Skin protection is necessary every day of the year, regardless of the weather forecast.

“Even though the UV is lower through winter, you can’t escape it. It’s still often moderate even through these cooler months,” Flynn says.

3. Exfoliation station

Exfoliation not only helps replenish the skin but it can also improve the effectiveness of moisturisers, meaning the one action is simultaneously combating two major winter-time skin concerns.

“Exfoliating one to two times a week removes any dull, flaky skin and allows the nourishing ingredients from your serums and moisturisers to be better absorbed,” Flynn says.

“Ideally you’d follow with a vitamin-rich mask that will soothe and restore moisture loss plus give your skin a lovely winter glow.”

4. Watch the clock

For those forking out hundreds of dollars on a skincare routine, you will want to listen up and ensure your hard-earned money is being put to good use.

“Apply your serums and moisturiser immediately after your shower, ideally within three minutes to lock in moisture (and that goes for your body too),” Flynn says.

5. Book in for bootcamp

Winter is the ideal season to knuckle down and get the hard work done in terms of skincare, for those wanting to go the extra mile.

“We recommend skin needling, professional peels and IPL to rejuvenate your skin, and improving your skin’s tone and texture to ensure it’s luminous for summer,” Flynn reveals.

6. Layer up

Flynn suggests layering is key during the cooler months.

“Just like we add another of clothes, I recommend adding another layer of skin protection. Hydrating mists and serums are ideal to maintain your skin’s healthy barrier throughout the winter months which helps prevent skin irritations and sensitivity,” she says.

Winter-friendly products to add into your skincare regime

1. Melting Moisture Masque, $99, Dermalogica

2. Fave Fluid SPF 50+ Skinscreen, $52, Ultra Violette

3. 12% AHA BHA Exfoliating Serum, $119.95, Saint Louve

4. Perfect 9 Intensive lotion, $67, Innisfree

5. Drink Up Intensive Overnight Hydrating Mask, $45, Origins