If you’ve seen any of our morning or night routines on Instagram, you’ll know that we’re very detail orientated when it comes to what we put on our skin, especially so when it comes to winter skincare.
As such, we know that our skincare routines need to change slightly in winter. Colder, drying temperatures can mess with your complexion, causing flaking, itching and even breakouts in some. So it’s important to make sure you’re giving your skin a little extra TLC during the cold months.
Here’s advice straight from the horse’s mouth. The RUSSH Editors share their winter skincare tips.
Emily Algar
Beauty Editor
All through my teens and early twenties, I had oily, acne-prone skin — it’s only in the last two-ish years that the pendulum has swung. Now, I’d considered it normal to dry, especially during the winter months. I don’t make too many drastic changes as my complexion responds well to consistency, but I will make a point of using a thick moisturiser overnight, always La Roche-Posay Cicaplast (my forever favourite). I also love integrating a milky essence, Bioderma Atoderm is incredible, or Augustinus Bader if I feel like a treat. Just pressing this in before serums can make a world of difference. I adore facial oils but try not to be too heavy handed, as it can trigger my peri-oral dermatitis. But CHANEL, Vintner’s Daughter, Abhati Suisse and Goop are my favourites. A hydrating mask, like Rationale No. 1, is also a must, as is light daily exfoliation to keep things smooth. I’ve been using the Dermalogica Microfoliant since I was 16.
On my body, the richer the better. Bioderma Lipikar is my cheap and cheerful holy grail, while Osea Body Oil is expensive but decadent — it’s beautiful worked into damp skin after a shower. I have also been testing the Kit: Unwind Balm and it is unbelievably good. It’s so plush and smells incredible, plus it’s full of magnesium.
Cassandra Dimitroff
Feature and Production Editor
Body oil on damp skin after a shower is a must for me in winter. The Tronque Vitamin C Body Oil is my holy grail. I will be replenishing my housemate’s Nécessaire The Body Wash Olibanum (heavenly Vanille, Fig Leaf and Cassis Buds). Lip balm – something hydrating like the Aesop Protective Lip Balm SPF30 for the day, and for night, something more soothing like the Aesop Cedar & Citrus Lip Salve.
Mia Steiber
Digital Strategy Director & Associate Publisher
My number one winter skincare tip and essential piece of advice is to not have overly hot showers. Hot running water melts away your natural moisturising factors, so it’s a big no no. As for a care routine, I completely swap out my skincare in winter for heavier and thicker products. I love the Dermalogica retinol serum to keep my complexion glowing. Dr Lara Devgan Resveratrol night cream and Allies of Skin’s peptide eye cream are my moisturisers of choice in the evening. Emma Lewisham for the day along with the Raaie Sun Milk Drops to finish. And of course, Avene’s Cicalfate for those days when I’m very dry. As for body care, I use a beautifully hydrating Grown Alchemist body wash and finish with Heartwood’s sandalwood body cream to finish.
Samantha Corry
Assistant to Editor in Chief
I have combination skin, both oily and dry, so I make sure I’m starting off with a good cleanser. And a double cleanse is a must, especially after a day of makeup. I’ll use a pre-cleanser, normally something oil-based like like this one from Dermalogica. And then go in with my Dr Dennis Gross Pore cleanser. Depending how oily my t-zone is, I will then use my Kiehl’s Clay mask, max once a week. It really helps minimise the pores. At night, it’s always the Kiehl’s Retinol and my moisturiser. And then in the morning my Kiehl’s Vitamin C, moisturiser and sunscreen from Mecca. The Mecca sunscreen has become my absolute favourite.
Stacey Gaskin
Consumer Revenue Manager
I have normal to dry skin and my winter skincare essential is weekly overnight masks – sometimes 2 times a week when I’m feeling dry. My top three would be Estee Lauder’s Advanced Night Repair Overnight Treatment, the Smart Clinical Repair™ Overnight Recovery Cream + Mask from Clinique and the Aesop Sublime Replenishing Night Masque. All three of these are great for supporting your skin barrier while bringing brightness and deep hydration to the skin. I also like that they are artificial fragrance free with no parabens.
Be sure not to skip exfoliating your skin in winter, especially when using thicker products. I find that exfoliants are not a one-size fits all situation (like many other skincare products), but for me, I don’t have overly sensitive skin. A product I love with every fibre of my being is the organic Mukti 2 in 1 Resurfacing Exfoliant. It has a blend of chemical and physical exfoliants that brighten and calm at the same time.
Megan Nolan
Marketing Manager
On the brink of my first winter back in Melbourne, I’m already feeling the dryness set in. With that in mind, I’m focusing heavily on keeping my skin moisturised. My number one tip is a gel cleanser morning and night as it protects the skin’s natural moisture. The AB Lab B3 Balance Cleanser is my go-to, although I’ve also heard good things about Innisfree so am planning on trying that next.
I also switch to a heavier moisturiser in the winter months and my new favourite is the Anua Heartleaf 70% Intense Calming Cream. This is great for sensitive skin, and seems to keep my skin hydrated for much longer than any other moisturiser I’ve used. After being constantly recommended the La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume consistently for the past few months I’ve also taken the plunge and have been interchanging this whenever my skin gets particularly dry. It’s a lifesaver.
Last but not least, sunscreen. I know it’s winter and the sun doesn’t feel like it’s doing any harm, but trust me, it still is. Especially when you have very pale skin like me. I do not leave the house without SPF 50+ on my face and La Roche-Posay will be my forever favourite.
