“WINTER IS HERE” – JON SNOW

Just like Jon Snow, many of us know nothing – nothing about skincare for winter that is.

Coming from sunny Singapore, most of us are clueless when it comes to what we should be packing for our trip to a country with 4 seasons. It is even more crucial to put on the right skincare if you are heading out for winter sports. Hitting the slopes might be fun, but flaky skin definitely isn’t. 

Should we be slathering on moisturizer to make up for the dry climate? Is there a need to even apply sunscreen?

Read on to get the low down on the 3 essential skincare tips to keep your skin in tip top condition during winter.

1. HYDRATE 

Hydration is key during the winter – you’ve probably heard this everywhere and its true! In Singapore, you might be using a light weight moisturizer or cream due to our humid weather. However, this might not cut it for your trip to the alpines.

Winter tends to bring some pretty harsh winds, so it might be best to bring along a moisturizer with a thicker consistency to protect and hydrate your skin at the same time.

But does this mean that I have to slather it on to my skin? Definitely not.

Putting on too thick a layer might cause breakouts. Excess moisturizer that isn’t absorbed into the skin will suffocate it. Mentioned in an article by Garnier, using too much moisturizer can also cause your skin to become dependent on it for moisture – which causes issues in the long run. 

THIS IS HOW YOU SHOULD BE APPLYING YOUR MOISTURIZER: 

Patting your skin gently during this step in your skincare routine helps to wake up the complexion to give you a healthy glow.

FYI: Moisturisers should be applied after your serums as they serve as a protection barrier and lock in moisture from your skin before it evaporates.  

Not sure what to get? We recommend our star product for the hypersensitive and dry weather condition – MBK Nourishing Cream. It’s a hot favourite among our clients who frequently travel to colder countries and those with sensitive and dry skin conditions! 

But wait – there’s more.

Other than hydrating your skin, it is also essential to hydrate your body as well! Load up on water and fruits to hydrate your body. The first sign of dehydration is usually found on your lips. Chapped, dry lips tend to be an indication that your body requires more fluids stat. 

2. PROTECT 

Surprise! Summer isn’t the only time you can get a sunburn. During winter, it is still possible to suffer from sunburn – especially when it’s snowing. UV rays from the sun can penetrate through the clouds, bounce off snow on the ground and onto your skin - resulting in sunburn.

Higher altitude = Higher risk

When you are up in the mountains admiring the beauty of mother nature, the risk of sunburn is greater as the thinner atmosphere does not provide as much protection against the harmful sunrays. Add this into account with the reflection of the sunrays from the snow and it is equivalent to spending a day at the beach.

DID YOU KNOW?

UVA rays cause your skin to prematurely age, causing wrinkles and age spots while UVB rays can burn your skin. Get a broad spectrum sunscreen that protects you from both rays!

Enjoy the winter sun safely by protecting your skin with a broad spectrum sunscreen that has an SPF of 50.

Carragheen Recommends: Jyunka Ultra Defence UV Pro SPF 50

3. SOOTHE

After a whole day of fun out in the mountains, some might notice that the skin is showing signs of irritation due to the frigid weather. This means that your skin is in need of some TLC.

Rather than going for your usual skincare routine, apply a soothing mask instead!

HOW TO APPLY YOUR MASK:

• 1. Thoroughly cleanse your face with a gentle cleanser. We recommend reading this post to find out more on which cleanser is best suited for various skin types
• 2. Gently pat your skin dry with a soft towel (remember: don’t rub your already irritated skin!)
• 3. Apply your mask with clean hands or applicator all over your face and neck, avoiding your eyes and nostrils

Apply masks like how you would apply frosting to a cake – a medium to thick layer, gently spread across.

We recommend the Jyunka Extreme Comfort Mask. Leave this mask on for at least 30 mins. If you overlooked the time with this mask on, don’t worry! This comforting mask can be left on for up to 2 hours. Wash off and see the difference it makes on your skin. The skin immediately looks more hydrated, radiant and calm. 

Tip: Before applying your mask, apply some eye cream and lip balm to hydrate the delicate areas of your skin!

All in all, the skin is a living breathing organism that have the same needs as humans – Hydration, Protection and some TLC (especially in a cold weather). Go try out these tips during your winter adventure and see the difference in your skin.

If you have any other skincare secrets, share it with us in the comments below! We’d love to hear and try them out.