A skincare routine is important all year round, but it’s especially important to pay extra attention to your skin during the winter months.

As we start this new year 2023, with some cool breeze, a cup of hot chocolate and beautiful shawls and sweaters/jackets, we need to take extra care towards our skin.

Here is the basic five-step skincare routine to follow in the winter season to keep your skin healthy and hydrated.

1. Cleanse:

Just like in any other season, it’s important to cleanse your skin to remove dirt, oil, and makeup.

Use a gentle cleanser that is suited to your skin type.

Avoid using hot water, as it can strip your skin of its natural oils.

Use lukewarm water, in the winter seasons for cleansing your skin.

2. Exfoliate:

Exfoliating your skin once or twice a week will help to remove dead skin cells and improve skin texture.

You can use a physical exfoliant, such as a scrub, or a chemical exfoliant, such as alpha-hydroxy acids or beta-hydroxy acids.

Just be sure to use a product that is appropriate for your skin type and be gentle when exfoliating to avoid irritation.

Avoid over-exfoliating and over-cleansing, as these can strip your skin of its natural oils and cause irritation.

3. Tone:

Toning your skin can help to balance its pH and tighten pores.

Choose a toner that is appropriate for your skin type and apply it after cleansing and exfoliating.

Toner hydrates the skin, it even helps remove any leftover dirt or oil, and helps prepare the skin for the rest of your skincare routine.

4. Moisturize:

Moisturizing your skin is especially important during the winter months to keep it hydrated and protected from the dry, cold air.

Use a moisturizer that is appropriate for your skin type and apply it thrice a day (morning, evening and at night before sleeping).

5. Protect:

Don’t forget to protect your skin from the sun, even in the winter.

Drink a lot of water to keep yourself hydrated, which in turn keeps the skin hydrated.

Daily, even on cloudy days, use broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30.

Try to cover your skin as much as possible, using beautiful colourful mufflers, shawls, sweaters and jackets.

Remember to be consistent with your skincare routine and to be gentle with your skin.

With a bit of extra care, you can keep your skin healthy and hydrated all winter long.