Skip to Content

We earn a commission for products purchased through some links in this article.

Winter Beauty Routine - The Tips And Tricks To Surviving Winter With Sass

From anti-frizz to tackling SAD.

By
Winter Beauty Routine Survival Guide
Zeno

Sometimes it can seem as if winter monopolises three out of four seasons of the year in the UK (let's be fair, this summer was insane), which, although mildly miserable, does make switching up your beauty routine to battle the colder weather a whole lot easier.

Whether you're suffering from relentless chapped lips and frizzy hat hair is driving you round the bend, or you're struggling with winter's affect on your mood and enthusiasm for all things comfort food, we turned to the pros to sort you out.

Read on for your bumper guide to levelling up your beauty routine for winter by the industry pros that know.

We earn a commission for products purchased through some links in this article.

1. Up Your Skin Game

Winter Beauty Routine  -Winter Survival Beauty Guide
Getty Images

When winter hits...

'Winter winds and the cold weather can leave skin feeling dry, flaky and rough,' says skin health doctor Dr Ali. 'The skin is a barrier, however, exposure to cold, windy weather and intense sunlight can disrupt the skin’s natural barrier function. It is important therefore to support, protect and repair our skin with the changing seasons.'

How to deal with... dry skin

'Dry skin types will find that their skin condition exacerbates during the winter months. They naturally have lower levels of natural moisturising factor (NMF) in their skin, and harsh winter weather can deplete this further, leaving them flaky and rough-textured,' explains Dr Ali. 'It is important for dry skin types to exfoliate regularly, to avoid a build-up of dead skin cells. Regardless of skin tone/type, there are key ingredients that we can all benefit from.

'Vitamin C is an excellent, multitasking anti-oxidant which repairs, renews and strengthens the skin. Exfoliants rich in glycolic, lactic and salicylic acids will help stimulate healthy skin turnover.'

How to treat redness in skin in winter
Filippo Fortis

How to deal with... redness

'Winter weather can often give the skin a rosy flush. Redness of the cheeks, nose, chin or forehead can be a sign of rosacea, which is a chronic skin condition that can flare up due to a variety of triggers. Many people are only aware of their rosacea during the winter months as the cold and windy weather can leave skin feeling irritated.

'Although there is no cure for rosacea, it can be controlled with the right skincare regime. Skincare products rich in glycolic, lactic and salicylic acids will reduce inflammation, redness and congestion in the skin. It’s also important to try to identify potential triggers so that you can avoid them.'

2. Get Those Cuticles In Check

Winter Beauty Routine - Winter Survival Beauty Guide
Getty Images

When winter hits...

'Hands can become more weathered and chaffed, especially if they get wet in cold temperatures,' says legendary podiatrist Margaret Dabbs. 'It is important to wear gloves to protect your hands against the cold and to use a good quality hand wash and hand lotion to protect your skin.'

How to deal with... ragged cuticles


'Cuticles are affected by the cold of winter, not to mention air conditioning and central heating. The cuticles become less elastic and very dry to the touch. It means that in cold temperatures the cuticles can split and this is very painful,' explains Dabbs.

'Follow the same routine for the cuticles as with the hands, using good quality hand wash and hand lotion. Use a nail and cuticle serum throughout the day and carry both your favourite hand lotion and nail serum in your hand bag.

'Also, make sure you drink plenty of water and wear gloves when you are using detergents around the house, as well as when you’re out in inclement weather.'

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

3. Wave Goodbye To Chapped Lips

Winter Survival Beauty Guide
Getty Images

When winter hits...

'Cold weather and sun exposure are major culprits in causing chapped lips,' says Dr Ali. 'Cool air, reduced humidity and windy weather can leave the thin skin on lips dry and cracked. When lips get dry and uncomfortable from lack of moisture within the skin, this leaves the skin chapped, peeling and painful.'

How to deal with... chapped lips

'Regular exfoliation of the lips not only sloughs off dead skin cells, it also stimulates healthier skin cells to emerge,' explains Dr Ali. 'It is important to protect the skin on lips and create a protective barrier. Products rich in lanolin, vitamin A and vitamin E are excellent sources of skin repair, as they help defend exposed skin from further damage.

'Applying an SPF on the lips will also protect the skin by acting as a barrier. Last, but by no means least, keeping well hydrated is essential. I recommend the following lip products to soothe and hydrate lips during the winter:

SkinCeuticals Antioxidant Lip Repair

Antioxidant Lip Repair

SkinCeuticals Antioxidant Lip Repair

£45 at LookFantastic
Credit: .

Lanolips The Original 101 Ointment

The Original 101 Ointment

Lanolips The Original 101 Ointment

Credit: .
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

4. Keep The Frizz At Bay

Winter Beauty Routine- Winter Survival Beauty Guide
Getty Images

When winter hits...

'Cold, windy and damp weather can all play havoc with your hair leaving it windswept, dull and frizzy', says hair pro and the man behind Karlie Kloss and Arizona Muse's A-list locks, Larry King. 'Add central heating to the mix and your hair is left dry, brittle, flat and extra fragile.'

How to deal with... party season hair

'It’s a difficult time of year to try and stay too sleek,' says King. 'Try embracing the dishevelled look by adding a bit of my Velvet Texture Clay, which adds a windblown grungy rock chick edge.

'If your hair is naturally curly, try to embrace your curls in the winter months. As soon as curly hair hits damp conditions it will try to curl so it’s better to embrace this head on rather than trying to defy it.

'A messy updo is great for fine hair - pop hair into a high pony tail, separate the hair into two sections and physically knot the hair a few times, securing it into a messy bun. The wind will only make it look chicer.'

How to deal with... hat hair

'Make sure to put your hat on carefully after styling your hair so it's laying neatly underneath your hat. When you take your hat off, tip your head over and scrunch in and smooth a little Social Life For Your Hair from my new product range. This will redefine your style, calm fly aways and add a little texture.'

Pureology Colour Fanatic Instant Deep Conditioning Mask

Colour Fanatic Instant Deep Conditioning Mask

Pureology Colour Fanatic Instant Deep Conditioning Mask

Credit: .

How to deal with... the dreaded frizz

'Unfortunately, there are very few hair types that are immune to the fiend that is winter frizz,' explains King. 'Often, thicker and coarser hair types will tend to develop frizz around the scalp which can make your hair look pouffy, whilst finer hair types will look lank and lack body and look more lack lustre than normal.

'Take extra care of your hair by using a really good nourishing hair mask, especially a protein rich mask that repairs your hair from the inside out. Particularly if your hair is coloured, Pureology’s Colour Fanatic Instant Deep Conditioning Mask which shields hair from environmental damage, helps prevent split ends, controls frizz and generally fight the elements!'

5. Switch Up Your Diet

Winter Beauty Routine -Winter Survival Beauty Guide
Getty Images

When winter hits...

'Illness and infection go up in the winter,' says Consultant Dietitian and Spokesperson for the British Dietetic Association, Sian Porter. 'Lack of sunlight (less vitamin D), the different lifestyles people lead in winter months e.g. using public transport rather than walking or cycling/ being inside more/ the flu virus is happier in cold, dry weather so more able to invade our bodies, are all contributing factors.

'We need a healthy, balanced diet including immune boosting nutrients to take care of our inner health in order to fight infections and illness and to help stay healthy in the winter.'

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
Winter beauty routine diet
IMAXTREE.COM

How to deal with... cold weather comfort eating

'Being inside more so access to food and drink, covering up in layers and maybe being less active due to short days and winter weather can all have an effect on eating more and exercising less,' explains Porter. 'The Christmas season that seems to stretch from the end of November to 2nd Jan is a great excuse for treats aplenty and alcohol.'

How to deal with... eating your way to a good mood

'Take some tips from nature and be like a squirrel - fill up your store cupboard and freezer. It will save you time and help protect your health when you get home hungry on those dark nights. If you have healthier food choices to hand you can throw together supper and have something delicious and nutritious on the table quickly with not too much effort, rather than rummaging in the drawer for that take away leaflet again or resorting to tea and toast for the third time in one day.

'There are additional compounds in fruit and vegetables that are not found in supplements so eat the real thing (fresh, dried, frozen or tinned in juice). Look for root vegetables like carrots and swede, winter greens, frozen berries and citrus fruit in season to boost your levels of bets-carotene and vitamin C and a handful of nuts as a snack provides zinc and vitamin E – all will help your immune system.'

6. Give Your Brain Some Love

Winter Beauty Routine -Winter Survival Beauty Guide
Getty Images

When winter hits...

'Many of us experience a dip in our mood with a change of season,' says Philippa Bradnock, Information Manager at Mind. 'However, people with Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) will experience a much greater effect on mood and energy levels which can have a significant impact on their day-to-day life.

'While the causes of SAD aren’t always clear, we know that a lack of daylight can have a big impact on mood during the winter. When light hits the back of the eye, messages are passed to the part of the brain responsible for sleep, appetite, sex drive, temperature, mood and activity. If there’s not enough light, these functions are likely to slow down and gradually stop.

'Another theory is that if you experience SAD, the part of the brain that does this isn't functioning completely and so your body clock slows down, leading to tiredness and depression,' explains Bradnock. 'Some people experiencing depression have also been found to have lower levels of serotonin, particularly in winter. Equally, it has been found that those experiencing SAD produce much higher levels of melatonin in winter than other people (this is also what happens to animals when they hibernate).'

How to deal with.. SAD

- Get Active

'Physical activity and going outdoors, particularly around midday or on sunny days, can be effective in reducing symptoms, even if it’s just taking a short stroll at lunch. Research shows that exercise can be as effective as antidepressants in treating mild to moderate depression.'

- Eat Well

'Eating a healthy and balanced diet can be as good for your mental health as it is for your physical health. At this time of year, there is a tendency for many of us to increase the amount of sugar, caffeine and alcohol in our diets. But stimulants such as these can make feelings of anxiety and stress worse and leave you feeling lethargic. Try to include lots of fresh fruits and vegetables, and fatty oils like omega 3 and 6 – from foods like oily fish, seeds and nuts – in your diet.'

How to treat SAD
Greg Scaffidi

- Socialise

'Cold weather can make us less likely to socialise with others, especially if we live alone and want to stay cosy indoors. If you are struggling with a mental health problem like depression, withdrawing from friends and family can be both a symptom and a cause of poor mental health. Having contact with people can have a big impact on improving our mood, so try to make plans to see people.

- Avoid Stress

'If you find a particular time of year difficult, try to plan ahead to reduce your number of stressful or difficult activities around this time. If you are changing jobs or moving home think about doing that during a time when you feel best able to cope. You may also feel that discussing your symptoms with your employer and asking for more support could help in minimising pressure during difficult months.

- Speak To Your GP

'Talk to your GP if you’ve noticed changes to your feelings, thoughts and behaviour that last longer than two weeks or keep returning. Perhaps you’re feeling tearful, irritable, or have lost interest in things you’ve previously enjoyed. Keep an eye out for changes to things like sleeping and eating. Your GP should be able to tell you what help and support is available. If appropriate, they may refer you for talking treatments - such as counselling or cognitive behavioural therapy - which can be very useful.

'Antidepressants may be prescribed if you have severe SAD. Drugs can be beneficial for many people, but they don’t work for everyone, and do come with potential side effects. Your GP should discuss all the available options with you and if you are prescribed medication, it’s important to regularly monitor how they’re working for you. Talking to your GP about mental health can be daunting, so Mind has produced a guide to help, available at mind.org.uk/findthewords.'

Watch Next
 
preview for ELLE UK - Beauty
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

Body

three women in the summer

Our Favourite IPL Device Is Hugely Reduced Today

milan, italy september 24 models backstage ahead of the luisa spagnoli fashion show during the milan fashion week womenswear springsummer 2024 on september 24, 2023 in milan, italy photo by rosdiana ciaravologetty images

ELLE Edit: 17 Of The Most Luxe Body Washes

best electric toothbrushes

ELLE Lab: The Best Electric Toothbrushes For 2024

lash growth serum

The Eyelash Growth Serums That Really Work

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below