Your Winter Vacation Skincare Essentials

Many Singaporeans love visiting countries with colder climates to escape the hot weather in Singapore. However, when the temperature dips and the humidity levels drop, this results in dry air, which wicks moisture away from our skin. Without adequate protection, it can lead to skin drying out quickly. Furthermore, indoor heating systems and hot showers also contribute towards dry skin.

You don’t have to let dry, chapped skin hinder an otherwise-happy vacation. Here are some tips and tricks to ensure your skin stays healthy and hydrated this winter:

Gently does it.

When shopping for a facial cleanser, look for one that is soap-free and non-lathering. That’s because soap-free, non-lathering cleansers have a neutral pH, which means they are less drying and are less likely to provoke the acidic pH of your skin.

Apart from a gentle cleanser, you’ll also want to use a gentle exfoliator to slough away dead skin cells. Without proper exfoliation, dead cells may clog your skin, making it hard for moisture to get in. And in these dry climes, you’ll need all the moisture you can get!

Moisturise, moisturise, moisturise!

For an added layer of hydration, add a serum to your skincare regime. Serums usually come with smaller molecules, so they are better equipped to penetrate deeper into your skin’s layers. Pamper and treat your skin by applying a dose of skin-repairing serum before your moisturiser.

As for your moisturiser, look for one that comes with nourishing ingredients to keep your skin well hydrated. Try to go for an oil-based moisturiser rather than a water-based formulation, as the former is more likely to help your skin retain moisture in dry weather. Avoid products with petroleum-based ingredients as this can further dry out your skin.

Treat your skin.

Speaking of treats, it’s crucial to give your skin some extra TLC when subject to cold, dry conditions. One great way to pamper your skin is with an overnight mask or a hydrating sheet mask. You can even cobble together your own moisturising mask, using natural moisturising ingredients such as honey, avocado, yogurt, olive oil, almond oil, or aloe. Simply mix your preferred ingredients together to form a paste-like solution, and leave on your skin for 20 to 30 minutes.

Don’t forget protection.

Using sunscreen is a non-negotiable, even in winter months. In fact, winter sun can be just as damaging as our tropical sunshine, especially if you’re taking part in snow activities such as skiing and snowboarding. When visiting somewhere snowy, you’ll need to be extra conscientious about applying sunscreen. That is because snow is a major sun reflector – about 80 percent of UV radiation is reflected from snow.

So which is the best sunscreen for wintry weather? Physical sunscreens – which contain active mineral ingredients such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide – provide better spectrum coverage compared to chemical-based sunscreens, which usually block either UVB or UVA rays. What’s more, physical sunscreens tend to be less irritating on the skin as compared to chemical sunscreens, which is what you’ll need when your skin is already subject to harsh winter conditions.

Drink up!

We don’t perspire as much in colder countries, which may cause us to forget to drink enough water and lead to our skin drying out. Our skin requires hydration from the inside out; so remember to drink plenty of water throughout the day.
With a little mindfulness and careful planning, you can be assured your skin stays healthy, soft, and smooth … even in the coldest winters!