Can you believe it’s almost Winter? As it starts to cool down across Australia, we imagine you’re pulling out your knits, dusting off your favourite soup recipes and reaching for the heater controls. But it’s not just your wardrobe and meal plan that should be changing, it’s time to update your skincare routine too.

There’s been a little debate about whether or not you need to change your skincare with the seasons. Of course, sticking with a consistent routine is great for your skin. But we’re firm believers that rotating in a few new products gives you many more benefits.

A key indicator that you should change up your routine? Our habits change as the seasons change and we all know just how much impact those little things we do every day can have on our complexion. From what we eat, to how much time we spend outside, sitting in artificial heating versus working up a sweat simply walking down the block.

Our diets are a great example. In Summer we’re more likely to eat the kinds of fruits and vegetables that keep us hydrated like melons, berries, oranges, cucumber and lettuce. Popular Winter fruits and vegetables such as stone fruits, bananas, broccoli, corn and legumes contain less water and are therefore less hydrating for our skin.

When it comes to curating a skincare routine that’s Winter ready, hydration is the biggest factor as that change in daily habits leads to dry and fragile skin. We need to be replenishing the moisture that’s lost when sitting in artificial heating and our change in diet.

Another factor you should consider focusing on is repairing Summer’s damage. Because we spend less time in the sun over Winter, you can afford to up the ante on restorative and brightening ingredients that work to turn back the time on pigmentation and fine lines caused by sun damage. As these ingredients sensitise your skin to the sun, it’s far safer to use them when you’ll be experiencing less damaging sun exposure i.e. Winter.

As for the products you should be investing in?

Replenishing Face Cleanser

The ingredients used to create the texture of your cleanser can make a difference to how your skin reacts. Gel and foam cleansers tend to be better for oily skin whereas creams and cleansing lotions work best on dry skin.

It should go without saying then that a creamy lotion like the Alkira Hydrating Cleansing Lotion is your Winter skin BFF. It’s full of essential fatty acids and antioxidants thanks to a blend of powerful Australian native botanicals. They work together to provide hydration and clarify your skin but what’s so great about this cleanser is its ability to remove your makeup while it cleanses, allowing you to skip a makeup removing step that could further dry out your skin.

Super Nourishing Moisturiser

Summer moisturisers tend to be light so they’re not clashing with sweat and excess oil and when it comes to Winter, you should be swapping for something that’s really going to hit hard on the hydration. The Minenssey Nutritious Face and Neck Cream works to restore your protective barrier while bringing moisture to your skin. It’s loaded with pomegranate and Kakadu plum which are both rich in Vitamin C and promote collagen production to leave you glowing. It’s quite a thick texture yet applies really easily and works well over serums and oils. It absorbs quickly for a soft rather than sticky feeling and even makes a great base for makeup so can be used morning and night.

Hydrating Face Oil

The Biossance 100% Squalane Oil is a lightweight and fast-absorbing oil that is really good at bringing instant moisture to the skin and locking it in. Unlike hyaluronic acid that attracts and holds moisture in the skin, squalane actually is that moisture and mimics the squalene that is naturally occurring in your skin. It’s great for dry Winter skin and won’t leave you feeling sticky or slippery. You can also use it on the ends of your hair to relive dryness.

Gentle Eye Serum  

The sensitive skin around your eyes can really cop a beating during Winter and it doesn’t react well to dryness. Using a hydrating serum like the Biologi Bk – Rejuvenating Eye Serum is a great way to infuse moisture that plumps fine lines and settles irritation. The great thing about this serum is it sinks in quick so you don’t have to be touching the sensitive area and it contains Kakadu plum, a native botanical high in Vitamin C that can help fight pigmentation.

Brightening Mask

Winter is a great time to think about ridding your skin of all that pigmentation that a long and hot Australian Summer causes because you’ll likely be spending less time in the sun. It gives your skin a chance to catch up without the sun reducing the effectiveness of all of your hard work.

The Vanité Brighten Clay Mask is a miracle worker on stubborn discolouration and general dullness. Made from white clay with gentle fruit enzymes, it works to slough off that layer of dead skin sitting on top of your skin that takes away your glow and stops your products from sinking in properly. It won’t dry your skin out and is easy to add to your weekly routine to work on fading pigmentation.

Hydrating Mask

The Aspect Probiotic Mask has been a total life saver for my skin season after season and is my go-to whenever I need serious hydration and glow. Its creamy texture sinks in quickly so you can apply a thicker layer to use as a 15minute mask or apply it like a moisturiser at night and let it work its magic overnight. It really does make you wake up with softer, refreshed and plump skin.

Softening Body Scrub

You shouldn’t forget about the rest of your body when changing up your routine, especially in Winter. Dry and scaly skin is the enemy of moisturiser as it doesn’t allow it to properly sink in and fix the problem. The solution? A hydrating and softening body scrub like The Body Shop Spa of The World Ximenia Body Scrub. This creamy salt scrub is gentle thanks to the super fine texture yet works hard to exfoliate away dry and rough skin. Beeswax, shea butter and ximenia oil, all ethically sourced from countries throughout Africa, soften and hydrate your skin at the same time so it’s almost like a one-step limb saver. Best of all, the scent is really soft with a spa like feel so you can happily use it in the morning and not have to worry about it interrupting your choice of fragrance.