Skincare Essentials for Winter Travel Destinations

A cosy winter cabin getaway with an open fire and big mug of hot chocolate sounds like the dream holiday to get truly away from everything for a week or two. While you might get excited buying new jumpers and planning what coat to bring, remember to also check your skincare is stocked up and prepared for the colder, harsher weather.

When staying somewhere cold, it’s not just the cold weather that wreaks havoc on the skin, but also our attempts at staying warm. That comforting roaring fire can dry the air and your skin, the extra hot bath or shower you take will strip more oils from your skin leaving it dry and exposed. Luckily, there are things we can do to help minimise potential skin issues, and packing the appropriate skincare products will be a big help towards this.

Choose Natural, Fragrance-Free Skincare

Chemicals used in non-natural and fragranced products often dry out and irritate the skin, so it’s essential to avoid this when we want to protect our skin in colder climates. Going for natural skincare that includes hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid, coconut oil and shea butter all help to put moisture back into the skin and repair the skin’s outer barrier to keep that moisture locked in.

Modify your Skincare Routine

There might be some ingredients in your skincare that can aggravate skin that is already dry or itchy. Products containing alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) and retinoids can make dry skin worse, so be sure to leave these at home and you can start reusing them when you come back.

If you aren’t already using an antioxidant serum, now would be a good time to incorporate one into your daily skincare routine. Look for one with vitamin C (L-Ascorbic acid) for the best protection in winter weather, and niacinamide or vitamin E to help boost and retain moisture levels.

Our Serene SkinLab Renew Serum would be the perfect winter holiday companion, packed with antioxidants like vitamin C, niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid, it contains all the ingredients essential to maintaining hydrated, glowing skin.

Apply after cleansing and before moisturising.

Always steer clear of products that contain alcohol as they strip the skin of its natural oils.

And don’t forget to moisturise the rest of your body too. When washing your face or body, pat the skin dry instead of rubbing to help retain more moisture, and be sure to apply a moisturiser to the skin within a few minutes. Find a good thick moisturiser for whole body use, such as the Calming Repair Cream which helps to repair the skin barrier and deeply hydrates the skin layers, and not forgetting a moisturising lip balm to help prevent chapped lips. Also keep a small hand balm ready to use after you wash your hands.

Another secret weapon that you cannot forget to bring is the Renew Mask. It serves not only as a day mask sealing in all that moisture, and it also nourishes and replenishes any lost moisture when you use it as an overnight sleeping mask. It is a saviour for those dry winter days & nights.

Keep Wearing SPF

Even on a grey cloudy day, up to 80% of harmful UV rays can reach the earth’s surface and cause premature skin aging. In snowy locations, UV rays get reflected off the snow, multiplying your UV exposure. Look for an SPF that has strong UVA protection as UVA rays are more damaging in winter weather. Apply after your moisturiser and reapply every 2 hours for optimum protection.

Our Serene SkinLab Sunblock offers both UVA and UVB protection with SPF42++. It is also packed with antioxidants and traditional Chinese herbs that target pores and blemishes.

Follow these winter destination tips and your skin will stay looking glowing and healthy throughout your holiday.