Our winter skincare must be a little nuance - especially in the night when our skin works toward repairing itself. During the winters, due to low levels of humidity, dwindling temperatures, and relentless gusts of wind, our skin starts to feel drier than usual. How, then, must you hydrate your face, and retain its suppleness? It’s crucial we adhere to a ritualised night-time routine - and here’s how.

 

1. Cleanser

Cleanser

It’s time to rid your skin of dirt, oils, and bacteria. Use a milk-based cleanser to remove your makeup, and cleanse your face thoroughly. Since milk is a mild exfoliating and hydrating agent, it reinstates the softness of your skin. And because it contains lactic acid, it can clear dark spots, tanning, and acne over time. If you don’t have a cleanser, just rinse your face with a little milk before sleeping.

 

2. Exfoliator

Exfoliator

In order to eliminate dryness and flakiness during the winters, use a gentle scrub to exfoliate your skin on every alternate day. Over-exfoliation is a legitimate concern, and leads to irritation, redness, and even more dryness. Don’t rub your skin too harshly, and ensure you’re using a scrub free of harsh or abrasive granules.

 

3. Massage

Massage

After exfoliating your skin, you must condition it. And the best way to do so is by massaging your skin with oil. You can use coconut oil, rosehip oil, or argan oil; but if you don’t have any of the three, aloe vera gel works. Rinse it off with lukewarm water.

 

4. Moisturiser

Moisturiser

Make sure you’re investing in an ultra-hydrating moisturiser to keep your skin soft, supple, and healthy during the winters. Look for one that contains hyaluronic acid, apple cider vinegar, shea butter, or argan oil. Buy a hand-cream to moisturise your hands before sleeping.

 

5. Overnight mask

Overnight mask

Overnight masks hydrate the skin thoroughly because the ingredients have enough time to be absorbed deep within. Your cells repair and renew during this time, and masks support the process. You can do this once or twice a week.