The best skincare ingredients for hydrated and healthy skin

At AP Smilecare, we believe in offering more than just over-the-counter solutions. Our team creates personalised skincare treatments for each of our patients, using medical-grade ingredients and products to deliver real, long-lasting results. At our Blackburn clinic, we offer a variety of skincare treatments designed to help improve skin problems, prevent signs of ageing, and restore the natural contours of your face.

Now that winter is here with its freezing temperatures, our skin often needs a little extra care to stay hydrated, especially if you’re out and about quite a bit. If you’re looking for a few items to keep in your bathroom cabinet to help maintain your skincare routine through the colder months, some skincare ingredients work wonders during this time of year.

Why does skin feel drier in winter?

First things first, if you’ve noticed your skin is drier than usual as we approach the end of the year, don’t worry – you’re not alone. There are a few good reasons why this happens. If your skincare routine that’s worked for you all summer suddenly isn’t cutting it, it might just need a few adjustments to better handle the winter months.

So, why does this happen? There are plenty of reasons. Central heating, which is likely on more often now, dries out your skin, while the constant temperature changes between the chilly outdoors and the warm indoors can lead to sensitivity and irritation. Cold winds strip moisture, leading to redness and irritation, and the low humidity during winter months leaves your skin prone to dehydration and cracks. That’s not to say all of these are going to happen every year, but if you’re having any of these problems now, with the inevitable cold snap, this is probably why.

4 skincare ingredients to add to your list

Now that you know why your skin’s feeling a little off in the winter, let’s talk about how to give it some extra love. Just like you wouldn’t leave the house without your winter coat, it’s time to adjust your skincare routine to keep your skin happy and healthy during the colder months. Here are a few skin ingredients that make great additions to any winter skincare routine. It’s always best to do your research on ingredients and ensure you’re not using any clashing products, but one or a few of these could be a great addition to your routine and save you all the drama of dry skin.

Hyaluronic Acid

Hyaluronic acid is a powerful humectant, meaning it draws moisture from the environment into the skin. It holds up to 1,000 times its weight in water, providing intense hydration, which is especially beneficial in winter when low humidity can really dry out your skin. Hyaluronic acid helps your skin retain moisture, keeping it plump and smooth while reducing fine lines and making it more comfortable in the cold.

Niacinamide

Niacinamide is a multitasking powerhouse that can help strengthen the skin’s natural barrier function. It’s also a form of Vitamin B3. Niacinamide may improve the skin’s ability to retain moisture and reduce the loss of water from the skin’s uppermost layer. This is key in winter when harsh weather and indoor heating can strip moisture away, leaving you feeling dry.

Aloe Vera

Aloe vera is the plant we all know and love — not just a great coffee table centrepiece, but also a great skincare ingredient! It’s rich in antioxidants, enzymes, and vitamins that help soothe, hydrate, and heal the skin. Humectants in aloe vera bind moisture to the skin, making it perfect for treating winter dryness. Aloe vera is also anti-inflammatory and can help calm irritated skin caused by cold temperatures and central heating!

Squalane

Perhaps lesser known squalane is a form of squalene, a natural oil found in our skin that helps protect and maintain moisture. Even though it is an oil, it’s a great option if other oils feel too heavy or greasy because it’s noncomedogenic, which means it’s lightweight and won’t clog your pores. Squalane can help support your skin’s barrier function, which can weaken in winter’s cold and dry conditions.

Or, if you’d prefer to come into our clinic and see our skincare team to see if we can help address any of your skin concerns, you’re more than welcome to come!

We use high-quality, medical-grade ingredients and will take the time to understand your specific skin goals. If you’re interested in learning more and experiencing the benefits for yourself, feel free to visit our Blackburn clinic or give us a call at 01254 297000 to speak with a friendly member of our team!