West of Ireland Skincare Pros on How to Winter-proof Your Beauty Routine

As the winter chill sets in, you may notice your skin feeling drier, tighter, and more prone to irritation. We turned to three beauty pros who are based in the west for their insider tips on keeping you gorgeous all season long.

Small tweaks make a big difference

Anna Forde, owner of Tuam’s the Beauty Suite and founder of beauty tech brand Haumea, recommends some savvy skincare switches. “Firstly, you don’t need an entirely new routine for winter," she says. "You can still follow the same steps you usually do – cleanse, exfoliate, serum, eye cream, moisturise, SPF –but you may wish to switch out a few of your usual formulas for more hydrating, nourishing alternatives in the colder months.”

So, what should you look for in a winter skincare routine? According to John Loftus, Managing Director & CEO at G Haute Cosmetics, ingredients like hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, and ceramides are all excellent for providing hydration and strengthening the skin’s barrier during the colder months.

“Think about adding boosters into your existing skincare routine to protect and repair," advises Kira. "Our My Little Hero is a winter skin saviour! A couple of drops under your moisturiser or added into masks can repair winter damage and reduce irritation, giving your skin that extra resilience.”

Build in some time for winter skin TLC

It's easier to care for skin in the summer, but Kira Walton, co-founder of Voya, highlights the importance of not forgetting about it in the winter. "The winter is when we shed those layers of skin, and if we don’t take care of this, it will build up and harden or start flaking – and we don’t want that," she says. "We need to enjoy our hibernation and the ‘me time’ that winter gives us to bathe and beautify ourselves!" Kira suggests incorporating exfoliation into your skincare regimen in winter to remove dead skin and allow hydrating products to penetrate better. 

Treat yourself to winter seaweed bath

Lady Days detoxifying seaweed bath, €28, Voya

With it getting dark at 5pm in the West of Ireland, winter is the perfect time to build-in a little extra self-care. Kira recommends a good seaweed bath.

 “At this time of year, the seaweed is at its most luscious," she enthuses. "Seaweed contains alginate gels that are powerful moisturisers. Just make sure you hydrate afterward with plenty of water.”

Up your water intake

If you're on a budget, winter skincare doesn’t mean overhauling your entire routine. John highlights some low-cost winter self-care essentials: “Drink water, and lots of it! We all turn to comfort and excess in winter, but staying hydrated is essential."

Try some hot and cold therapy

Using saunas in winter can also do wonders for your skin. "Using a sauna or steam facility can help keep lymph activity and metabolism at a good level," says John. "And if you’re brave enough to take the plunge, an ice bath or sea swim can be a game-changer!”

Use a hydrating face mask

Anna recommends using a hydrating face mask at night to restore moisture. “A good mask is a great way to revitalise your skin and add moisture overnight. It’s essential for combating the dryness and dullness that often comes with colder weather,” she explains. “I love Image skincare Vital C hydrating overnight masque as the final step in my night time routine.”

Keep up your SPF routine

While we’re all tempted to focus on rehydrating our skin, it’s crucial not to neglect the sun protection habits we’ve built up in the summer months. The sun may not shine as brightly or as often during autumn and winter as it does in summer, UV rays still make their way to the earth's surface. This means sun protection isn’t just a summertime concern – your skin needs to be shielded from UV radiation all year round, even in the colder months. “Keep using SPF 50. As I always say to Mark, the sun gets through those dark clouds” laughs Kira. 

John Loftus also debunks this winter skincare myth. “UV protection is still necessary in winter. Just because the sun isn’t shining doesn’t mean you won’t be exposed to UV rays. I also can’t stress enough how important it is to avoid harmful ingredients in your skincare products – always choose clean, proven, and safe ingredients.”

Winter skincare doesn’t require an entirely new routine, but it’s the perfect time to tweak your products for maximum hydration. Consistency is key – cleanse, exfoliate, hydrate, and protect. By making small adjustments like adding richer moisturisers or using a hydrating mask, you can ensure your skin stays glowing and healthy all winter long.