Beyond the Winter Chill: the Art of Hydrated Skin

Optimal winter skin is achieved by adopting a sophisticated, multi-layered approach: prioritising internal hydration with water and healthy fats, substituting harsh cleansers for gentle, oil-based alternatives, and strategically layering serums (humectants) beneath rich occlusive moisturisers to seal in the skin’s natural barrier. Crucially, year-round sun protection (SPF 30+) is mandatory, regardless of the cloud cover.

It’s no secret that South Africa has a relatively pleasant climate, but those inevitable cold snaps literally suck the moisture from the air. I feel it most acutely in my throat—the instrument I rely on—which is why prioritising hydration from within is paramount. Dehydration is a stealthy thief in cold weather, so maintaining consistent water intake is non-negotiable, even if you don’t feel thirsty.

These are the essential winter hacks that I’ve cultivated over the years to keep my complexion happy, hydrated, and glowing despite the elements.

Hydration: The Foundation of a Discerning Complexion

The notion that you can simply slather on a thick cream and call it a day is utterly pedestrian. True winter skincare begins with what you consume.

Skincare From The Inside

You must ensure rich, healthy fats are integrated into your diet. I am referring to ample avocados and nuts. These are not merely trendy items; they are essential for supporting the skin barrier from the inside out. This should be paired with hydrating foods, which, despite the season, means looking out for water-rich fruits and vegetables—cucumbers, oranges, and, should you be so fortunate to find it, watermelon, which I have been inexplicably craving of late.

Adjusting Your Winter Skincare Architecture

This is the essential time to perform a complete overhaul of your routine. You can’t use summer products when the air is actively working against your skin barrier.

The Strategic Cleansing Protocol

While it seems counterintuitive, you must avoid hot water. A tempting hot shower or bath will deplete the natural oils in your skin, leaving you vulnerable. Always opt for lukewarm water to protect your skin barrier.

Furthermore, I learnt a long time ago that you need to cleanse less frequently. You do not need to cleanse your skin in the morning if you thoroughly cleansed the night before. All I do is refresh my skin in the shower, letting the steam do its magic, and then immediately follow up with my serum, moisturiser, and sunblock. Contrary to popular belief, I don’t even use a cleansing product before shaving; the water and steam suffice. I save my rigorous, effective cleansing for the evenings to properly remove the day’s build-up and, more importantly, the layers of sunblock I use.

The Perfect Product Layering

In winter, your layering order is paramount. I always recommend finding a serum that is a humectant—something with hyaluronic acid or glycerine. These attract moisture from the environment and help it penetrate the superficial layer of the skin. And let’s be honest, you can only hydrate the superficial layer, despite what the marketing departments promise.

You then follow this with a richer, occlusive moisturiser. This must be thicker and ideally contain ingredients like ceramides or shea butter. My own research has consistently shown that adding a few drops of a natural tissue oil (and I stress, a natural, non-petroleum-based oil) to your moisturiser forms a protective film. This adds an extra layer of protection, which is vital when the cold air is trying to suck out every drop of goodness you have left.

The Necessary Art of Exfoliation

The biggest mistake people make is avoiding exfoliation when their skin feels dry. I actually find it is even more important because your skin dries up so quickly. It’s pointless adding expensive hydration or oils on top of a layer of dead skin that simply can’t be penetrated. You’re wasting your money, JoziStylerss.

Get yourself a good exfoliator, but always opt for a gentle chemical exfoliator over a physical, grainy scrub. A chemical option is generally gentler and far less likely to irritate your already stressed winter skin.

The Non-Negotiables: SPF and Homeostasis

These are the items that often get overlooked, yet they are crucial for a truly protected and sophisticated winter look.

Sun Protection is a Year-Round Rule

People often think they can forego SPF because the sun isn’t as intense as during summer. A truly discerning person knows that UV rays are still present in winter, and on cloudy days, they bounce back with a vengeance. You must apply a broad-spectrum SPF 30 throughout the year. If you plan to be outdoors, apply more.

I also find my lips get terribly dry and prone to chapping in winter, so you need a rich lip balm, again one with an SPF. Also, your hands are constantly exposed; a dedicated, nourishing hand cream can make a world of difference. I know it gives men the grils to think about slathering on body moisturiser, but honestly, it is important.

The JoziStyle Opinion on Temperature and Pharmacists’ Etiquette

Protective clothing like scarves, gloves, and hats will shield your exposed skin from cold winds. However, the real killer is the extreme fluctuation between environments—what I believe the pharmaceutical term is, homeostasis.

This is where I must address some of our nationwide pharmacists and supermarkets: it is utterly unhealthy for the respiratory system and the skin to go from a freezing cold environment into a shop where the temperature is set to subtropical. You need to find a temperate balance, not too hot and not too cold. It should take the edge off the chill, but I should absolutely not be perspiring. I used to white-knuckle it in the office when colleagues would have the heater on high while wearing scarves and gloves, shivering, while I sat there in a T-shirt, praying for rain. The body likes equilibrium.

And speaking of pharmacists, I must air a grievance about common courtesy. When people are discussing intimate details about their bodies, the pharmacist should not blurt them out on a loudspeaker. I remember once watching a very attractive gentleman approach the hall of shame, only for the pharmacist to declare, “You take this cream and you rub it on the rash.” In that instant, his dating possibilities dropped from 10 to zero, colder than the Highveld.

One expects people with a university degree to appreciate the finer nuances of good etiquette and discretion. Furthermore, I demand that both major nationwide pharmacists ensure their cashiers have adequate change. Considering the cost of pharmaceuticals, if your cashier is short of 5 or 10 cents, your customers deserve double the difference. We should start a campaign on this.

On that note, ensuring your skin is as financially sound as your rands is the ultimate goal.

Comment: Which step in your winter routine is currently your favourite?

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