With winter around the corner, it’s not uncommon to find our usual skincare suddenly turn on us. Breakouts, dry patches, redness, or all of the above – the cooler months can deliver the trifecta when it comes to inflammation and irritation. The winter elements, including the artificial (more on this below), can wreak havoc on our complexions. Thankfully, a seasonal skincare switch-up may be all that’s needed.

In winter, rapidly changing temperatures—from icy winds to artificial heating—are harsh on the skin and capillaries. The prolonged exposure to wet weather also slows down cell renewal and circulation, as well as strips the skin’s barrier function. Overall, you’ll notice your skin just doesn’t operate like it used to – not to mention the effects of the winter ills and chills on skin performance. As your skin gets put through the wringer expect to see more dryness, redness, and irritation than usual.

Tips for addressing your wintertime skin needs

Switch to a chemical exfoliant

While it’s tempting to take to dry, flaky skin with a physical exfoliant (scrub), during the winter months it can do more harm than good. Your skin is more sensitive, so a harsh, abrasive scrub will likely damage it more. Instead, it’s best to remove dead skin cells with a chemical exfoliant, such as AHA or BHAs.

Try: Medik8 Press & Glow

Get your glow back

No, your eyes aren’t playing tricks on you, winter can rob your complexion of its glow. If you’re switching to a chemical exfoliant, many will not only help slough away dull skin cells but promote radiant skin, too. However, to supercharge results, add a serum into the mix – it’s the product that will yield the most result over any other in your routine. In addition to your AHA or BHAs in the evening, try an antioxidant serum in the morning with ingredients like vitamin C, vitamin E, ferulic acid, or niacinamide. For the real deal, up the ante with a chemical peel. While best left to the pros, DIY at-home peels can also deliver impressive benefits. Dermalogica’s new Liquid Peelfoliant is formulated with a total of 30 percent acids to and enzymes to intensely brighten, even, and exfoliate in just one use.

Keep calm

If your skin is irritated or red, incorporate calming ingredients into your routine. Skin-soothing ingredients, like bisabolol, evening primrose oil, and oatmeal, work to visibly calm signs of irritation or sensitivity when applied to skin. They’re often derived from plants, and the best of them deliver antioxidant benefits, too.

Try: Augustinus Bader The Rich Cream

Just add oil

If you currently use a gel or foam cleanser, winter is the ideal time to consider switching to oil. An oil cleanser not only provides a deep cleanse, it locks in hydration and boosts the skin barrier, without stripping it of its natural—and very necessary—oils.

Try: Tata Harper Nourishing Oil Cleanser

Change up the texture

Dryness is the most common winter skin woe. Reach for a richer lotion that’s thicker in consistency – think the skin equivalent of a buttery soft sweater. Better yet, look for one that’s fragrance-free and loaded with fatty acids or hydrating ingredients, like squalane or hyaluronic acid.

Try: Emma Lewisham Supernatural Face Crème Riche or Murad Intense Recovery Cream

Increase screentime

Of the skincare kind, that is. Winter’s glare is particularly harsh on the skin, made worse by the fact that most people relax their usual sun care routine come winter. It’s important to apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF rating of at least 30 to your face, hands, and all exposed areas of skin 30 minutes before going outside and reapply frequently. Thankfully, sunscreens are a lot cooler than the thick, white cast kind of yesteryear. If you’re skin needs extra TLC, look for a ‘skinscreen‘, which combines skin and sun care benefits.

Try: Coola Classic Face SPF50 Moisturiser