We’re approaching that time of year when the season changes and our energy levels naturally begin to drop. With colder temperatures, dry air, icy winds and indoor heating - our skin really bears the brunt of the season changes, so putting in a little extra effort for our largest organ of the body is especially important. We have put together a list of the most common cold weather skincare mistakes, and simple steps we can take to achieve soft, smooth and healthy glowing skin throughout the season.

Mistake 1: You’re using the same cleanser you’ve been using in summer

During the colder months your skin tends to lack moisture, so it’s essential to choose the right cleanser for your skin to avoid stripping it of its natural oils. Just as you would switch from your regular moisturiser you use in summer, to a more hydrating product in Autumn - the same rule applies to your facial cleansers. Cream cleansers are more gentle on dry skin, and are packed full of moisture and nourishment.

Try: Sanctum’s Soothing Cream Cleanser
Ingredients and why we recommend: Containing Coconut Oil and Yucca Cactus Extract, this cleanser will help wash away daily residue, makeup and excess oil while still preserving the natural acid layer of the skin (so it won’t dry out the skin!). You can use this daily, morning and night for skin that feels clean, nourished and smooth naturally.

Mistake 2: You’re taking longer and warmer showers

As tempting as a long hot shower is during the colder months, this is not doing your skin any favours. Water does not moisturise your skin (in fact, water repels oil), and the heat can end up absorbing all the natural oils and moisture from your skin. By spending less time in the shower, not only is your skin happier, but you are also reducing water consumption and taking individual action to saving our planet.

Be sure to choose lukewarm water and use a body wash that does not contain traditional soap, as this can also lead to flaky and irritated skin. Next, apply an ultra-hydrating body moisturiser and facial moisturiser after patting the skin dry.

Try: Sanctum’s Body Spa
Ingredients and why we recommend: This is a skin softening shower gel that builds into a light, creamy lather that cleanses and rejuvenates the skin. Containing Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice and Thyme Extract, this soap alternative is anti-inflammatory, soothing and hydrating for the skin.

Also try: Sanctum’s Body Balm
Ingredients and why we recommend: This rich body moisturiser contains Cocoa Seed Butter, Coconut Oil and Shea Butter that replenishes lost moisture in the skin and works to create a super smooth, supple complexion. The hydrating balm also contains Chamomile Flower Extract that works to soothe and protect sensitive and allergy prone skin.

Mistake 3: You haven’t added a serum into your daily routine

The colder months require a tiny bit more effort than your summer routine, and adding a serum into your daily skincare regime is an easy and super effective extra step. Serums are a great boost for the skin that add an extra layer of moisture and nourishment, without making you feel greasy. As serums absorb quite quickly into the skin, they can easily be layered with your daily facial moisturiser - leaving the skin refreshed.

Try: Sanctum’s HY C Recovery Serum
Ingredients and why we recommend: This powerful Vitamin C serum nourishes, smoothes and restores moisture. Plus Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that works to brighten the complexion, fade age spots and assist uneven skin tones. If that isn’t enough, Gotu Koal Extract also works to defend the skin against damaging environmental forces (like cold air and icy winds).

Mistake 4: You've forgotten to exfoliate  

Many people make the mistake of thinking that exfoliating will lead to dry and sensitive skin when the weather is cooler. Nope! Quite the opposite. To achieve soft and glowing skin, you need to be ridding yourself of dead skin cells. By exfoliating your face and body around twice a week, you can maintain healthy skin by unclogging follicles and removing that flaky dead skin cell build up. Plus exfoliation leads to quicker and deeper absorption of your moisturisers and serums, meaning you will get more from your products.

Keep exfoliating products in the shower so you don’t forget to polish away dull and lifeless skin.

Try: Sanctum’s Gentle Face Exfoliant
Ingredients and why we recommend: This exfoliant contains an exquisite combination of Loofah, crushed Walnut Shell and Rice Bran that gently polishes away dead skin cells and impurities. This helps to stimulate circulation in the skin, to reveal a brighter, smoother complexion.

Try: Sanctum’s Body Polish
Ingredients and why we recommend: This body scrub is the perfect shower partner with its unique, gentle infusion of Salt, ground Coffee and crushed Macadamia Nut Shells to effectively remove dead skin cells and help improve circulation. Not to mention the sweet aroma of coffee to relax the body and mind.

Mistake 5: You’re not using a humidifier

When the air is drier and indoor heating is on, your skin can suffer due to natural oils being taken away. Cool mist humidifiers are especially beneficial during this time to help with increasing air hydration levels indoors, and combating any loss of moisture in the skin due to the heater running. Make sure you clean your humidifier weekly to prevent bacteria and mould build up, which you can end up breathing in.

Another tip? Always have a facial mist close by. Whenever your skin is feeling tired or sluggish, this is a simple way to re-energise, soothe and soften the skin.

Try: Sanctum’s Tone & Refresh Mist
Ingredients and why we recommend: This handy bottle contains Cucumber and Witch Hazel Extract that will refresh, hydrate, softens and revalitalises the skin. It also contains Rose Flower Extract which is gentle and balancing for the skin, and great for calming sensitive skin types.

Mistake 6: You’re not slowing down or getting enough sleep

It’s natural as human beings to run a little slower as temperatures drop (a number of animals go into hibernation!). Take the time for self care during the colder months and make sure you are getting enough shut eye, as our bodies need that extra little bit of rest, both mentally and physically.

Melatonin regulates the body’s sleep-wake cycles, and a lack of light can cause the body to produce less of this natural hormone. Make sure you are catching a safe amount of sun-rays when you can, and spending time in the fresh air to help calm the mind. If you’re a restless sleeper, try downloading meditation apps on phone that can guide you into a calm and deep sleep. We recommend Calm and Insight Timer.

Try: Sanctum’s Hydrating Gel Mask
Ingredients and why we recommend: A great excuse to take 10 minutes out of your day, 1-2 times a week, and self indulge. This facial mask contains Cucumber Fruit Extract Juice that refreshes tired, weary skin and gives a boost of hydration. Vitamin E and Aloe Vera combine to deeply cleanse and tone the skin, while replenishing any lost moisture and restoring your natural glow.