We’re a week out from Winter which can only mean two things: hot chocolate consumption at Go-To HQ is about to go through the roof and it’s almost time to bring out the big, hydrating guns to keep your skin thoroughly protected from all of the delightful dryness that comes with the chilly season.

To help ease you into winter-y weather, we’ve pulled together all you need to know to make the perfect hot chocolate. Wait, no. We've pulled together all you need to know about these very important seasonal skin care switches below.

Why You Should Change Your Skin Care Routine In Winter

Harsh winds, heavy heater use, a rapid decrease in humidity which results in your skin drying out faster, and scorchy showers. All of which are a) incredibly common - some, completely unavoidable - in Winter and b) potential causes of dehydrated, flaky, irritated, and tight skin. Because of this it makes sense that you would adjust your skin care accordingly to ward off Winter Skin.

That’s not to say you need to completely overhaul your routine the second the temperature drops. But a few key additions or switches to offer you skin a little extra boost and some protection against dryness, flakiness, and dehydration are a very clever idea.

The Best Skin Care Products and Ingredients To Use In Winter

The drop in temperature and rise in heater usage and hot showers means that occlusive ingredients are an excellent idea. Occlusives (things like: shea butter, lanolin, beeswax, etc.) seal in moisture and stop water from evaporating which make them perfect for drafting winter dryness. Adding in a humectant (glycerin and hyaluronic acid) will also go a long way in fighting off dehydration, despite your newfound heater habit.

Five of the best skin care products for Winter:

1. A nourishing cleanser.
Winter skin care is all about squeezing as much hydration into your skin care as (super)humanly possible. Switching over to a cleanser that replenishes as it removes (think: cleansing milks/creams, balms, or oils) is a simple and effective way to give your routine an extra boost of moisture.

A few nourishing cleanser options for your convenience:
Oil Cleanser: Go-To Fancy Face
Balm Cleanser: Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm
Milk Cleanser: Ren Evercalm Cleansing Milk

2. A hydrating serum.
These are especially crucial in winter when you’re slamming the air conditioner and your skin feels a little tight and dry. Keep an eye out for hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and glycerin which are widely recognised as hydration powerhouses.

3. A chemical exfoliant.
All those lush creams you’re slathering on needs to be removed properly. If they’re not, all that product (plus all your dead skin cells, plus other grime and gross stuff) can lead to breakouts, congestion, and dullness. A chemical exfoliant is able to give your pores a real thorough clear out and prevent any of that annoying build-up business.

4. A lush moisturiser.
Leave your lightweight gels and lotions in Summer. You’re going to need something rich and replenishing to combat Winter Skin. All the better if it’s loaded with lush, occlusive ingredients like shea butter that will really lock all that hydration and moisture from your serums into your skin.

5. A replenishing lip balm.
For everyday use, you’ll want something loaded with ingredients that hydrate to condition and moisturise your lips to prevent dry spots or flaking. If you’re hitting the snow, on the other hand, you’ll want to call on something thicker and occlusive to act as a barrier and protect your lips.

How To Prepare Your Skin For Spring

Switch out your lush face creams for something more lightweight (such as a water cream or lotion), sub in a cleansing mousse or gel for your everyday cleansing needs (and keep the cleansing balm/oil for when you’re wearing lots of SPF or makeup), and buy it a new pair of sandals.