During the coldest months of the year, the cold, the damp and the wind all have negative effects on our skin. This cold weather in combination with the effects of central heating causes our skin to become dehydrated and, as a result, extremely dry in places. Naturally, we all reach for a moisturizer to quench our thirsty skin, but is this really enough?
It's particularly important to look after your skin during the winter months and moreso now that we're all using particularly harsh alcohol based products to protect ourselves from the coronavirus. So let's take a look at how to keep your skin healthy, hydrated and in tip top condition over the winter.
Moisturize, Hydrate, Glow
Moisturizers are great against the dehydrating effects of winter. The right moisturizer for your face is essential and finding the one that suits your skin, depending on your skin type, may be a case of trial and error until you find one that's perfect for you. For the best results, opt for face creams which contain hyaluronic acid, panthenol or butters such as cupuacu. If you have sensitive skin or skin that is prone to break-outs, make sure the product is hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic.
Cleanliness is akin to ………
Obviously, before applying moisturizer it is essential that your skin is as clean as possible. Leaving your make-up on all day and the effect of pollution on your skin will create a layer of chemicals that will block your pores. Coconut oil is ideal for dry skin types for removing the accumulated daily dirt or aloe for oily skins. If you favour a facial wash, make sure the water is warm. Avoid using hot or cold water as extreme temperatures will dry out your skin.
Body Beautiful
We often make the mistake of ignoring our body over the winter months as we cocoon ourselves in layers of cosy clothing. When showering or bathing, always use body washes with moisturizing ingredients. Once or twice a week, treat your skin to a body scrub to tackle dull, lifeless-looking skin to exfoliate all those dead skin cells. Use a circular motion as you scrub as this will also promote blood flow. Take extra care over those troublesome areas such as knees and elbows! When you have finished, apply moisturizer to damp skin to seal in as much moisture as possible. This will leave your skin glowing and rejuvenated.
Stay Young in the Sun
Even though it's winter, it doesn't mean you can forget about sun protection. Prevention is always better than cure and considering UVA is primarily responsible for premature ageing, preempt those crow's feet with your favourite SPF! A hydrating skin lotion with an SPF of 30 is the ideal choice to keep your skin silky soft and smooth.
Mask Up
Face masks are another effective way to care for your skin during the winter months and offer great results. There are plenty to choose from and there's sure to be one to meet your specific need be it hydration, rejuvenation, brightening………… the list is endless.
Soap Opera
Looking after our hands during the winter months is crucial. Hands are often neglected and left out in the cold as we go about our daily lives resulting in dry, sore hands. This, coupled with the harsh products we are using in order to protect ourselves from Covid 19, is having an added detrimental effect on our skin. It has been proven that washing is better than using gels which are often alcohol based and cause your skin to become irritated. But, needs must, and it isn't always possible to have access to soap and water. So, make sure the soap you are using at home is creamy and moisturizing and you always follow up with a lush, rich hand cream.
Luscious Lips
Cold weather can cause your lips to crack and chap. Exfoliate your lips by lightly brushing them with a soft toothbrush to slough away those dead cells. Then apply lip balm for luscious looking lips!
Food for Thought
However, sometimes, even if you follow all of these tips, it's still not enough. We've all heard the saying - ‘you are what you eat'. Our skin is not only a reflection of what we put on it but what we put in it too! So, make sure you add food to your diet which will help you maintain a hydrated and healthy looking skin throughout the winter. To name but a few: nuts, leafy green vegetables, yams, oily fish, olive oil and green tea. It goes without saying that we should be eating plenty of fresh fruit on a daily basis and, of course, as hydration has been our theme - don't forget to drink plenty of water too!
