Winter is a beautiful season, but it can take its tolls on our skin. Factors like the cold and windy weather, indoor heating, dehydration and the hardness of the water we use on a daily basis can all contribute to skin dryness.
Here are nine tips on how to look after your skin during the cold months:
- Listen to what your skin is telling (showing) you
Learning to understand your skin and how it responds to the products you use is very important, it helps you adapt your skincare routine to any season and environment.
You don’t need to start a whole new skincare routine in winter, and I wouldn’t advise you to do that. What I do recommend is that if you notice your skin getting drier in winter, or worse irritated which can happen with the use of some active ingredients, either reduce their use or replace those by products that are more gentle on the skin, at least for a certain period of time, until your skin has recovered.
Just because you can’t see the sun outside, that doesn’t mean it’s not there so even during winter apply your SPF on a daily basis—you want to get to spring with a healthy and glowy skin.
Artificial heating will not only make your skin dryer but it will also dehydrate your body much faster than in any other season so even when you don’t feel like having a glass of water, drink it anyway, your body and skin will thank you for that; keep your tank full and your body hydrated.
If you tend to forget to drink your water, set up an alert on your phone every 45 minutes to grab a glass of water; I found this very helpful when I was forgetting to keep hydrated and that helped me get back into the habit of staying hydrated.
For a radiant, healthy and glowing skin, exfoliate your face two to three times a week, with a good exfoliator, that suits your skin type
Exfoliating your skin will get rid of dead cells and keep your skin healthy, but don’t overdo it or you will damage your skin.
- Have a professional facial
Even with the best skincare routine, our skin get dull during winter, and a specialist can advise you on the best treatment to help you restore glow to your skin.
If you regularly have facials do not stop them in winter, it is a good time to treat some skin concerns, detox, rejuvenate and nourish your skin whilst you go through the harsh winter.
- Take extra care with sensitive skin
The cold weather outside, the dry heat indoors, hot showers and even clothes with unbreathable or irritating materials can aggravate sensitive skin in winter more than in any other season, hence why protecting your skin barrier during this time of the year is a must.
As someone who has sensitive skin, I’ve learned a few lessons in the past few years which have helped me manage my sensitive skin;
- Foam cleansers are usually more gentle on skin
- Use lukewarm water instead of very hot showers
- Avoid wearing clothes with material that might irritate your skin, especially around the neck area; I learnt this one fast
- Opt for non-fragrance moisturisers and a good ointment to protect skin barrier
For recommendations on products for sensitive skin read article: best brands for sensitive skin.
Lack of hydration and moisture can get your lips looking like a desert with no rain, and you don’t want that.
Choose a nourishing lip-balm to protect your lips especially from the cold weather outside, and before going to bed so your lips can get a good nourishment during sleep-time.
- Wrap your hands with moisture
Shield your hands from dryness and from worse—eczema or dermatitis.
Always apply a moisturiser after shower, before going out and before bedtime.
If you find that you need extra moist, opt for an ointment or an emollient as they lock in moisture and soothe dry and irritated skin.
Lastly, avoid hand washes and cleaning products with harsh chemicals in them, your hands will thank you for that.
- Prevent dry legs in the cold weather
Keep your legs moisturised during winter with regular body scrubs and, after shower use a body lotion, and when skin is extra dry opt for body oils or ointments.
You might find that topping up your moisturiser in the afternoon will help avoid dry and flaky legs, as it will restore moisture faster.
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