Tricks for Winter Skincare

Skincare during the winter months is just as important as summer skin care. Whilst in the summer the emphasis of skincare is on sun protection, in the winter it is on intense moisturizing to avoid the dreaded “winter itch”. Cold temperatures and exposure to the wintry elements can cause a host of problems for your skin. It is is prudent that skin is kept hydrated and moisturized through the coldest months of the year to prevent the skin drying and cracking. Cold air dries skin out at a faster rate than warm air which explains why it is the winter months when the skin tends to dry out quicker and more easily. The elevated temperatures from central heating systems inside the home and lack of moisture in the air all contribute too. There are a few tricks that you can keep in mind to prevent dry skin during this time of year: 1. Avoid all harsh soaps and body washes containing chemicals and unnatural substances. This is especially true if you have very sensitive skin. These products have a tendency to strip away the moisture and natural barriers of your skin so it becomes dull and lifeless. They can cause intense irritation to your skin and cause harm to the natural texture making skin sensitive and itchy. Much better to use products that contain only natural ingredients. Natural skincare solutions wonʼt cause any unnecessary damage or stress to your skin and allow it to naturally shine. 2. Lukewarm water should be used whilst showering (or even when having a bath) to aid natural skincare as soaking the face or body in very hot water can strip it of its natural oils and moisture. If you cannot live without a boiling steamy bath or shower, either add the very hot water gradually which will help prepare the skin for the temperature assault, or keep the shower short! Even when washing your hands, remember to keep the water tepid. 3. Moisturize carefully your face and body after a shower or bath whilst your skin is still slightly damp. This will lock in moisture very effectively and prevent dryness and any accompanying itching and irritation. For best results, pat down your skin rather than rub with a towel before applying cream. Ensure a natural skincream or organic skincream is used. 4. When in a snowy environment, be aware the the bright white colour reflects UV rays and can easily cause sun damage to exposed skin (ie your face). Use high factor skin creams or total block when pursuing outdoor sports like skiing or snowboarding to prevent this from happening. UV rays an also damage your eyes so wear good protective sunglasses or goggles too. 5. Keep hands toasty warm and stop them drying out by never leaving home without a pair of gloves. If wool gloves irritate your skin, choose cotton or leather ones, but make sure they are an outfit staple throughout those frosty months. 6. Lips should also be kept well moisturized with a good lip balm so they too avoid drying out. If lips do become chapped, donʼt do the tempting thing of licking them as this will make them worse. Instead, reach for your handy lip balm to smear across both lips. You can also rub them in a circular motion with a toothbrush occasionally to remove dead skin cells and keep them super soft. 7. Undergo a weekly exfoliating session as moisturizer works more effectively on properly exfoliated skin. A milder scrub should be used on your face than on your body so combine the natural exfoliating scrub with a cream before applying here. Apply the natural exfoliating cream to dry skin for best results, massaging it in for at least 5 minutes. It can then be rinsed off in the shower. Donʼt forget to then fully moisturize when you emerge.

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