Winter skin tips

Cold weather can wreak havoc on skin, but that doesn’t mean you have to suffer during those chilly winter months.

 Here’s some winter tips.

1. Avoid using facial wipes.

Often used as a quick fix to remove makeup, these wipes tend to strip the skin of its natural pH balance, creating dry skin patches, tightness and dehydration Always clean your skin before bedtime with a cleansing balm or facial wash.  Wipes contain a preservative similar to hand wash that is known to cause skin allergy in some people. Cleansing your skin removes impurities and makeup, and it de-clogs the pores, which makes your skin feel refreshed and allows it to breathe overnight. Using a night-time facial oil or night cream will further assist with healing and repair.

2. Don’t lick your lips.

Lips can get extra dry during the winter, and the natural reaction to lick them can make them crack. Exfoliate your lips as you would your face, and make sure to use a hydrating lip balm, avoiding anything with alcohol as an ingredient. Easy way to gently exfoliate dry skin from your lips is with a baby toothbrush. Use a lip balm made of Shea butter or coconut oil

3. Vitamin C to boost your immune system and reduce stress

Take a slow release Vitamin C or a powdered version such as freeze dried Bio care available at your health store. Vitamin C shouldn’t be reserved just for when you feel a cold coming on. We also suggest applying a vitamin C serum to your skin every morning to make the most of its restorative properties. Vitamin C neutralises free radicals found in our environment that break down collagen and elasticity. It helps strengthen our skin to prevent discolouration and broken capillaries.

4. Stick to weekly maintenance.

Exfoliate once a week; dead skin cells prevent moisturizing creams from penetrating the epidermis, If your skin is very dry- try  sleeping once a week with a moisturising mask on to really show your skin some love.

5. Treat your hands and feet.

“Cracked heels and dry feet are common in the cold winter months - try doing an at-home foot mask with Epsom salts and massage after with oil and wear some cotton socks to allow oil to absorb- to help restore moisture. Using a rich foot cream and apply a thick layer to your feet and wrap in cling film. Let it absorb for one hour do a similar routine for your hands, using a rich moisturising hand cream. Don’t forget the cuticles! Cuticle oil is essential as your cuticles tend to dry out in the winter.

6. Avoid the temptation of an overly hot bath.

A hot bath feels great on a cold winter day, but the intense heat of a hot shower or bath actually breaks down the lipid barriers in the skin, which can lead to a loss of moisture. If you cannot live without it, nourish your skin by adding a few drops of oil into your bath.

7. Employ a well-rounded perspective.

I recommend using a humidifier at home during winter months, as the heat does not help our skin at all. Second, I would try to avoid or cut down on drinking alcoholic beverages, as alcohol can dry out your skin. It is great to drink tea—especially green, white tea—for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.

8. Apply sunscreen—yes, even during winter.

Sunscreen may conjure thoughts of warm-weather retreats and sandy beaches, but in reality it should be used year-round, particularly during winter activities. We are all prone to sun- and windburn, especially while skiing, so it is important to protect your face with a SPF.We recommend Skinceutical skin brightening Sunscreen SPF 30 High, which is designed to protect your skin from burning in all winter conditions.

9. Hydrate.

Remember to drink lots of liquids to keep the body hydrated. Water is your best friend. Due to the decreased humidity in the air during winter, your body actually needs more water. So drink up!

10. When in doubt, ask the pros.

When travelling to a drier, colder climate, stop by the spa so that an experienced aesthetician can recommend a moisturiser that will suit your skin while on holiday in a new environment. Usually, a more emollient, heavier cream will help protect against the winter elements.

11. It’s never too late!

For those who forgot to take precautionary steps before stepping out into the harsh winter elements.