Winter weather can bring more than a rosy glow to your cheeks. Many people struggle with the drying effects of winter months. Here are 5 tips to help you combat dry skin this winter!
Moisturize properly
Moisturizing will be the most effective method to hydrate your skin during the winter. Applying your moisturizer while your skin is most helps trap the moisture in, so it’s best to do so after the shower or after you cleanse your face. We'd recommend applying moisturizer to your face twice a day, and your body once a day.
But how to choose which moisturizer? Everyone's skin is different which means you'll have to figure out what is best for you. What every skin needs, however, is a nourishing moisturizer with as much goodness as possible. Our body lotion is extra nourishing with a blend of sunflower oil, Shea butter, cacao butter and aloe vera, but for your face, you might look into a more detailed routine. You might try an oil-based balm or moisturizer for night time because it takes longer to soak in, leaving your skin moisturized for longer. For the morning, try finding a light moisturizer to sit well under your makeup.
Drink lots of water
Water is super important for the hydration of your skin. Cold, dry air steals moisture from your skin when it's exposed, which is why in winter, it's usually our face and hands which suffer.
Water hydrates at the cellular level which means if you're dehydrated your skin might be more flaky and less succulent. Make sure you drink 2 litres of water throughout the day and compensate for all the winter coffee and tea which can be dehydrating!
Eat hydrating foods
Don’t forget that foods with a high water content are also rehydrating. Think cucumber, celery, courgette, leafy greens and melon! Fruits and veg are also vitamin and mineral enriching which is also great for your skin.
Exfoliate…
…but only once or twice a week! Exfoliating is a great way to get rid of dead skin cells and restore healthy, youthful looking skin. However, do it too much and you'll strip your skin of natural oils too often. This can dry out your skin and even make it more oily as your body has to produce oil to rehydrate.
If done properly, exfoliation is a great addition to your winter skin routine. Dead skin cells hinder new cells growing and also prevent underlying cells from getting moisture.
Use DIY face masks
Homemade face masks are effective at rehydrating and great because you know the exact ingredients! Use moisturizing ingredients like yoghurt, honey, avocado and different oils. You could also add turmeric which has anti-inflammatory properties. This can help reduce redness and blemishes - helpful during the depths of winter!