Online Reporter
COLD air outside, hot air inside, and dry air everywhere can disrupt the skin’s barrier in the winter.
And that can mean dry, itchy skin for everyone, but especially for those who deal with conditions like eczema and psoriasis
Skin can become dry in the winter months as wind, cold air and heating affect the skin’s natural moisture balance. Here are a few quick steps you can take to make sure your winter skin is hydrated and ready for the sunshine.
When winter hits, our skin needs a little extra love. Here are some tips to lock the moisture into your skin this winter!
Hydration – take care of your skin from the inside first. Staying hydrated will help your skin cells to retain moisture. Drink plenty of water and maintain your electrolytes (especially if you’re exercising). Aim for plenty of foods rich in omega-3, like salmon – canned or fresh – walnuts, flaxseeds/pineseeds and dark green leafy vegetables. Omega-3 fatty acids keep cell membranes healthy, helping the cells to hold water. Great news for skin!
Exfoliate – The winter months dry out our skin terribly and we are always feeling a little dull after the lack of sunshine for so long. Exfoliating with a dry brush will get rid of all the dead skin cells and make way for fresh, bright skin. Don’t forget to pop on a moisturiser straight afterward.
Make your bathing time count – Staying in hot water may be tempting to warm up, but it can be very drying for your skin. Rather limit the time you are in your bath and shower, and make that time count by using pampering shower oil to thoroughly cleanse your skin and at the same time provides your skin with pampering nourishment. It leaves your skin soft and supple even after towel drying.
Look after your extremities – Don’t forget your feet and hands! Our feet tend to get a little forgotten when we are hiding them away behind socks and boots for three months – so why not treat yourself to a pedicure and foot scrub to freshen up and get sandal ready! Our hands need moisture too, so a hand cream, that you can pop into your bag on the go is a great idea or you could start using hand cream every night before going to bed to help your skin regenerate while you sleep.
Sun protection in winter – Always apply sun protection on all exposed areas of your body or face before heading outdoors. UVA rays are potent all year round, even in winter and even on cloudy days.
Here are some products that can help your skin look and feel its best throughout the colder months. Some of the ingredients are tried-and-true skin superstars, while others are relatively new additions to the winter skin care arsenal.
Facial cleanser
You want to make sure your cleanser puts moisture into the skin, rather than taking it out.
Look for: Products that specifically say “gentle” and “moisturising” on the label. Avoid products that contain alcohol, as these can dry your skin.
Body cleanser
Your skin below your neck needs just as much care as your face.
Look for: Cleansers liquid, gel, or mousse the creamier the better. Also look for products labelled ‘fragrance-free.
For patients with eczema, products that contain petrolatum, shea butter, and silicones are good choices.
Facial moisturiser
Lighter lotions may not be enough to protect your skin from the elements in colder, drier climates.
Look for: Creams, oils, or balms. This ingredient is moisturising rather than exfoliating, like other acids such as glycolic or salicylic acid. Jojoba oil is another good hydrating ingredient. Notably, some lactic acid moisturisers are able to walk the fine line of exfoliating dry, flaky skin while helping to maintain skin hydration.
Body moisturiser
Moisturising your body while your skin is still damp after a shower or bath is an effective way to keep skin hydrated. This is because moisturiser traps existing moisture in skin. Why not use the same moisturiser on your face and body? Facial skin is thinner and more sensitive, so many face moisturizers are designed to be a bit thinner and less likely to cause acne. They may also have more expensive anti-aging ingredients added to them. Keep in mind that more expensive skin care products are not necessarily more effective.
Rejuvenating products
Many dermatologists recommend minimising the use of products containing anti-aging ingredients such as glycolic acid, salicylic acid, or retinol in winter. “You can use them less often, or at a lower concentration.
Look for: Products or brands you like with a lower concentration of harsh ingredients. If you use prescription retinoids regularly, but find them too drying in the winter, you can consider over-the-counter retinols before going back to your prescription in the spring.—Online
