The air is cooling, the wind is getting harsher and dryer, and offices around the globe are cranking up the heating. For your skin, this means one thing: Dryness. Here’s how to combat dry skin as the cool season settles upon us.
For those of you that wanted to see what Winter in Queensland doesn’t look like.
1. The first thing you can do to combat dry skin is switch up your cleanser. A light, water based cleanser is fine for Summer, but in the cooler months try a cream based cleanser, or better yet an oil based cleanser. Massage into dry skin to lock in moisture while you cleanse.
2. Step up your exfoliation. If your skin is particularly dry or oily you can probably get away with exfoliating your skin 3 times a week. If your skin is more sensitive you might only be able to exfoliate twice. Regular exfoliation helps get rid of dry skin on the surface, presenting fresh new skin underneath. Getting rid of the dead skin also helps to increase circulation and encourage cell turnover.
3. No blasting your skin with scolding hot water in the shower. Forget the chicken or the egg, is getting into the shower in winter harder or is getting out. It can be tempting to stand under the boiling hot water for long periods of time in the cooler weather, but try to resist. Prolonged exposure to hot water will only leave your skin feeling tighter and drier. Try to keep the temperature lukewarm in the shower and incorporate an in-shower moisturiser like Ro’s Argan Body Conditioner from Lush . Better yet put a drop of essential oil into the bath and bathe for a while instead. Talk about relaxing.
4. Incorporate a serum into your skincare routine. It can seem a little tiring to have to cleanse, exfoliate and moisturise every day without having to work in a serum as well. However a serum will penetrate deeper, providing more hydration than just the top layer of your skin. Try the Clarins Multi Active Skin Renewal Serum for an even skin tone and a soft, supple complexion. If you’re still not feeling hydrated, try a thicker moisturiser in the night time for more nourishment when your skin is rejuvenating.
5. My lips always take the worst hit in winter. The best advice I can give is keep a lip balm EVERYWHERE. One in your pocket, one in every purse/bag, one in your car, one in your work desk, one on your bedside table… You get the point. Wherever you can put one, keep one. There’s nothing worse than having dry lips and not having some trusty balm within reach.
6. Don’t forget about your hands and feet. Find a good hand cream and apply every night. A good one for the feet is to douse them in moisturiser and put on a pair of socks before you go to sleep. This will help lock in the moisture. Clarins make a really good foot beauty treatment cream that I highly recommend.
How do you keep your skin hydrated in the winter? Let me know below.