Winter Skincare Tips To Keep Your Skin Smooth & Radiant
The winter can be a challenging time to keep our skin feeling soft and comfortable and looking radiant. Even if your skin type is normal or even oily, you may find that it becomes drier during the winter, as the air is colder and humidity levels are lower, so it draws more moisture from your skin.
If you have a condition such as eczema or psoriasis, you may find that it becomes worse and more difficult to manage during the winter time. Central heating also increases moisture loss, so the majority of the time, whether we are indoors or outdoors, our skin is under more pressure.
Naturally dry skin can become prone to cracking, peeling, and redness, which not only creates an uneven skin tone, but also feels tight and uncomfortable. Your skin may be more itchy and sensitive, making it difficult to find products that don’t cause further irritation.
Fortunately, with some adjustments to your skincare routine, it’s possible to counter the effects of dry air and central heating. Here are some tips to keep your skin in top condition this winter.
The face
The face is most often exposed to the air and therefore you might notice it is most affected by seasonal changes in temperature and humidity. Start by replacing foaming cleansers with more gentle hydrating cleansing balms that will not strip away the natural oils in your skin.
If your skin is sensitive, look for products that contain natural ingredients with no harsh chemicals, artificial fragrances or preservatives, such as vegan face cleansers. After cleansing, apply a hydrating face cream or serum before your face has fully dried, to seal in a layer of moisture and provide a barrier against the dry air.
Look for natural ingredients that will provide intense hydration without irritation, such as organic argan oil, prickly pear oil, murumuru and shea butter.
The eyes
The skin around our eyes is particularly sensitive, thin and delicate, and it can be prone to developing fine lines and wrinkles. Therefore it is important to take a little extra care during the winter to keep this area smooth and supple. The eyes can be particularly prone to irritation from synthetic additives, so choose carefully.
Ingredients such as avocado and aloe vera will provide deep hydration and also have a gentle soothing effect, helping to counteract puffiness and protect and brighten the delicate under eye area. Other good ingredients to look out for include rosehip oil, jojoba and wheatgerm.
When applying eye cream, use your ring finger, which is more gentle than the fore or index finger, to reduce the risk of accidental damage. Pat rather rub the product when applying, to avoid dragging the skin and increasing the risk of lines and wrinkles.
Lip care
Wind, cold air, and sudden changes in temperature between indoor and outdoor environments can all dry out the thin skin on the lips, leading to cracking and chapping. Use a nourishing lip balm to provide a protective barrier to prevent moisture loss and keep your lips smooth, soft and kissable.
Choose natural ingredients to avoid irritation, such as rich cocoa butter, sweet almond, and calendula. Avoid the temptation to lick your lips to ease uncomfortable dryness, because this will only draw more moisture away as they dry out. Instead, keep a balm stick or travel size pot handy, so you can reapply a hydrating product whenever your lips feel dry.
The body
The winter can also take its toll on the skin on our body, so invest in some rich moisturising products to keep your limbs silky smooth and looking lovely. Apply products directly after a warm shower or bath to seal in moisture and ward off flaky dry skin.
If you have excessively dry skin, try to limit your time in the bath or shower to ten minutes or fewer, because prolonged water exposure will make your skin even drier. Use a gentle cleansing product and ensure that it is thoroughly rinsed away.
Blot your dry with a soft towel rather than scrubbing at your skin, and immediately apply a layer of moisturiser to create a protective barrier on your skin. Choose non-irritating ingredients such as shea butter, coconut oil, or cocoa butter, which are naturally hydrating and provide an infusion of essential nutrients such as vitamin E.
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