As the last of the Autumn leaves fall and the cold weather sets in, we know winter is just around the corner. And, despite the mild October and November we’ve had, it is only a matter of time before we are complaining about the freezing, icy mornings. Yes, we all dream of a white Christmas but scraping ice from the car windows, losing the feeling in your fingers while trying to text outside and the dry and cracked skin are actually the reality of the winter months. Now, we can’t help you with the first two, but we have put together a list of tips to help you protect your skin this winter.
AVOID HARSH SOAPS
When a soap leaves your skin feeling like it has been scrubbed spotless, that’s bad. Very bad! It usually means that your skin has been stripped of its natural oils, which will leave it dry and sensitive. Use gentle soap products that cleanse the skin without removing its oils.
DON’T OVER EXFOLIATE
A crucial role for our skin is to keep moisture locked in. When you exfoliate too often, or even just too aggressively, it gets damaged, compromising its barrier function. When this happens we can get transepidermal water loss, which makes the skin dryer. This can also happen if your showers are too hot. So, exfoliate less and take warm, not hot, showers.
HYDRATE YOUR SKIN
Winter weather can aggravate skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis. But if you suffer from these, or other dry skin problems, fear not, you do not have to hibernate until warmer weather arrives. There are things you can do to keep your skin hydrated.
- Use a moisturiser that contains ceramides. These lipids are fatty acids produced in the sebaceous glands, that help to hydrate the skin and strengthen its natural barriers.
- Use hyaluronic acid, which is a natural substance that can help attract water to the skin. We love The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5
CLEANSE & TONE
Cleansing balms and oils that help maintain your skins natural oil content can be your best friend through winter. After cleansing, and before moisturising, use a toner to help balance your skins natural acid mantle, which is a thin layer on the surface of your skin that protects against bacteria and the winter elements.
USE A HUMIDIFIER
Central heating can really dry out your skin. Now, unless you plan to channel your inner Wim Hof, you are going to need to switch it on through the winter. So to help prevent your skin getting dehydrated and damaged, it is recommended you use an air humidifier. There are a huge variety available, ranging from twenty pounds right up into the hundreds.
CLEAN YOUR MAKEUP BRUSHES
A big risk to your skin’s health and hydration are dirty makeup brushes. If you are using them without cleaning them regularly, you are rubbing oils, bacteria and dried on makeup debris all over your freshly cleaned face. This can lead to infections and dry skin which can be made worse in the wintery weather. Clean your brushes once a week with a specialist, natural, makeup brush cleaner, such as Natural Essentoils Makeup Brush Soaps. Made in the heart of County Durham, they are also cruelty free, vegan and packed and shipped with zero plastic packaging
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