Our skin requires extra attention during the winter months. With colder weather our skin is more prone to drying and can become dehydrated, losing its healthy glow. In addition to this central heating can cause the air inside your home to dry out, causing your skin to dry further. It is therefore common for skin to feel dry over winter, but small changes to our skincare routine can make all the difference.
Our skin is made up of layers, the outer layer is the epidermis with the purpose of waterproofing and protection from the elements. The dermis layer below is the main part of the skin containing capillaries, sensory nerve endings, hair and sebaceous glands (producing sebum, our in-built moisturiser to prevent dehydration).
During the colder months the capillaries contract becoming less efficient at providing nutrients to the skin. This is why we need to review our skincare routine. Increased moisturising and using barrier products can prevent water loss and help the skin work efficiently.
How to adjust your skincare routine
Use oil-based cleansers and makeup removers, these compliment your natural skin oils, rather than strip it away, retaining precious moisture. Try our Organic Jojoba and Vitamin E Cleansing Oil
If you use a toner, make sure it is alcohol-free.
Apply a serum under your moisturiser, serums contain nourishing oils which can boost the effectiveness of your moisturiser. Try our Frankincense & Rose Facial Serum.
Apply face and body moisturisers on damp skin to boost moisture retention. Moisturisers are most effective if you use them when your skin is still damp because damp skin absorbs the product more rapidly, giving the moisturisers the chance to lock in the hydration.
Use a lip balm to prevent drying and chapping. Our Beeswax Lip Balm contains nourishing shea and cocoa butters. Avoid Vaseline and mineral-based lip balms, they provide a good barrier but contain no nourishment.
Avoid overly hot baths and showers, warm water is more gentle and less likely to dry your skin. Lukewarm showers a few times a week can help keep skin hydrated. If your skin appears red following your bath or shower, your water is too hot.
Use a bath oil for a full-body moisturising treat.
Pay more attention to conditioning hair, perhaps try a hair mask. The cold weather and dry indoor atmosphere are drying on your hair as well as your skin.
Improve your environment – increase the humidity inside your home with a humidifier, bowl of water or mist.