Winter is coming. The transition from autumn to winter can be the trickiest time for skin. When cold weather arrives, humidity levels drop and dry air sap skin of its natural oils, leaving it dry. The best way to prep your skin for the harsh conditions and changing temperature is to start transitioning your skin care routine before winter begins.
Below are some tips to prepare for winter and keep your skin healthy through the winter months-
Stay hydrated
Drink lots of water during the winter, as the weather becomes more drying and dehydrating. You can also drink herbal tea throughout the day. Eat foods with high water content - such as cucumbers, spinach, broccoli, tomatoes, mushrooms, carrots, Brussels sprouts, oranges, apples and blueberries - to get even more water in your diet.
Watch your diet
Keep nutrients high by loading up on vegetables and healthy fats. Look for foods containing calcium, vitamin D and omega-3s, and consult a dermatologist if any skin problems arise. Eating fruits and vegetables, which contain vital vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, will ensure you are getting the components you need to keep cell function healthy, and which can contribute to the skin's elasticity, colouration and pigmentation. It all helps to reduce dark circles and fine lines.
Exfoliate
The key to smooth skin during winter is regular exfoliation. Start exfoliating every other day if your skin can handle it to prevent dry skin and to help maintain luminosity. When we let dead skin cells build up, the result is a lacklustre complexion, not to mention clogged pores. If you have sensitive skin, pick up a gentle face scrub. Do not forget to overdo it or you may risk traumatizing your face.
Moisturize
Moisturizer becomes critical to help combat dryness and protect skin from chapping.
Avoid long showers
Stop taking long, hot showers, it will dehydrate your skin. Apply a rich moisturizing cream or body butter afterward, as well as face lotion, to lock in hydration and keep your skin soft all day long.
Use sunscreen
Despite the lack of regular sun exposure in the winter, sunscreen is still an essential. Make sure you're using a sunscreen with at least SPF 30 daily. Just because it's cold outside doesn't mean that the sun's rays are ineffective.
Opt for creamier makeup
While summer sees us fighting oil buildup and shine, winter brings with it the opposite problem. Combat dry skin by scrapping powder-based makeup formulas and opting for creamier foundations instead. Skin can be prone to dryness in the winter, avoid powder foundations and blushes. Go for products like tinted moisturizers, cream shadows and lipsticks with moisturizing shea butter.
Take extra care with your eye area and lips
The skin here is thinner and has little-to-no oil glands to protect itself. Use serums and oils around the eyes that soothe and protect the skin. On the lips, use occlusive balms to provide a barrier against the elements (to seal in moisture rather than provide it).
Wear a serum high in vitamin C
This encourages the production of collagen and cell turnover.
Apply a honey mask
Do this in the evenings after removing your makeup. Honey is a natural humectant, meaning it seals in moisture. This will instantly give your skin a lovely glow, too. Leave on for 10 to 15 minutes and don’t forget your neck.
Oil up
Don’t be afraid of oils in your skincare routine. People with oily or combination skin are often afraid that oil-based products will make their skin more greasy, but if you use the right kinds of products and the right time of day, they should work in your favour. Water-based products are not actually hydrating, they actually dehydrate the skin more. Oil-based products, on the other hand, help restore and encourage the production of your skin's natural oils, and they are far more hydrating than water-based products.
Layer up
Try to layer up and find other ways to keep warm. Have some warm jumpers and cosy blankets at the ready to give your skin a break from the central heating.
