Is your skin feeling dry, flakey or itchy now that the cold weather has set in?
There are steps you can take to protect your skin:
Dry Air
Heating can play havoc with your skin, if the air at home or work is very dry from heating, try a humidifier or treat yourself to some house plants to improve humidity and improve air quality! When the air is dry moisture evaporates from your skin leaving it feeling tight and dry. Dry air can also result in dry nostrils making us more prone to colds and sore throats.
Exfoliate
Removing the dead layers of skin allows fresher brighter skin to be revealed and also stops the dead skin cells acting as a barrier stopping any of the wonderful products you apply being absorbed into the skin where they are needed.
Exfoliators may be physical (brush, scrubs - ensure the grains are small and don't scrub at your skin too harshly); chemical (AHA, alpha hydroxy acid such as glycolic acid from sugar cane or BHA beta hydroxy acid such as salicylic from aspirin); or mechanical (microdermabrasion).
Moisturise
Moisturise your skin to hydrate it and don't forget your body - legs can get Winter itch this time of year so just because they are covered up doesn't mean it is time to neglect them.
Choose the correct moisturiser for you; some act as humectants - attracting water to the skin to keep it hydrated, some are emollients and contain fatty acids to soften the skin and form a protective layer on top and some are occlusives - also known as barrier creams. The occlusives leave a film on the skin to seal in moisture and slow down evaporation of water from the surface of the skin. Most moisturisers contain a mixture so if you have super dry skin head for the balms and rich creams, if your skin is a little dry an emulsion might be rich enough. Remember though, body creams are for the body and facial creams are for the face and don't forget to use an eye cream as these are specifically formulated to use around the delicate eye area.
It may be time to reassess your moisturiser and switch to something richer for a few months, if your skin is also feeling irritated use products for a sensitised skin to calm your skin, you can revert back to your lighter cream when the weather warms up.
Using serums and oils underneath your moisturiser can maximise results and keep your skin moisturised and hydrated for longer.
Take your moisturiser out with you in case you need to reapply during the day.
Remember your lips, the skin is very thin here and the cold weather can quickly cause them to become chapped so use a lip balm regularly, especially when you are venturing outside.
Hands also need looking after with hand cream and gloves in the cold.
Hot Baths
Avoid long hot baths or showers as this may dry your skin along with anti bacterial soaps or heavily perfumed soaps and shower gels.
Diet
With Christmas around the corner be wary of quick fix diets that are low in fat. A diet low in fat can leave the skin dry, irritated and sometimes more prone to acne. Increase your intake of essential fatty acids with omega rich foods such as salmon, sardines or mackerel and flax, walnuts, soybeans and spinach to keep your skin looking younger, plumper and hydrated.
Colds
Blowing your nose constantly when you have a cold can lead to a sore, itchy and red nose that even Rudolf would be jealous of! Treat yourself to some super soft tissues that contain soothing balm to protect the skin and be careful to moisturise around the nose.
Eczema
If you have eczema you may find it is worse during the Winter months so follow the tips above and also consult your doctor for a prescription to improve the eczema and relieve your itching.
Acne
Acne can get worse for some during the colder weather, this could be due to various factors; lack of sun and UV which is known to help improve the acne for some; feeling low in the colder weather or because of dark nights and mornings can increase stress levels effecting hormones and therefore increasing oil and skin cell production leading to outbreaks; lots of partying and lack of sleep can also effect hormones leading to breakouts.
Rosacea
A red, flushed skin that can be made worse in cold, dry conditions and exasperated by hot drinks and alcohol. Recognise your triggers and care for your skin to minimise flare ups.
Water
We often drink more water when the weather is hot and sunny, remember to keep up your water intake all year round to help keep you hydrated.