Friday 5 October 2018

Taking Care of Winter Skin


It feels a bit strange writing this while the sun is shining and the temperature is 21C, but it is October and we do have to believe that winter is on its way. Your skin probably isn't looking forward to this, as it's the season of dramatic temperature changes and many, many layers of clothing. I suffer from dry skin anyway, so I dread the onset of frosty mornings and central heating. There are lots of steps you can take, though, to protect your skin against dryness during the winter months, and it doesn't have to cost a lot of time or money. Here are my top tips for looking good this winter.


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Cool your Bath Water


It can be really tempting to up the water heat when you're feeling the winter chill, but this is really bad for your skin. I find water pretty drying anyway and have to use lots of moisturiser afterwards, but very hot water is known to have an extreme drying effect on the skin. Turn down the water heat of your bath or shower to a comfortable warm temperature to avoid making your dry winter skin even worse.

Humidify your Bedroom


Central heating dries the air it heats, it's unavoidable. One way to counteract this is to introduce some humidity. I concentrate on the bedroom for this, since that's where I spend the majority of my time in the house. Also when you are sleeping, your body is trying to rejuvenate itself, so it's good to give it a chance! You can buy an electric humidifier, or a simple room humidifier, which is cheaper and takes up much less space. Other ways to increase humidity include drying clothes indoors or leaving a damp towel on the radiator.

Stay Hydrated


Many people focus on hydration during the summer months when the weather is hot and there's a lot of focus on preventing dehydration, but the drier air can also dehydrate your skin. Going easy on tea and coffee and increasing your intake of herbal tea and water can make a difference. There's been a bit of debate lately, about the truth behind hydration and skin. Some experts have suggested that drinking more, or less, water has no effect on skin, but I know I look like Yoda on the days when I haven't kept up with my water intake, so I'll leave you to make your own minds up on that one!




Turn Down the Heat


Many households have their heating turned up much higher than is really necessary. It's lovely and cosy but will aggravate dry skin. According to the World Health Organisation the ideal room temperature is 18C, although most people think it's 21C. Turning your thermostat down by just one degree could save you an estimated £80 a year, which is an added incentive to try putting on a jumper and slippers, before reaching for the thermostat.

Invest in some Foliage


Plants offer many health benefits within the home, including adding moisture to the air. If you've got the space, something like a rubber plant is ideal for this purpose. The huge, thick leaves have plenty of surface for stomata, which facilitate transpiration. This is a process similar to sweating which allows plants to release moisture into the atmosphere. They can grow to up to 10 ft, though, so for a smaller moisture-producer, consider a Peace Lily, which has varieties with a much more manageable 4 ft.

Change your Skincare Routine


Skincare needs change with the seasons. In the summer, the emphasis is on sun protection and lighter, less greasy moisturisers that can handle the heat. However, in the winter, your skin is drier and in need of something a little more robust. The aim is not just to add, but also retain moisture, so a thicker cream may be better for you, with oil-based properties, since oil creates a moisture-retaining barrier. Hydrating face masks are also great to combat the drying effects of the changes in the atmosphere when you come in from the cold. I haven't tried them myself yet, but Garnier Moisture Bombs are getting great reviews for thirsty skin. 


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3 comments

  1. Great tips. My skin gets so dry in the winter

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  2. I love the fact you are suggesting some natural ways to keep your skin hydrated which are also better for your pocket and the environment.

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  3. Love this! Thank you. Im already suffering with soreness around my mouth from the heating and cold weather. My hands usually go really dry when it gets colder too. I'll be trying these tips!

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