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Wrap up your skin with TLC this winter

Caring for you skin during the cold winter months can be a challenge, especially if you are prone to dry sensitive skin or skin conditions such as eczema that are affected by the changes in seasons and home comforts like central heating and a bottle of red around the log fire!

When its cold your body tries to preserve heat which means the blood flow to the small capillaries just under your epidermis do not flow as easily. The blood carries oxygen as well as important nutrients all over the body so when it’s not flowing so readily it can affect the skins health and appearance, making it look pale or grey. It also makes our skin dehydrate quicker than in warmer months.

Using chemical free natural products is a great start to looking after your skin as firstly you can wash twice a day without worrying about stripping natural moisture and oils from the skin. And secondly you can mix and match your product ranges as you don’t have to worry about combining harsh chemicals that may react on your skin.

 

 

 

 

Below are some simple suggestions that will help your skin to survive the winter elements. We have added links to relevant products that you may find useful:

  1. Cleanse your skin to ensure it is clean, use a gentle facial wash to remove any dirt or environmental followed by a creamy cleanser.
  2. Skin Tonics are a good way to rehydrate and soothe skin and some can help you redress the skins natural acid mantle. Spray or gently splash Tonics on to your face after cleansing and leave to dry before applying moisturiser
  3. Moisturiser can help to protect your skin from winter’s harsh elements, it also protects skin from the effects of dry air created by central heating and open fires. Apply a generous amount of moisturiser after a bath or shower to ensure the body's own natural oils and moisture are locked in. You should use a specific facial moisturiser for the more sensitive skin on your face and neck. For the body you can use a more general moisturiser or body oil. Keep your lips soft by using a lip balm.
  4. Although cold dark evenings usually equal a long hot soak in the bath this can actually be unhelpful for dry skin conditions which commonly occur this time of year. Hot water naturally encourages moisture out of skin so having cooler baths and making sure you replace the moisture is essential.
  5. Even though its winter you should still be thinking of UV protection for exposed areas of skin as these harmful rays can still affect your skin. Apply a light fluid before you moisturise, and make sure it is protecting you from UVA and UVB rays which both inflict DNA damage that can result in skin cancer. Also be aware that recent research has shown sunscreens with chemical ingredients such as benzophenone and its derivatives can be powerful free radical generators which also contribute to skin damage and premature ageing.
  6. Keeping extremities cosy during winter is important, use rich moisture creams and balms to soften and protect hands and feet and make sure you wear gloves when outside.
  7. Remember you still need to drink water, the temperatures may have dropped but your body still needs water to maintain its normal functions. Just because the temperatures have dropped and you’re not perspiring as often or as easily as you do during summer, does not mean you don’t need to keep up your water intake.

Following these tips will help you to prevent dry and dull looking skin this winter. Without this to worry about you can cosy down and hibernate until the lighter mornings and spring blossom begin to stir us from our winter slumber!


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