Winter Skin Care Tips

We all notice the difference in our skin in winter. Chapped lips, dry hands and tight facial skin affect us all. For sensitive skin, winter dryness can lead to itching and flaking.

When you are outside, the cold temperature constricts your blood vessels resulting in poor blood circulation. This means your skin does not get enough oxygen and nutrients and all the healthy, regenerative processes that go on, slow down.

When you’re inside, indoor heating creates a dry environment so skin loses its moisture.

The good news is there’s plenty you can do to keep your skin beautiful and healthy during the harsh winter months.

Top of the list is change your skin care products with the seasons.

During the winter months it is vital to change from oil-fighting cleansers, toners and moisturisers to hydration boosting products. And there is no need to spend a fortune. Look for products that contain, glycerine, hyaluronic acid, shea butter or beeswax in the list of ingredients Or simply go for a product that says it’s hydrating on the label e.g. Olay Regenerist Deep Hydration Regenerating Cream.

Consider changing from cleansing gels to cleansing milk or mild foaming cleansers and from toners containing alcohol to gentle toners containing witch hazel or rose water. If you exfoliate regularly then switch to a glycolic acid cleanser rather than the gritty, more irritating scrubs. And why not give yourself an occasional creamy, healing face mask.

Don’t peel or exfoliate if you get flaky patches. Just use a heavier moisturiser instead to hydrate, and use it more often.

Check your day cream – does it have antioxidants in it? Does it contain SPF? Winter skin still needs protecting from pollution and ultraviolet rays.

Finally, try a facial oil. These are becoming more popular. A facial oil will enrich your skin and give you a healthy shine without a greasy effect.

Facial oils help nourish the skin and balance and control the skin’s natural oil production. Look for flaxseed or grapeseed oils which are rich in antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids.

Let me know if you found this helpful. I’d love to hear from you about the products you use that help your winter skin.

More winter skin advice coming soon.