Winter can play absolute havoc with our skin. The cold, dry air followed by blasts of artificial central heating can leave it dry, irritated, and sore. If you want to keep your skin looking and feeling in tip-top condition throughout the winter, here are our top tips.
Use a moisturiser
Moisturiser should be the central part of your skincare routine all year round, but even more so in the winter. If you suffer from especially dry skin, an eczema cream can be particularly soothing. Otherwise, a regular, thick moisturiser will help prevent skin from drying out. Don’t forget your hands as well – you may find that you wash your hands more through the cold and flu season, and this can take a toll on your hands. When washing up or doing housework, pop on a pair of rubber gloves.
Apply sun cream
Contrary to popular belief, suncream should be used all year round. Even if it is grey and cloudy, the UV rays can permeate and cause damage to your skin, and on the rare occasion we get snow, it is even more important as the snow reflects up to 80% of the suns rays! Before you go outside, apply a moisturizing, broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher to all exposed areas of your body.
Invest in a Humidifier to Increase Moisture
Using a humidifier in your home or office will add some much-needed moisture to dry winter air and help keep your skin hydrated. Run a humidifier in the rooms you spend the most time in, including your bedroom.
Limit shower and bath times and temperature
At the end of a long, cold, miserable day, a long hot shower or soak in the bath is tempting, but it is not ideal for your skin. A lukewarm shower is less irritating and much better for your skin and just as effective at removing dirt and bacteria. If you are out and about and using public toilets, try not to use the hand dryers – if you can’t avoid them, use it until your hands are just damp rather than completely dry. Your skin will thank you for it!
Wear comfortable and non-irritating clothing
Winter is all about snuggling up in those big wooly jumpers and keeping cosy. The problem is, wool and other materials designed to keep you warm can also be a little rough and irritate your skin. Instead, wear a few layers made of lighter material. It will trap the heat in between the layers keeping you warmer, but they also allow your skin to breathe without irritating you.
Eat right and stay hydrated.
One of the best things anyone can do for their skin is to maintain a healthy and balanced diet and drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. Aim for a minimum of five portions of fruit and vegetables every day and three portions of oily fish a week – omega 3 is fantastic for your skin!
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