Winter is the season when you take out your scarf, your fluffy jumper and drink lots of hot coffee. Winter is also the season when your skin gets a little bit dry, your hands get flakey and you feel cold during every hour of the day. If you’d like to avoid the latter feelings of winter, take a look at these tips for keeping your skin nice and fresh this winter.
It’s Getting Hot In Here… Too Hot
Even though it’s freezing during winter, it’s best to avoid super hot showers on a regular basis. Hot water in showers and baths can lead to your skin becoming dry, itchy and flakey. Gross. Instead, opt for lukewarm showers, as they keep your skin hydrated and still satisfy that freezing feeling. If your skin appears red after a shower, the water is too hot. So, step under the shower head and have a nice warm shower, not a hot one; your skin will thank you. Susan Ladbrook from Griffin and Row offers her advice why you shouldn't take too many hot showers during winter. "Yes, the water can be so inviting that we never want to get out but remaining in the shower for too long can be detrimental to your skin. If you tend to have your water on the ‘hot’ side, it can compromise the lipid layer of your skin which can lead to irritation and water loss. This means that a hot shower can actually be drying out your skin. Try to keep the temperature at a moderate level and don’t stay under the water any longer than necessary." Find out more about Griffin and Row by following them on Facebook and Instagram.
Let’s Get Hydrated
Speaking of water, make sure you keep yourself hydrated throughout the cold months. You may feel less of a need to drink litres of water on a daily basis during winter, but this is the season where you should really focus on keeping your fluids up. Your skin is an organ, and your organs are made up of cells, which are made from water. Studies have shown that you don’t need to drink eight glasses of water a day, instead drink only when you’re thirsty. Keeping a water bottle by your desk or in your bag reminds you to drink regularly. Natalie from Kindred Toxin Free Facials has the perfect winter skin care tips. "During winter make sure you keep up your water intake and as tempting as it is to stand under the shower to defrost, long hot showers will dry your skin. It is also smart to think about a winter skincare regime, swapping lighter moisturisers for creams and a weekly mask to nourish.” Find out more about Kindred Toxin Free Facials by following them on Facebook and Instagram. It's not just water that keeps our skin glowing during winter, Anna Mitsios from Edible Beauty Australia has the liquid essentials to keep your skin aglow. ": In Winter we need to be mindful of ensuring we have an adequate fluid intake as we may not notice our thirst as much. However, by staying hydrated you can literally drink in a healthy glow. I recommend carrying a water bottle with you wherever you go. At the office, have decanter filled with mint, ginger and lemon leaves, and at home revel in herbal teas. Teas containing liquorice, cleavers, calendula, and burdock root are all wonderful for healing the skin and balancing hormones for a beautiful glow." Find out more Anna Mitsios and Edible Beauty Australi by following them on Facebook and Instagram. Speaking of getting hydrated, Dr Louisa Yim from Total Bliss Beauty offers her advice for keeping your skin nice and hydrated throughout winter. "I love coffee. How many of us yearn for the caffeine fix eye-opener in the morning? Unfortunately, caffeine has a diuretic effect thus further dehydrating our skin even before the day starts. Start your day with a cup of warm lemon water and drink slowly. Not only does it help to rehydrate your body and skin, it has a slimming and detox effect." Find out more about Dr Louisa Yim by following her on Facebook and Instagram.
It Puts The Lotion On Its Skin
Winter is the breeding season for dry skin, so if you would like to avoid this, step up your moisturising game. Emily Crawford from Why Hello Beauty offers her tips for those who are experiencing a bit of the winter skin blues. “Parched winter skin requires a little extra TLC, and a facial oil is the perfect addition to your skincare regime. A little drop morning and night mixed in with your night cream will leave you feeling fresh and dewy, and last all day! For a little extra boost, exfoliate once or twice a week before using your oil - you won't regret it!” Find out more about Why Hello Beauty by following her on Facebook and Instagram.
Here Comes The Sun, Little Darling
As winter is primarily a cold and dreary season, it’s easy to forget that the sun still holds the power. Mituri from Nim-Veda explains why taking precautions against the sun’s rays is just as vital in winter as it is in summer. “Many of us sport enthusiasts can’t wait to get out there and hit the slopes at the first sign of snow but we often forget about the effect being closer to the sun has on our skin. Though we’re covered up, we often miss our face and necks. Chapped lips are a common occurrence during winter but don’t ignore Nature’s warning - apply a suitable lip balm and a sun protection cream to limit the damage the sun has on our skin. Always ensure you keep your skin moisturised during the colder months with an effective day and night cream routine and body lotion solution. Body butters are a delectable option to the extra dryer conditions your skin may be facing during the colder season and organic based solutions can be found in a few ethical organisations now. Keeping your skin moisturised during winter is affordable and easily achieved so really, it’s a no-brainer!” Find out more about Nim-Veda by following them on Facebook.
I Don’t Want No Scrubs...
With winter comes the dry winter skin. If you are hoping to get rid of that awful dry skin feeling and experience soft and vibrant skin, take a listen to Ellie Parker from Live With Elle’s advice. "Don't stop exfoliating during winter, despite what you've heard. Whatever season it is, your skin will continue to naturally shed and you need to pay attention to this. Use a light exfoliant once a week to keep your skin glowing and feeling healthy." Find out more about Ellie by following her on Facebook and Instagram. Exfoliation is a vital key to keeping your skin looking healthy and fresh. Helen Dao from Be Fraiche offers her wisdom on exfoliating and offers a recipe for an amazing exfoliator that you can use at home. "Exfoliation becomes even more important in the colder months, as the dead skin builds up more quickly. Not only will scrubbing your skin remove this layer, but it also stimulates cell growth and improves circulation. However, you’ll want to avoid over-exfoliating (just once or twice a week will do) or using anything too harsh. Oil-based exfoliators with natural scrub particles are great, as they’re nourishing and gentle o n both your skin and the environment. Don't fancy any exfoliation products out there? Soak raw oatmeal in milk or water for 10 minutes and use it to scrub your face. It can be messy but it will make your face calm, soft, and very smooth. You can even add honey to the mix for extra hydration!" Find out more about Heen by following her on Facebook and Instagram.
Pillow Talk
It’s no surprise that sleep is good for you, but it’s not just sleep that is a benefit to your skin. Did you know that your pillow is a city of bacteria and gross things? If you don’t wash your pillowcases every week, or at least every fortnight, your skin may start to looks angry. Clean sheets and clean pillowcases are a huge factor for happy skin, and also, it’s a great feeling when you go to sleep on a comfy and fresh pillow. Sleep is also a great way to keep your skin looking fresh and rested. Without proper amounts of sleep, you can develop irritation, dark circles and eye bags. So get snoozy!
Winter is a beautiful season, but it’s important to keep your skin feeling as beautiful as winter looks. Moisturise, drink water and get some sleep; your skin will thank you.
