Dry, dull, cracked skin is a bug bear for so many of us during the winter months (me especially). As the seasons change, your skin will become drier & more sensitive due to external influences such as weather & humidity. Yet, so many of us continue with our minimal summer routine & expect our skin to magically stay hydrated. Newsflash - it won't! The best strategy is to get on top of your skin changes before the damage is done, it is so much easier than trying to undo it afterwards.
Here are 8 top tips to keep your skin in excellent condition as the temperature drops.
1. Hold on to your natural moisture: The natural oil our skin produces (sebum) does a great job at helping to keep our skin protected, nourished & healthy, but it can be easily stripped away. So, make sure you use a cleanser (& toner) that is super gentle (NEVER USE SOAP)! After cleansing your skin should feel calm & nourished not dry & stripped. Steer well clear of any products that contain soap or alcohol.
I recommend Tropic Smoothing Cleanser (it removes all of your make-up too) & Vitamin Toner, these products feel absolutely blissful on my parched skin. You can order these here.
2. Bath’s & showers: Make sure you don’t have really hot baths & showers. I know it is super tempting in the frostier months, (and I am totally guilty of 'do what I say, not what I do') but hot water really dries the skin. Also, make sure you are using gentle cleansing products that are PH balanced for the skin (not ph neutral) always avoid soap as it strips the skin. Be sure pat dry (rather than rub) & moisturise damp skin as soon as you’re out, to help lock in moisture. My favourite non drying bath product is Tropic Skincare's Cleansing Body Pebble, they smell amazing, are super creamy & so gentle you can use the for your hair & face too. You can order these here.
3. Plough on more moisture: A great moisturiser is important for all skin types, all times of year but in winter make sure you increase how much you are using - don't be shy. But better than that, supplement your normal moisturiser with a rich, nourishing facial oil or a serum containing Hyaluronic Acid, or even both! They really are your best friends in the colder months. Hyaluronic acid can hold 1000 times it's own weight in moisture, it no only prevents moisture loss but also draws moisture from the air during the day - neat huh? Just make sure your Hyaluronic Acid is Vegan - you don't want to know where most on the market comes from. If you are using an oil, always put this on top of your moisturiser.
I highly recommend: Rainforest Dew & Organic Elixir Oil by Tropic Skincare, they have literally changed my life & my relationship with Winter. You can buy them here.
4. Inject some humidity into your home: Winter air holds less moisture & is drier, this & central heating are the biggest contributors to dry skin in the winter months. Using a humidifier is great for adding moisture back into the atmosphere. But if you don't fancy shelling out on a humidifier you could add a diffuser to your most used rooms, with a few drops of essential oil this not only makes your home smell amazing, but also adds humidity to the air, which in turn will be absorbed by your skin. Another option is to put a pot of water on your radiator (with a few drops of essential oil if you like) so that the steam is released when they're warm. Make sure your essential oil is pure & not mixed with 'perfume' or 'fragrance'.
My favourite is: Neil’s Yard Women’s Balance essential oil, it smells like the most gorgeous Spa buy here.
5. Consider some super rich overnight moisture boosters: When you really need some clout, go for products that can be used overnight, that way you can apply a generous layer & not worry slip sliding through your day & looking a tad greasy. Our skin also does most of its regenerating overnight to it’s also a great time to feed those cells with a moisture boost.
I recommend: Whipped Body Velvet for your body & Deep Hydration face mask shop here.
6. Increase your water intake: It is harder in winter as you tend not to 'feel' as thirsty. But make sure you have a glass or stainless steel water bottle around you at all times as a reminder. This will ensure your body stays hydrated from the inside out. For something warm - go for herbal or Green Tea, it has great antioxidant effects too. I love these Neon Kactus water bottles & coffee cups from: Peace With the Wild
7. Wear socks & cotton gloves overnight: Using a beautifully rich hand & foot cream is the best way to repair & protect your hands & feet. If you use them overnight, you’re less likely to wear/wash the goodness away. Then, for maximum results - cotton socks & gloves are perfect to keep that moisture in while you sleep (doesn't feel overly sexy but it works so who cares). Our hands are particularly susceptible to drying (especially with all the sanitizing & washing) so give them some extra TLC with a gentle hand wash & use lotion after each wash.
I recommend Signature Hand Collection & Walk on the Beach foot collection, you can purchase these here.
8. After a walk: Get a face mask on, they aren't just for pamper nights! Good quality face masks really pack a punch as they are full of intensive ingredients you can't have in your daily products. As soon as you come back from a blustery walk apply a deeply hydrating mask. This will instantly give your skin a hit of moisture & calm and restore.
I recommend Tropic Deep Hydration Mask, you can purchase this here.
And finally! Why not book yourself in for a deluxe facial? A nourishing winter facial can help to reset & restore your skin, bringing your glow back & offering intense moisturisation. On top of that, who doesn't want to be cosied up under a big soft blanket having a blissfully relaxing facial massage? Find out more on my Treatment Menu.
I hope you found these tip's useful. If you'd like to know a little more about the Skincare Products I have recommended & why I love them so much, take a look at my page. Or, always feel free to contact me I'd love to hear from you.
Until next time, Vicky 💚