Skinsaviour Winter Skin Care
May 5, 2009 by admin · Leave a Comment
Tips for Winter Skincare
Skincare during the winter months is just as important as our summer skin care. Whilst in the summer the emphasis of skincare is on sun protection, in the winter it is on intense moisturizing to avoid the dreaded “winter itch”. Cold temperatures and exposure to the wintry elements can cause a host of problems for your skin. It is essential that our skin is kept well hydrated and moisturized through the coldest months of the year to prevent the skin drying and cracking.
Cold air dries skin out at a faster rate than warm air which explains why it is the winter months when the skin tends to dry out more easily. The elevated temperatures from central heating systems inside the home and the workplace and lack of moisture in the air all contribute too. There are a few tricks that you can keep in mind to prevent dry skin during this time of year:
1. Avoid all harsh soaps and body washes containing soaps, detergents and petrochemicals and sulphates chemicals and other substances that can dry and irritate the skin. This is especially true if you have very sensitive skin and the more dry the skin becomes often the more sensitive it becomes as well. These ingredients have a tendency to strip away the layer of sebum and irritate and inflame the natural barriers of your skin. They can cause the skin to become sensitive and itchy. Natural skincare solutions are formulated to not cause any unnecessary damage or stress to your skin and allow it to naturally glow.
2. Lukewarm water should be used whilst showering (or even when having a bath) to enhance the use of a natural skincare regime as soaking the face or body in very hot water can strip the skin of its natural oils and moisture. If you cannot live without a hot, steamy bath or shower, either add the very hot water gradually which will help prepare the skin for the temperature assault, or keep the shower short! Even when washing your hands, remember to keep the water tepid.
3. Moisturize carefully both your face and body after a shower or bath whilst your skin is still slightly damp. This will lock in moisture very effectively and prevent dryness and any accompanying itching and irritation. For best results, pat down your skin rather than rub with a towel before applying cream. Ensure a natural skin cream with long lasting hydration is used to lock in moisture all day long.
4. When in a snowy environment, be aware the bright white colour reflects UV rays and can easily cause sun damage to exposed skin (i.e. your face). Use high factor skin creams or total block when pursuing outdoor snow sports like skiing or snowboarding to prevent this from happening. UV rays an also damage your eyes so wear good protective sunglasses or goggles too. Don’t forget your lips, they burn too.
5. Keep hands toasty warm and stop them drying out by never leaving home without a pair of gloves. If wool gloves irritate your skin, choose cotton or leather ones, but make sure they are an outfit staple throughout those frosty months. Hands are one of the first parts of our body to show the first signs of aging and need daily sun protection all year round.
6. Lips should also be kept well moisturized with a good lip balm so they too avoid drying out. If lips do become chapped, don’t do the tempting thing of licking them as this will make them worse. Instead, keep a lip balm handy, preferably one having a sunscreen factor as well. You can also rub them in a gentle, circular motion with a toothbrush occasionally to remove dead skin cells and keep them super soft.
7. Undergo a weekly exfoliating session as moisturizer works more effectively on properly exfoliated skin. A milder scrub should be used on your face than on your body so combine the natural exfoliating scrub with a cream before applying here. Apply the natural exfoliating cream to dry skin for best results, massaging the skin gently in small circular motions. It can then be rinsed off in the shower. Don’t forget to then fully moisturize when you emerge. One of my favourite to use is soft brown sugar, slowly adding a little oil and then water until the desired consistency is reached…go slowly though as you only need a little. This leaves the skin incredibly soft and smooth and it is very cheap to make.
8. Hydration is a year round must for healthy skin. Keep up drinking water but also consider using a humidifier or even a bowl of water in the bedroom – heating can be incredibly drying for the skin. Moisturise with a skin care product that provides long lasting hydration.
9. Winter doesn’t mean the end of sunscreen. Just because the sun isn’t shining doesn’t mean we aren’t experiencing the effect of UVA and UVB rays and damage isn’t happening to our skin. Wear sunscreen daily.
As you can see, there are a number of tricks that can be applied to ensure your skin stays clear and supple during the harsh winter months. It is very important that care and attention is given to skin throughout the year however as over exposure to wind, rain and sun can produce negative long term effects, the inflammation and irritation we can’t always see accumulates over time into damage we can see in the form of lines and wrinkles.
The skin is the largest organ in the body, and a glowing healthy shine reflects a glowing healthy body so it is definitely something worth investing a little time and energy in to. Make sure you get plenty of essential fatty acids in the diet – omega 3 and omega 6. Try to include cold water fish such as salmon and tuna, walnuts, flax seed – the oil or ground, olive and canola oils and avocados. Supplements of flaxseed, evening primrose and fish oil are all readily available from a health food store. It will make a big difference to the health and glow of your skin.
For more information or tips on effective natural skincare, visit www.skinsaviour.com.au.