During summer we’re constantly reminded to use sunscreen to protect our skin from ageing, but in Winter, looking after your skin can often fall by the wayside. However harsh winds, central heating and cold temperatures can all leave your face red, dry and chapped- not the look you’re after. It’s time to give your winter skin regime an overhaul:
Don’t Use Hot Water: It may be cold outside but hot water will break down the lipids in your skin and strip away the natural oils, so instead use warm water.
Moisturise: This may seem obvious, but it’s also important that you’re choosing the right moisturiser. Look for products which are oil-based rather than water-based, as these help to retain more moisture. Alternatively you can use natural oils such as coconut or argan oil. It’s also essential to exfoliate regularly to remove dead dry cells, otherwise moisturising is just sticking the old cells back on – not what you want.
Stay Hydrated: Yes it’s tempting to replace most of your bodily fluids with mulled wine/ beer/whisky or all three as soon as the weather turns cold, but what you need to be drinking is water. Not as fun admittedly, but with your skin being your body’s largest organ it needs to stay hydrated to keep it healthy and looking its best.
Eat Well: As soon as it’s cold we all turn to comfort food but that doesn’t mean that you should forget the vitamins, especially vitamin c (eg. carrots, sprouts, broccoli, pineapple, and mango) which is essential for collagen production, and foods rich in omega-3, which keeps skin looking young and smooth, so seek out cold water fish like salmon, sardines and mackerel, or flax seeds and walnuts.
Winter doesn’t have to take a toll on your skin: stay fresh-faced even on the coldest days.