One of the perks of winter is that it gives us the chance to cover up our skin a little more – a welcome reprieve from the constant grooming and skincare routine of summer!
Women everywhere let a small sigh of relief when they can let their razors be relegated to the depths of the bathroom cupboard for a few months (be honest ladies, it’s not just your fur coats that add a little extra fluff to winter!). But despite this, our skin unfortunately still seems to take a bit of a battering through winter and that’s why it’s important to look into your skincare.
Cold outdoor temperatures and moisture-sucking internal heating systems can wreak havoc on our skin and hair, leading to dry patches, chapped lips and itchy or scaling skin. When the healthy glow of our summer skin starts to fade, dry and dull skin on the outside can leaving us feeling flat and frustrated on the inside.
With our skin acting as a line of defense against the assaults of the season, it’s critical that we are doing everything we can to keep it strong and fighting fit.
Here are 5 top tips to help you get through winter with healthy, glowing skin:
1. Stay hydrated
This rule, of course, should not be restricted to the winter months, but it’s especially important while cold temperatures and strong winds can quickly whip out any moisture in your skin. If cold water doesn’t appeal, stock up on herbal teas to sip on throughout the day – green tea is especially detoxifying and will help put that glow back into your skin. While this is working hard from the inside out, don’t forget to also provide plenty of hydration through quality moisterisers and skin masks. Keep a hand cream in your handbag so you can easily keep your mitts soft and supple throughout the day.
2. Skincare all year round
With this in mind, it’s important to continue with a regimented skin care regime. Try using a heavier moisteriser over winter than you would in summer, although ensure that it is still suitable for your skin type. Your face, neck and hands are likely going to get the most exposure over winter, and will be the parts of your body that really feel take the brunt of winter’s icy weather. While a steamy bath or shower is super tempting when the temperatures outside are frosty, it’s best to avoid very hot water as this can dry out your skin even more. As soon as you get out of the shower, lather up in a quality body moisturiser. Every few days, take some time to exfoliate your skin to remove those dry and flaky patches. Always remove all makeup before you get into bed to get rid of pollutants that can clog up your pores.
3. Cover up
Covering up will not only keep you warm, but will also help protect your skin from the elements. Invest in a good pair of warm gloves to wear every time you venture out. Scarves not only add a statement to your winter outfit, but they’ll help keep the drying wind off your neck – while keeping you snug at the same time. Invest in a woolen coat or luxurious faux fur jacket with a high collar that will also help keep you covered.
4. Give your lips extra attention
Don’t forget about your lips over winter. Apply a soothing and moisturising lip balm as part of your daily skincare regime. Always keep a lip balm at hand when you’re out and about – it can be handy to keep one in your car (out of the sun), in your purse and in your desk at work so you’re not constantly trying to hunt one down. Keep your lips lathered up before you step outside. It will lock in the moisture and keep a protective barrier between the wind and cold and the delicate skin of your lips. Dewy, nude lips are right on trend for winter, so choose a lip balm with a hint of colour for a fresh and easy look.
5. Eat well
This one probably goes without saying but it can be very easy to let our healthy habits slip when we’d rather be indulging in comforting winter food. A balanced diet full of nutrients and antioxidants is the key to beautiful skin all year round, so stock up on seasonal fruit and veges to boost your immunity and keep your overall system healthy.
Bonus tip from @Model_Appetite‘s Phoebe
Get extra moisture during winter by using skin serum! And try to avoid sitting in an air conditioned room for long periods of time as it really dries your skin out.
Winter certainly presents a few challenges when it comes to keeping our skin looking great, but with just a few tweaks to your skincare routine you can ensure you’re rocking a healthy glow.
Do you have any other skincare secrets you swear by? Share them in the comments section.
