You might think your have your skin care routine on point, and you’ve had the same one for years. But is it actually working for your skin? When the humidity drops, and we move into the colder months of the year, the air is colder – tightening our skin, central heating is baking – drying our skin out and everything in between just feels like an irritant. When seasons change, so should you skin care routine, and if you suffer with dry skin you need to be ready for whatever this season throws at you.
Whether it’s the best bb cream for dry skin or a trip to the spa for a hydrating facial, we all have our ways of dealing with flaky, patchy dry skin. Read on for some handy skin tips that will help your skin stay soft and hydrated for longer.
Baths and showers…more harm than good?
We all love a refreshing hot shower in the morning, or a relaxing soak in hot bath to unwind in the evening – maybe a glass of wine or two. But hot water and prolonged exposure to it might be making your dry skin worse. Stripping it of all its essential oils and natural moisturisers. If you skin is dry stick to these bathroom rules.
- Keep the bathroom door closed. Steam will help open your pores, which means that when you apply your bb cream or moisturiser it’s more likely to absorb the nutrients and hydrating elements it needs.
- Only bathe/shower for five to ten minutes. Your skin won’t dry out this way.
- Use warm – not hot water. Hot water instantly dries the skin.
- Fragrance free potions and lotions only! Perfumes will irritate dry skin.
- Blot your skin try. Don’t rub.
- As soon as you’re dry – apply your moisturiser. It’ll be absorbed faster and more effectively.
Wear lip balm
We often neglect our lips in cold weather until it’s too late. There’s nothing worse then having peeling, sore and uncomfortable lips all day. Find yourself a lip balm that feels good on your skin. If your lips tingle when you use it, then switch to a different one asap.
Your products
As mentioned before, avoid using products with drying chemicals in them. These include:
- Deodorant Soaps
- Anything that contains alcohol
- Anything that contains Retinoids
- Perfume
- Alpha-Hydroxy-Acid – or AHA to you and me.
Stop using these and your skin will have a better chance at retaining it’s essential, natural oils.
Wear gloves
When it gets colder outside, you notice it in your hands first. So make sure you have a pair of good quality gloves with you. Keep a spare pair in the car if you’re likely to forget them! Wear gloves whenever you head outdoors, are likely to get your hands wet or you’re going to be touching something chemically or greasy.
Pay Attention to What Touches Your Skin
If you want to banish your dry skin in winter, pay attention to the fabrics sitting against it for hours at a time. Rough wool, tight scarves and heavy synthetic layers can rub areas that already feel dry or sensitive, particularly around the neck, jaw and wrists. Try placing a softer cotton or silk layer between your skin and scratchier outerwear. Choosing looser, breathable pieces can also make cold-weather dressing feel more comfortable without giving up the warmth you need.
Rethink Your Laundry Routine
Laundry habits matter too, especially for scarves, jumpers, pillowcases and anything that regularly touches the face. Strongly fragranced detergents or fabric softeners may feel irritating when skin is already uncomfortable, so a gentler fragrance-free option can be worth trying. Wash winter accessories regularly and make sure detergent is rinsed out properly before wearing them again. Small changes like these complement your skin care routine without requiring another shelf of products or an entirely new set of beauty treatments.
Add moisture to the air
Banish your dry skin with these 5 easy skin tips
You might think your have your skin care routine on point, and you’ve had the same one for years. But is it actually working for your skin? When the humidity drops, and we move into the colder months of the year, the air is colder – tightening our skin, central heating is baking – drying our skin out and everything in between just feels like an irritant. When seasons change, so should you skin care routine, and if you suffer with dry skin you need to be ready for whatever this season throws at you.
Whether it’s the best bb cream for dry skin or a trip to the spa for a hydrating facial, we all have our ways of dealing with flaky, patchy dry skin. Read on for some handy skin tips that will help your skin stay soft and hydrated for longer.
