Cold winter air can be harsh on the skin. When outdoors, the cold wind weathers the skin, and any indoor heating dries the skin out. Even oily skin can become dry on the surface.
When the skin dries out it can get itchy, red and irritated. Such sensitive skin can be painful to restore to its original glow. The best course of action is to prevent skin from drying too much in the first place.
Remember to moisturise!
In the winter months, the skin needs heavier protection than in the summer. Swap out your light summer moisturiser for a thicker one.
You might want to switch around your day and night creams, so the night cream – which is heavier – protects the skin from the harsh weather in the day, and the lighter day cream can absorb at night.
Products like Weleda skin food are great at protecting the skin. The thick consistency forms a natural barrier against the elements while the product peentrates deep into the skin to hydrate and nourish.
Create a natural barrier
Using oils for the skin also helps create a barrier which serves to protect it from the elements. The oil forms an actual film on the skin which can help shield it against cold air, pollution and other irritants.
Olive oil is the thicker kind of oil and is best used sparingly. Almond oil and coconut oil are popular oils for the skin as they are more lighweight, and they have a pleasant scent too!
Use a lip balm to protect lips from chapping; you can exfoliate lips too if need be. Be careful with that as the skin is extra sensitive once damaged.
Wear breathable laryers and natural fabrics to prevent irritation. Wear soft materials against your skin and you can layer other clothing on top. Cotton is a natural material which is great right against the skin, and keeps you warm too.
Cleanse gently
Exfoliate the skin gently once a week or so to keep the surface fresh and supple. Deep moisturise after exfoliating to give the skin a full nourishing treatment. Be gentle, for dry winter skin is sensitive and breaks easily.
A hot bath or a steam facial can help to open up the pores. When done sparingly the steam can help in cleaning the skin and preparing it for a nourishing moisturiser.
To retain more of the skin’s natural moisture, you might find you are better off washing your face less. Maybe instead of washing twice a day, you go to once a day only. Use a gentle cleanser – avoid anything with alcohol as this can dry the sensitive facial skin. Or you may skip the cleanser altogether and opt for water only, or using natural oils to cleanse the facial skin.
Protect the hands
Don’t forget the hands too! The hands also have thin skin which is exposed to the elements.
Wear gloves outside to protect the hands. Moisturise hands when needed so the skin does not dry out and start breaking.
When washing hands, avoid very hot water – if the skin gets red, the water is too hot. Hot water dries the hands out too. You do not need to scrub the hands dry, but pat gently to remove excess water.
You can also protect the hands by wearing gloves when doing household chores, like washing the dishes or cleaning the house.
Shower sensibly
A warm shower or bath can be very inviting in cold weather, but do use hot water with caution. Hot water strips the skin of its natural oils, so be careful with washing and cleaning your skin too much so as not to dry it out even more.
After a shower or bath, use a moisturiser and leave it to absorb properly. The skin does not have to be super dry when you come out of the shower, scrubbing dry only irritates it! Pat yourself dry instead.
Alternatively, you may like to use olive oil on the skin before showering – it protects the outer layers of the skin from drying off, and after showering the skin feels soft and supple. (You can choose to apply the oil after the shower too, but you may feel much more oily as a result!)
Do you have any tips for winter skin care?
Raw Rebellion 