Winter Skincare Changes You NEED To Make
View this post on Instagram
As we swap our bikinis and iced teas for chunky knits and pumpkin spice lattes, we also need to remember to switch up our skincare regimen. As the temperatures begin to drop, our skin tends to become drier, and our luminous glow from the sunshine seems like a distant memory. Hair also tends to become slightly brittle as it’s constantly exposed to heat, as well as the cold. Basically, winter, although festive and fun, can wreak havoc on your beauty game. So, we called in the expert: Dr. Friedmann from the Harley Street Dermatology Clinic, for his winter skincare rules to SAVE your skin.
1. Moisturize as much as possible!
Dr. Friedmannn explained that because of “the wind and cold and the transition between heated and cold environments, skin can become dry. Therefore, it’s good to moisturize as often as possible, especially before going outside, as this retains the skin’s moisture.” During the winter, you could also start using heavier formulas, like cream moisturizers, as this will help lock in hydration – if you have oily or acne-prone skin, be sure to check that the formula is non-comedogenic. And be sure to carry lip balm with you everywhere to keep your lips moisturized and crack-free. Check out our ultimate 9 lip balms here.
via Giphy
2. Be mindful of sensitive skin
Dr. Friedmann advises that “if you notice your skin is more sensitive in the winter” you should “avoid irritants such as soap, wipes, and fragrances.” Instead, he suggests “using soap substitutes and fragrance-free, hypoallergenic products.” He also recommends using cream cleansers “instead of soaps such as aqueous cream or dermol.” Although, he adds, “if there’s an underlying condition such as mild eczema, seborrheic dermatitis or acne rosacea, see a dermatologist to have it treated. This might permanently improve the problem.”
3. Look after your body
During the winter, due to the cooler climates, you’re much more likely to get sick, which is why Dr. Friedmann says it’s essential to “get plenty of sleep and de-stress; it’s a known fact that stress and exhaustion lower the immune system and make most rashes and other skin conditions worse.” Explaining that “the more you look after yourself, the better the immune system and the less of a problem many of these things will be.”
Posts You'll Love:
Dr. Friedmann reminds us that “it’s important to eat a healthy and balanced diet to maintain the body’s minerals and natural oils. Eating lots of vegetables and salads will soak up the free radicals and help the look and feel of the skin.” Finally adding, “if you’re a keen gym bunny, sweating it out might make things worse temporarily” so be mindful of this. Check out this post for our fave beauty enhancing ingredients that you can work into your winter diet. You can also take Zinc Picolinate (50mg) supplements, $7.50, daily to help boost and improve immune system function to keep away winter colds.
4. Don’t forget Sun protection
via Giphy
Dr. Friedmann reminds us that sun protection isn’t just for summer days sitting on a beach, topping up your tan. Although, he does say that “a lot of foundations, moisturizers, and primers contain at least SPF15, which is probably enough protection during the winter months,” if you’re not in the mountains. He told is that “Most aging and wrinkling of the skin is due to sun exposure and using a sun protection will help slow the photo-aging process.” Dr. Friedmann also stressed that “If you’re taking a winter skiing holiday or live in a snowy climate, sun protection is very important. The snow reflects a large percentage of the sun’s UV rays and the UV exposure is greater in the mountains, so you can still get sunburned and are at risk to skin cancer.” Check out our fave sunscreens that work well under makeup here.
Our favorite winter DIYs:
During the winter months, chances are you’ll be staying in a lot more. So while you’re snuggled up on the sofa, we recommend a quick DIY mask to combat dryness. These two masks are super quick and include just one miracle ingredient that you probably already have in your kitchen.
Honey: When your skin is starting to look a little lifeless, a honey mask can work wonders! It’s bursting with antioxidants that’ll replenish the skin, and it’s also a natural humectant, which means it will draw in moisture, and it’s antibacterial so it’ll get rid of unwanted toxins. Simply apply a thin layer of raw honey directly onto your face and lips in circular motions, leave on your skin for 15 minutes, then rinse off with warm water for radiant, gorgeous skin.
Avocado: When celebs like Adriana Lima and Miranda Kerr use this $2 ingredient weekly, you know it has to be good. Avocado is rich in minerals, nutrients, and vitamins that promote healthy skin. Check out our hydrating avocado DIYs here.
Let us know if there are any other winter skin issues you want our help with, in the comments below!
Leave a comment