As the weather turns (icy) cold, my skin likes to resemble the surface of the duck pond by LICA – cold and crackly. Keeping on top of dry winter skin adds a whole new level to my skin care routine, but keeping ahead of the weather makes a world of difference. Here are a few easy-ish ways to avoid the dreaded winter dry and dull curse.
Starting with the most obvious, MOISTURIZE. At least once a day, preferably morning and night, or at least after you shower. Commit to a proper heavy lotion/skin cream, one with shea butter and topping with an oil like coconut or Bio Oil, and adding in Vaseline or Aquaphor to areas such as hands, feet, knees, and elbows, which are prone to being crackly and dry in the best of weather. Is it incredibly extra? Yes. Will you have wonderfully soft skin? Oh yes. Don’t forget to stash hand cream in all your bags and coats, and apply regularly. If nothing else you’ll smell great.
Speaking of ‘extra’, this next one is a true commitment to avoiding dry skin. Cold temperatures suck moisture out of our air. A humidifier ensures the air retains its moisture, but it can even leave your skin better than before with its hydrating benefits. Not convinced for skin reasons? I find it a game changer when it comes to those unpleasant winter colds and sniffles.
Exfoliate. Since dead skin is unavoidable and dry skin makes it worse, be sure to exfoliate your skin on a regular basis. No need to spend a bunch of money on fancy products, a scoop of sugar and a bit of coconut oil does the trick for a fraction of the price, and you’ll leave the shower feeling oh so smooth.
Don’t forget to exfoliate your lips, especially when enjoying some of winter’s best dark lip colours!
Swap drying makeup remover wipes and cotton pads with products that not only remove your makeup, but also keep your skin hydrated. I’d always promote an oil cleanser (yes, even for oily skin) to remove your make up, but in the winter months its even more essential to keep all the moisture in your skin you can.
