As we transition into the cold, but festive season, our skin needs quite a bit of attention. After all, no one likes dry, flaky skin. In order to prevent a nightmare before Christmas, here are some tips to help you cope with brisk weather.
Moisturise. And then moisturise some more.
It’s a terribly cold world out there, so the secret to keeping your skin soft and glowing this time of year is to nourish it. Get yourself a rich moisturiser that fits your skin type, whether it’s oily, dry or acne-prone, there’s a product for us all. One product that has never failed me is the La Roche-Posay Toleriane Sensitive cream. Dermatologists highly recommend it and it’s and so mild on your skin that it’s even suitable for babies.
Prevent chapped lips
Blustery winds and low temperatures are bound to make your lips crack, but a tiny pot of Carmex will help them heal fast. Put it in your pocket and apply as often as needed. And even if you’re tempted to lick your lips when they’re dry, this actually dehydrates them even more. So drink water and let your lip balm do its magic.
Don’t put that SPF cream away
You might think that there is no use for sunscreen in winter, but those UV rays don’t just go away once summer ends. According to skincancer.org, they remain constant throughout the year and are very much present even on cloudy or foggy days. You can hit two birds with one stone by purchasing a moisturiser with SPF. There are many brands that make this kind of product. Neutrogena, Clinique and Vichy, to name a few.
Crank down the heat
As counter-intuitive as it might sound, hot showers are not a good idea. Lukewarm water is your skin best’s friend. But if you do want to enjoy a steamy bath, make sure you keep a bottle of moisturiser close and apply it as soon as you pat your skin dry. You might want to watch the thermostat as well. The room temperature should ideally be around 20-21 degrees if you don’t want your skin to dry out too much.
Swap your skin products
Your summer foundation might be a bit dark for this time of the year, especially if you tanned in your weekend getaway. Now that the season’s changed and your tan has started to fade away, you definitely need a lighter shade. Also, your lightweight moisturiser should be replaced by a rich one with a heavier formula, to cope with rough weather conditions.
So, do yourself a favour and take care of your skin this winter. After all, it is the human body’s largest organ and looking after it will certainly pay off when you see that glowing skin in the mirror!