Winter Skin Tips to glow

Winter Skin Woes? Your Guide to a Healthy, Glowing Complexion

As the days shorten and the mercury drops, our thoughts often turn to cozy sweaters, hot chocolates, and crackling fires. But while we're busy embracing the hygge, our skin is often battling a harsh enemy: the cold, dry air of winter. Low humidity outdoors combined with artificial heating indoors can strip our skin of its natural moisture, leading to dryness, flakiness, redness, and even painful cracking.

But fear not, winter warriors! Keeping your skin healthy and happy throughout the colder months is entirely achievable with a few smart adjustments to your routine. Here in Tauranga, while we might not experience the extreme blizzards of other regions, our winter still brings plenty of challenges for our delicate complexions.

Here's your ultimate guide to maintaining a healthy, glowing complexion, even when the chill sets in:

1. Hydration is Your Holy Grail (Inside and Out):

This is paramount. What you put into your body is just as important as what you put on it.

• Drink Up! Don't let the cooler temperatures fool you into thinking you need less water. Continue to drink plenty of water throughout the day to keep your body, and therefore your skin, hydrated from within. Herbal teas can also be a lovely warming alternative.
• Invest in a Humidifier: This is a game-changer, especially if you spend a lot of time in heated environments. A humidifier adds moisture back into the air, preventing it from leaching moisture from your skin.

2. Rethink Your Cleansing Routine:

The harsh cleansers you might use in summer could be too drying for winter.

• Opt for Gentle, Hydrating Cleansers: Ditch the foaming cleansers that can strip your skin. Instead, choose cream-based, oil-based, or milky cleansers that are designed to hydrate as they clean.
• Cooler Showers, Shorter Showers: While a hot, steamy shower might feel incredibly tempting on a cold morning, very hot water can strip your skin of its natural oils. Opt for lukewarm water and try to keep your showers shorter.

3. Moisturise, Moisturise, Moisturise (and then some!):

This is your main defense against dryness.

• Switch to Thicker Formulas: Your lightweight summer lotion might not cut it. Look for richer creams and balms that contain ingredients like ceramides, hyaluronic acid, shea butter, and glycerin.
• Apply to Damp Skin: The best time to moisturize is immediately after showering or washing your face, while your skin is still slightly damp. This helps to lock in moisture.
• Don't Forget Your Body: Your face isn't the only part of you that needs attention! Your arms, legs, and hands are also susceptible to dryness. Keep a good body lotion handy.
• Targeted Treatment for Hands and Feet: Our hands are constantly exposed, and our feet are often neglected. Use a rich hand cream frequently throughout the day, especially after washing, and apply a thick foot cream before bed, perhaps even with cotton socks for an intensive treatment.

4. Protect Yourself from the Elements:

Even on cloudy days, UV rays can still cause damage, and the wind can be incredibly drying.

• Sunscreen is Non-Negotiable: Yes, even in winter! Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 every day to exposed skin, especially your face.
• Layer Up: Scarves, hats, and gloves aren't just for warmth; they also act as a physical barrier against the harsh wind and cold.

5. Be Mindful of Exfoliation:

While exfoliation is important for removing dead skin cells, over-exfoliating in winter can compromise your skin barrier.

• Reduce Frequency: If you exfoliate regularly, consider cutting back to once a week or even every other week.
• Choose Gentle Exfoliants: Opt for chemical exfoliants with alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) in lower concentrations, or very fine physical exfoliants, rather than harsh scrubs.

6. Don't Forget Your Lips!

Chapped lips are a common winter complaint.

• Use a Hydrating Lip Balm: Keep a good quality lip balm with SPF on hand and reapply frequently. Look for ingredients like shea butter, beeswax, and lanolin.
• Resist Licking Your Lips: While it might seem like it helps, licking your lips only makes them drier.

7. Consider Overnight Treatments:

Give your skin an extra boost while you sleep.

• Overnight Masks: Incorporate a hydrating overnight mask into your routine a couple of times a week.
• Facial Oils: A few drops of a nourishing facial oil can provide an extra layer of protection and hydration.

By making these simple yet effective changes, you can ensure your skin remains supple, healthy, and glowing throughout the chilly winter months. So, embrace the cozy season, knowing your skin is well-protected and cared for!