5 tips to help prepare your skin for the holiday season
From the icy cold winds outside to the blasts of hot central heating inside, your skin has a lot to contend with in winter, which is why you may have noticed a change in your skin’s appearance. If you’ve been experiencing frequent breakouts, sore, flaky dry patches, and a dull-looking complexion, we have some simple tips that will help keep your skin in check this winter.
Layer your skincare
When it’s cold outside we layer our clothing to keep us warm and to prevent us from catching a cold. Apply the same idea to your skincare in winter, because layering your skincare products will help keep your skin protected. Starting with a cleanse, tone and moisturise routine, this will help to restore moisture and provide relief for sore, chapped skin.
Don’t be afraid to add extra layers of moisturiser throughout the day, whenever your skin is feeling a little dry or tight. Try alternating between a moisturiser and facial oil to give your skin variety and always remember to apply a layer of moisturiser before you go bed, for nourished skin by morning.
Drink more water
In the summer we keep our hydration levels topped up by drinking a lot of water, but in winter we often reach for hot drinks like tea and hot chocolate to warm us up instead. Keeping your water intake up will help keep your skin hydrated and happy in the winter months. Aim for 8 glasses of water a day to maintain a healthy and radiant glow.
When your skin is hydrated, it’s moisturised from the inside out and that will help to brighten your complexion, reduce puffiness and calm dry patches. A skin win!
Remember your lips
Our lips are often the first part of our body to feel the effects of winter. Apply lip balm regularly, and try gently exfoliating flaky skin using a spare toothbrush. Remember to drink lots of water too, as this will help keep your lips plump and smooth.
Protect your hands
Your hands are busy all day every day...they never stop, so taking care of them is essential, especially in the winter months! Keep your hands moisturised by using a hand cream regularly throughout the day, and wearing gloves when it’s cold outside.
For an extra special treatment, try soaking your hands in a bowl of warm water, with a teaspoon of olive oil, before patting dry. This is will help keep your hands soft and supple throughout winter and beyond.
Avoid sun damage
In the summer we cover ourselves with sunscreen, fully aware of the dangers of sun damage. However, in the winter, many of us often forget to apply sunscreen. Although sunlight is minimal during the winter months, it’s still vital to protect your skin against the sun’s harmful UV rays. UV rays can penetrate through the clouds, so even on a grey day your skin could be at risk.
Choose a moisturiser with SPF to ensure your skin is protected all year round, and be aware of HEV light (high-energy visible light), which is transmitted from electronic devices and can damage your skin too.