Keep your skin hydrated

Hot chocolates, blazing fires, cosy clothing… and dry skin. While the cooler weather brings plenty of positives, it also has the tendency to leave our skin looking dull and dry. Keep your skin hydrated this chilly season with these simple steps.

When the temperature drops and the heaters get flicked on, our skin can go from dewy and glowing to dry and flaky. The cold, dry air and difficult weather conditions, not to mention hot showers, heaters and the fact that you’re probably drinking less water, all contribute to dehydrated skin. Follow these easy tips to keep your skin looking as luminous as it did with a summer tan.

Drink plenty of water

Work on hydrating your body from the inside out by making sure you keep up your water intake. We all know water is as essential for your skin as it is for your vital organs, so fill up the glass six to eight times a day. Don’t let your quota drop in the cooler weather, even a cup of hot tea will help. Avoid excess coffee and alcohol if you can.

Minimise heater usage

While sometimes this simply can’t be helped, avoid using heaters excessively as they tend to dry out the skin. Rather work on insulating your house naturally by keeping windows closed, making use of doorjambs and cosy rugs, and stocking up on plenty of blankets and warm clothing.

Limit hot baths and showers

Soapy hot water dries out the skin, so aim to keep your bath or shower at lukewarm temperature. The cooler water will also help you to wake up in the morning and will reduce the heat shock when you step outside.

Moisturise

This really is a no-brainer. Invest in a rich moisturising lotion that contains nourishing ingredients like aloe vera or shea butter and massage into the skin after your bath or shower. Apply some more lotion on your feet at night and slip them into a pair of cotton socks to wake up with your tootsies feeling extra soft.

Protect your skin

When heading outside into particularly windy or dry conditions, try to cover your skin as much as possible. Rug up with a good coat and scarf, apply plenty of lip balm and wear gloves.

Keep up the skin care regimen

A good routine of washing, exfoliating and moisturising is important all year round. Over-cleansing can strip the skin of natural oils, so use a gentle cleanser with lukewarm water once or twice (max) a day. Choose your products wisely; for example look out for those that say “moisturising” or “for dry skin” on the label. And don’t forget to keep up the sunscreen, even in the depths of winter!

Keep an eye on rough patches

Pay special attention to particularly dry areas like your elbows and knees. Use an eye contour cream to help minimise fine lines and use a quality lip balm to prevent chapping. If your lips are dry and flaky, gently use a toothbrush to exfoliate about once a week.

Scrub

Exfoliating or using a skin brush will help remove dead skin cells and keep your body looking luminous. Work up the body from your feet towards your heart and massage or brush your skin for the added bonus of better circulation.

More cool weather beauty tips

Winter hair trends
Winter jewellery trends
Moisturise winter hair