Keep Your Skin at its Best Over The Colder Months

Each season poses a challenge when it comes to our skin, but the colder months are particularly hard on it. Wind and rain can leave it chapped, sore and dried out. And along with central heating being regularly switched on, you might find your skin acting out in all kinds of ways. If you know that each year the cold weather brings you rough, irritated and tight feeling skin- here are a few ways to prevent and treat it.

Find The Right Products

Your winter products of choice should be deeply hydrating, rich and nourishing. This not only hydrates the outer layer of skin but also protects it from any further damage too. The right products will replenish anything that has been lost from your skin due to the bad weather. You’ll need a gentle cleanser, go for creamy or oil based products which further hydrate your skin rather than foaming products, which will strip it even further. A gentle exfoliator in the form of a cleansing brush or exfoliating skincare product is also essential. Invest in both day and night moisturizers and an eye cream too, which will protect and hydrate the delicate eye area. Finally, additional products such as serums, oils and face masks which are targeted to dry skin can also be useful. You can make your own face masks from common kitchen ingredients such as yogurt, honey, avocados, bananas and eggs. You can get more info at BeautyProductWarnings about how to DIY your own natural products. Put together a routine that works for you and stick to it religiously for the best results.

Exfoliate The Right Way

When skin dries out due to the cold and bad weather, it can leave the surface looking dull, rough and flaky. Exfoliatingwill remove this dead layer of skin. Which will not only make you complexion look more vibrant, but will also make your skincare products work more efficiently too. Exfoliating is a vital part of your skincare routine, but it has to be done properly. Using products or brushes that are too harsh on your skin will actually cause it to dry out and flake further- the exact opposite of what you’re after! Find an exfoliator that’s not too abrasive on the skin (avoid those containing ‘microbeads’ since these are horrible for the environment) and always use a product that’s designed for the face. Body scrubs will be way harsher and will damage your more delicate facial skin. Cleansing brushes are also a good option, not only do these help to clean deep down into the pores, but they also remove flakes and dead skin too. Use gentle motions, again being careful not to scrub too hard or irritate the skin.

Have a Facial

Booking in for a professional facial at a salon is a wonderful treat. They will be able to diagnose your skin type meaning that in future you’re able to buy products that will work best for you. As well as explain how to address any skin concerns you have. The treatment will usually involve a deep cleanse, exfoliation and moisturizing using the best salon products. Some will even offer extras such as blackhead extraction or pore cleaning leaving you feeling perfectly fresh afterwards. Skin care specialists suggest having a facial every four weeks since this is when your skin cells complete their life cycle. But you could just have them done whenever you feel like your skin needs it. Even once per season would be a great addition to your skincare routine.

Swap Hot Baths For Warm Ones

When it’s cold outside, your first thought when you come home is to probably run the hottest bath you can comfortably lie in. And while this is perfect for relaxing in, it’s not that good for your skin. Hot waterwill help to dry it out further and so can cause fall/ winter skin to get even worse. If you can’t sacrifice your hot baths for cooler ones, don’t wash your face while you're in the tub. You could wash it in the sink with your cleansing and exfoliating products either before or after you get in.

Don’t Neglect Your Lips

As well as looking after the skin on your face, you need to protect your lips too. They lose more moisture than anywhere else on the body which is why they’re so prone to drying out. Picking at and licking the lips will cause them to become sore and heal more slowly. Plus you might also trigger a cold sore if you irritate the skin around your mouth. You can buy gentle sugar lip scrubs from places like Lush, or you could make your own. This will help to remove any flakes, which will improve the appearance as well as making your lip balm more efficient. Find a good lip balm that works for you and get into the habit of applying it. Buy a couple and keep them in the places you’re at most often to avoid getting caught short. In your bedside table, your car, your desk drawer and your coat pocket. Prevention is better than cure here so keep on top of this to stop the cold weather wreaking havoc on your lips. While products like mattelipsticks look amazing, it’s best to avoid these if you’re prone to dryer lips since they can dry them out further. Go for more glossy creme finishes instead.

Address Your Diet and Hydration

A well as moisturizing and protecting the exterior of your skin, you’ll also need to nourishfrom the inside too. A healthy diet which is rich in all of the vitamins and minerals you need will keep skin at its best. You’ll help to prevent the signs of aging, and support the rapid growth of skin. Fruits, vegetables, healthy fats and whole grains will all boost your skin’s health and help prevent it from becoming dry and damaged due to the bad weather. Keeping hydrated is also essential, so make sure you’re getting your eight glasses a day in!

You Still Need Sunblock Even When It’s Not Sunny!

Most of us naturally reach for the sunblock when it’s sunny outside. But this is a step you still need to keep up for the rest of the year too. The sun’s UV rays are damaging at all times of the year, not just in summer. If you don’t want to add another step to your skincare routine, choose a moisturizer or foundation with SPF included.

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