Winter skin survival

WINTER CAN BE A DIFFICULT TIME FOR YOUR SKIN, ESPECIALLY IF YOU HAVE A SENSITIVE FACE OR HANDS. COLD DRY OUTDOOR AIR, AND WARM DRY INDOOR AIR, CAN CAUSE YOUR SKIN TO LOSE ITS NATURAL OILS. THIS CAN LEAD TO DRYNESS, ITCHINESS, AND EVEN CRACKING. YOUR LOCAL BLOOMS THE CHEMIST MAY BE ABLE TO HELP PROTECT YOUR SKIN THIS WINTER – IN THE MEANTIME, HERE ARE OUR EXPERT TIPS.

Every person's skin is unique, which means that what works for your friend or family member may not work for you. So, if you have particularly dry or sensitive skin, it's wise to talk to a skincare professional or dermatologist about the best course of action for your specific skincare needs.

Remember to treat your skin more delicately during the cooler months; avoid harsh scrubbing, excessive cleansing, and picking at any dry spots or flaky areas.

Here’s our advice to help you look after your skin during the colder months:

Check your moisturiser

Opt for a moisturiser that's rich and nourishing. Moisturisers will often advertise various extra benefits like vitamins, but the most important thing is that a moisturiser should trap water and prevent it from evaporating off your skin.1 The ingredients often include:

• Occlusives: That’s what prevents the evaporation

• Humectants: Which draw in water from the surrounding air and deeper skin layers

• Emollients: Which keep the skin feeling smooth.

Moisturise at least once a day in Winter to help prevent dry skin. For best results, apply creams (rather than lotions) two to three minutes after a shower. Avoid moisturisers that contain alcohol, as that can further dry your skin.

Stay hydrated

Drinking plenty of liquids – think water and herbal teas – can help hydrate your skin from within. Avoid too much alcohol or caffeine, as these can also be dehydrating.

Protect your lips

Winter weather can be particularly harsh on your lips, which can become dry, cracked, and painful. Use a lip balm to keep your skin feeling smooth and supple; opt for one containing natural oils, like coconut oil, shea butter or beeswax. Re-apply regularly throughout the day. Avoid licking your lips, as this can further dry them out, and pulling at the dry skin, which can damage your lips.2

Exfoliate gently

Removing dead skin cells, and promoting new growth of healthy skin, needs to be done gently in Winter because your skin may already be dry and sensitive.3 Be sure to follow up with a moisturiser.

Use a humidifier

Indoor heating can be very drying. A home humidifier can help put moisture back into the air, keeping your skin hydrated and preventing it from drying out.4 Clean your humidifier regularly to avoid bacteria and mould build-up.

Protect your hands

Your hands are particularly susceptible to dryness and cracking during Winter, as they are heavily exposed to cold weather and dry air. Wear gloves when you’re outside, and moisturise after washing your hands to replace the lost moisture. Wear gloves when you’re outside, and moisturise after washing your hands to keep them feeling soft.

Avoid harsh chemicals

Chemicals in some soaps, cleansers, detergents and dishwashing liquids can be particularly damaging to your skin at a time when your face and hands are at their most vulnerable.5 Choose pH-balanced soaps, a soap designed for sensitive skin, or a soap-free wash. Alcohol-based products can also have a drying effect on the skin, so reducing the use of these may keep your skin more balanced.

Stay active

Regular exercise can help to improve circulation and reduce stress, which promotes healthy skin. Aim to get at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise most days of the week, and stay hydrated before, during, and after your workout.

Get enough sleep

Plenty of rest is good for the skin,6 because your body repairs and regenerates itself during sleep. It's recommended we get at least seven to eight hours of sleep each night, and establishing a good sleep routine can help you achieve this.

Focus on whole foods

It’s important to nourish your skin6 from within. A healthy diet rich in antioxidants, vitamins and minerals is especially helpful in Winter, so incorporate berries, leafy greens, nuts and fatty fish.

1Moisturizers: Do they work? : https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/moist urizers-do-they-work

2Health check: Why do we get dry skin in winter?: https://theconversation.com/healthcheck-why-do-we-get-dry-skin-in-winter-60849

3Healthy aging – the skin: https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsand treatments/healthy-ageing-the-skin

4What to do about dry skin in winter: https://www.health.harvard.edu/womens-health/ what-to-do-about-dry-skin-in-winter

5Cleansing without compromise: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/14728695/

67 essential winter skin care tips: https://www.medibank.com.au/livebetter/be-mag azine/wellbeing/7-essential-winter-skin-care-tips/