Winter skin can come with a whole realm of problems. Dry air makes for dehydrated skin, leading to itching and flaking. The cold temperatures and strong winds lead to a compromised barrier on the skin and leave you feeling raw. Attempting to over moisturize with the wrong products can cause acne, dull complexion and a variety of other skin imperfections.
That being said, winter isn’t a time you should fear your skin. At AFYA Skin and Body Clinic we have just the tools to keep you glowing, even in the dark days of winter.
Here are 7 helpful tips for winter skin:
1) Use the Proper Wash in Lukewarm Water. Hot water may feel great on the skin but it can leave the skin stripped of hydration and too many of its natural oils. Using a cleanser like the Vivier Gentle Foaming Cleanser can provide a deep clean without the harsh after effects of other cleanser.
2) Add in a Hydration Serum. Serums are meant to be applied before your moisturizer and can specifically target your major skin concerns. In the winter, use a serum that contains Hyaluronic Acid. This molecule retains 1000x its own weight in water and will give your skin some much needed hydration.
3) Choose the Correct Moisturizer. Every person’s skin is unique and requires a specific combination of ingredients to achieve hydration in the winter. Ceramides, Fatty Acids and Cholesterol are some of the fastest acting and most effective ingredients to protect the skin’s natural barrier and help prevent premature aging of the skin.
4) Exfoliate. We often forget to exfoliate the skin in the winter. Dead skin can build up and make it difficult for your serums and moisturizers to do their best work. Using harsh exfoliators can be dehydrating, so we recommend products that use Urea. This ingredient will help with the natural exfoliation of dead skin, all the while increasing the hydration level in the skin!
5) Humidify. Indoor heating can wreak havoc on our skin’s hydration level. Using a bedroom humidifier at night time will help combat this.
6) Consume More Water. We tend to drink less water in the winter, so it is a good reminder to add in a couple extra glasses a day and make sure to consume foods with higher water content such as many tropical fruits, lettuces and coloured peppers.
7) Hydration Facials. Book yourself for some much-needed relaxation time and Hydrate Your Skin for a glowing complexion.
by Joelle Rodenburgh, AFYA Skin and Body Clinic
