4 ways to save your skin in winter
Don’t let the harsh weather ruin your complexion
Don’t let the harsh weather ruin your complexion
During the colder months you need to take extra special care of your skin if you want a fresh and radiant complexion. In winter, there’s less moisture in the atmosphere so water within the skin is lost to the dry air. This can make the skin much drier – and wind and artificial heating doesn’t help, either! Here’s our guide to surviving the harsh effects of winter on your skin.
1
Fight flakes
Harsh winds can leave skin raw and chapped. Before heading out, layer on a rich balm to provide a protective barrier between your skin and the elements. Also, avoid products with alcohol, which are drying, and keep exfoliating. Since you will be moisturising more, you need to ensure you don’t have a build-up of dead skin that can not only look flaky itself, but also cause breakouts. Don’t use anything too harsh though – once or twice a week is enough, and only use a gentle exfoliating formula.
2
Reduce redness
"Redness is often an early warning sign of dehydration. If left untreated, it can later progress to a sensitised skin," says Jurlique’s education specialist Danielle Williams. Make sure you are using a gentle cleanser and only using warm – not hot – water. "If a cleanser is too harsh, it may strip away the good natural oils and change the pH of skin, resulting in that sensitised and irritated-looking skin," explains Rachel McAdam, medical relations manager for La Roche-Posay. Add an extra layer of hydration with a creamy formula and, before heading out in drying winds, apply a redness-reducing balm.
3
Layer in the day
The trick to keeping your skin glowing is to layer to increase your skin’s moisture level – but don’t go overboard. Thin, fine layers are best. "If we apply thick layers to the surface of the skin, there comes a point of saturation where subsequent product applications can’t be absorbed," says Williams. Try an antioxidant serum under your face cream and a hydrating lotion on top.
4
Heal at night
Go easy on active anti-agers, such as vitamin C and retinoids, which can trigger irritation. Use them only overnight, when skin isn’t being attacked by the elements – switch to every second night if you start to feel any irritation. Add extra moisture by using a hydrating mask with ingredients such as shea butter, honey or green tea, which will soothe and moisturise dry skin. You can even try switching your night cream to an overnight hydrating mask.
For more beauty advice from New Idea, hop onto newidea.com.au
Main image credit: Getty
