Winter weather is not fun for our skin. Cold temperatures and low humidity results in dry air which takes valuable moisture away from the skin every second. Without care, the skin will dry leading to cracking and bleeding and harsh winter weather especially if combined with cold winds can make the problem worse. Central heating robs the air of moisture as do hot showers,baths and harsh cleansers. Additional moisture can help but you will need to do more to keep your body and facial skin looking youthful and smooth. So to reduce chapping,itching,redness and to keep the skin more healthy and comfortable this Winter, try my Skin tips!1. Wash in lukewarm water. Though a hot shower or bath seems glorious at the time, the heat of the water actually will strip your skin of valuable oils making it more prone to redness and itching.2. Moisturise immediately after you have washed. Applying body lotion/moisturiser to damp skin helps seal that dampess into the skin. Keep a bottle of handcream /body lotion nearby and use liberally after every time you wash your hands/body.3. Some moisturisers have petroleum based ingredients that actually further dry your skin during the winter months. Choose a smart formula that has natural nourishing ingredients and go for an oil based rather than water based solution, as it more likely to help your skin retain moisture in winter.4. Protect your skin by wearing gloves & scarves. Do not forget to wear sunscreen as the winter sun can be just as damaging as summer sun. Make sure the product contains titanium dioxide and zinc oxide to get the best protection.5. Drink Water! We tend to drink less in the winter because we turn to hot drinks but do not forget your skin needs hydration from the inside. A little warm water with lemon is refreshing and hydrating at the same time.6. Moisturise at night. Drier areas like hands,feet,knees and elbows have thin skin and tend to lose moisture faster than other areas. Use a deep/richer moisturiser at night and do not forget to moisturise your face with a product designed for overnight repair.7. Exfoliate. It is important to help the skin slough off the dead cells in winter because if the dead cells are not sloughed off, moisture can not get in. I recommend an exfoliating mask with a combined ingredient of glycolic acid that will accelerate skin turnover. I also recommend a body lotion that contains glycolic acid to increase cellular turnover to keep your body smooth. Only use the exfoliating facemask once or twice per week.8. Winter skin is more fragile so avoid allergans that will cause your skin to flare up.9. Hydrate from the inside out. Eating food high in water content can help your skin hydrate from the inside eg watermelon,apples,kiwi and watery veggies like tomatoes,celery,cucumbers and carrots. Also make sure you are getting enough Vitamin C and zinc to support healthy production of collagen and elastin, components needed for a glowing complexion. Consume more fatty fish and flaxseed to give your skin the building blocks it needs to keep your skin supple.10. Change your cleanser. Use a more hydrating cleanser and do not leave your skin too naked for too long as dehydrating it can lead to more dryness.Dr Pradnya is a trained dentist and aesthetic practitioner. She is also an official stockist of Image Skincare and recommends the use of the products from this range to keep your skin tip top in the upcoming months.www.revitalise-rejuvenate.co.ukComments are closed Back to our blog