Looking for how to keep your skin happy and healthy during the winter months? Look no further. This guide will feature tips from dermatologists, daily lifestyle changes to help your skin and affordable products.
Dermatologists say...
-
Hydration is important. The skin dries up with colder weather and central heating, so staying hydrated is one way to combat this.
-
Don’t overload your skin with products just because it is winter. Make small changes to help your skin adapt if it needs it such as switching to hydrating cleansers but use thicker creams and moisturizers. Try CeraVe Moisturizing cream and good old fashioned Vaseline. And the CeraVe hydrating cleanser is currently discounted here.
-
Avoid harsh scrubs, loofahs and exfoliating gloves if you are very prone to dry skin.
-
See how your skin feels after cleansing. If it feels tight, it is likely you need a gentler cleanser, as the skin should feel hydrated and calm after washing. Try an oil based cleanser and wash away with colder water.
-
Wear SPF all year round!
-
Pay extra attention to sensitive skin. Seek products with ingredients that can calm irritable skin. Research what ingredients are best for your skin type.
-
Look after your lips – use balm and ointments regularly.
-
Take baths with bath oil. They are a great opportunity to hydrate your skin while reducing stress hormones.
-
Reduce alcohol. Possibly a tricky one for students, but if your skin is bothering you it is worth considering. Research shows alcohol increases inflammation in the skin and it has a dehydrating effect on the whole body. At least down lots of water after your night out because drinking forces water out of your body due to alcohol being a diuretic. It can be difficult to rehydrate afterwards so you may be left with dry, flaky skin. It inflames our insides which can make the skin puffy, red and cause breakouts too.
-
Be aware of potentially irritating ingredients such as Vitamin C and retinoids.
Source = here and here.
Daily tips to try, supported by medically reviewed everydayhealth article.
-
Invest in a humidifier to restore moisture to the air in your room. Perhaps turn it on while you are sleeping.
-
Try to resist cranking the heating up too high (this will rack up your bills too) as this can dry out your house too.
-
Don’t have scorching hot showers as it can dry out your skin. If it makes your skin red it is too hot. Try a short, lukewarm shower if you can.
-
Moisturise morning and night.
-
Apply creams right after bathing – apply directly to damp skin.
-
Protect skin from irritable fabrics, cotton is generally a safe option. Also make sure your laundry detergent is labelled ‘hypoallergenic’.
-
Look at your diet – what you eat can massively effect your skin and some dermatologists say that omega-3 fatty acids from things like salmon are essential.
(Graphic by Freya Griffiths)
When buying products look for ingredients such as ...
-
Shea butter
-
Lactic acid
-
Mineral pil
-
Dimethicone
-
Jojoba oil
-
Glycerin
-
Lanolin
-
Petrolatum
Stop using products that contain ...
-
Fragrance
-
AHA (Alpha-hydroxy acid)
-
Alcohol
-
Retinoids
Do cucumbers on your eyes actually work?
Apparently so! They can reduce dryness, puffiness and tired looking eyes with their high water content.
(Graphic by Freya Griffiths)
More products to try for dry skin and gentle cleansing over winter...
-
Calm restoration toner with oats available here.
-
Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Anhydrous Solution available here.
-
Cetaphil gentle cleanser available here.
-
Bioderma Sebium Ultra-Nourishing Cream Very Dry Acne-Prone Skin – apply to problematic areas available here.
If you find your skin incredibly dry, itchy and flaky and none of these tips help – see a dermatologist or doctor as they may be able to prescribe an ointment or cream.