LCBT – College Update

13 Winter Skin Care Tips you have to Follow

Whatever your skin type this time of year can play havoc with it. From the drying effects of the cold, to skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis that are often worse in the winter, skin needs special attention right now. Below are 13 effective winter skin care tips that will help you to ensure your skin looks and feels great throughout the season.

1. Avoid hot water. You might be craving the warmth of a hot shower but it can actually lead to heightened dryness and cracking if you don’t moisturise straight away. So, use lukewarm water instead and follow washing your face with a moisturiser containing hyaluronic acid and ceramides to retain moisture and prevent cracking.
2. Switch your skin routine. In the winter you need milder products, cleansers that won’t strip your skin, and serums and moisturisers containing ceramides, hyaluronic acid, hydration serums, and glycerin to help preserve the skin’s moisture barrier.
3. Don’t forget your hands. Hands get very dry in winter, as they have fewer oil glands than anywhere else. Moisturise regularly and wear gloves.
4. Drink plenty of water. It’s easy to forget to stay hydrated when it’s not hot outside but the air indoors is much drier at this time of year as all the moisture evaporates with the central heating. So, make sure you’re getting enough H20 and consider a humidifier to add moisture to the air.
5. There is still UV in winter. So, make sure your skin is protected with a sunscreen rich in titanium dioxide or zinc oxide.
6. Limit exfoliation. The process of exfoliation removes dead skin cells and this is still important in winter to help skin renewal and product absorption. However, limit this to once a week in winter so that you don’t damage your skin barrier.
7. Identify what irritates your skin. It could be that you have eczema that is irritated by all the wool you wear in winter, for example. If that’s the case look for a very high-grade wool that won’t irritate – or switch to other fabrics.
8. Keep your feet soft. Even though it’s not sandal weather, regularly treat your feet with glycerin-based creams and petroleum jelly and a gentle exfoliation to help ensure products are easily absorbed.
9. Get out of your wet clothes. Whether you’ve been running in the rain or playing in the snow it’s important to remove wet clothes quickly or you might end up with irritated, itchy skin.
10. Don’t put away your sunglasses. Sunshine glare can cause squinting and fine lines around the eyes so you’ll still need your sunglasses for sunny winter days.
11. Eat what your skin needs. Berries such as raspberries and blueberries are rich in the vitamins and antioxidants your skin needs in winter. Soups, salads, juices and milk (plant or regular) can all also contribute to a skin-positive diet.
12. Rely on a regular routine. Winter skin needs routine more than any other – cleansing twice a day and applying moisturiser while the skin is damp to lock in moisture is very effective.
13. Exercise more. When your heart rate rises through exercise more blood is pumped around the body and to your organs and skin, keeping it healthy and glowing.

These tips are essential to ensure that your skin stays in great shape throughout the winter season.