How to Banish Dry Skin in Cooler Temperatures
It’s not only our heating bills that cold weather affects. Cooler weather can also make your skin dry, crack, and flaky which is why you need to give it some extra TLC during these frosty months. Keep reading to discover some tips to banish dry skin.
Ditch the soap
This doesn’t mean stop washing…but try and stay clear of very harsh soaps, perfumed products, and those containing alcohol as these can strip the skin of natural oils and sometimes cause irritation. Most soap bars are alkaline. Our skin usually sits around a PH 5-5.5 which is slightly acidic with PH Neutral being at a 7.
Hydrate
In recent years the high street has been building on its reputable skincare brands that are reliable. reasonably priced and loaded with good ingredients to help our skin be the best it can be. The latest must-have formula to lock in hydration and plump the skin? Hyaluronic Acid. Hydrating for the face and for the body, this particular ingredient has been around the skincare/beauty industry for the better part of 20 years, but it’s only recently become a more accessible ingredient. Hyaluronic acid is NOT a resurfacing acid, it is a skin moisturising factor; it’s a molecule that’s found naturally in the skin. It sits in your skin cells and acts as a water magnetic, attracting 1000 times it’s own weight in water – keeping the skin hydrated and plump. You can find this acid in face and body washes, serums, and moisturisers on the high street. If there’s room in your beauty regime, this can make an excellent addition, especially as the weather gets cooler.
Moisturise
Choose a moisturizer based on your skin type. Read the ingredients of the moisturiser and avoid anything containing alcohol or perfume as this will dry your skin out. A good moisturiser should reinforce your skin’s protective barrier and include an SPF – even when in winter!
Wear Suncream
Moving seamlessly on to wearing suncream. It may seem a little strange but despite the lack of sun we experience in the U.K, it’s still absolutely essential. SPF 15 at the very least, should be worn on your face neck, and hands every single day to protect you against UVA rays – realistically, any part of the body exposed. Bare this tip in mind particularly if you are exposed to snow as the effects of UV light are even more amplified.
Nutrition
You are what you eat! A good diet will reflect inside and out. Eating omega fatty acids found in oily fish and olive oil can help skin retain moisture better. Other great skin-saving foods include; nuts, seeds, avocado, dark leafy greens, and broccoli – due to their high Vitamin E content which will help soothe and repair dry and damaged skin.
Stay Hydrated
While water doesn’t directly hydrate your skin, it is important to replenish your stores each day. If you become dehydrated this is when your skin will suffer. Try and drink around 8-10 glasses of water a day. Also, try and avoid drinking too much caffeine and alcohol as this can also dehydrate your skin.
Keep it Cool
Exposing your skin to hot water for too long can suck natural oils and moisture from your skin. Use lukewarm water (this doesn’t sound too appealing in winter I know) instead of your usual hot shower. Apply moisturiser after showering so that you’re skin is still damp.
Use a Humidifier
The lack of moisture in the air during the cold months of the year can cause dry and damaged skin difficulties. It may be difficult to move to a sub-tropic climate so investing in a humidifier might be a more practical option. Humidifiers can put moisture back into the air and prevent very dry skin. They are also great for your sinuses!