By now I think we all know that the harsh winter weather isn’t the kindest to our skin. It can strip your skin’s natural protective barrier leaving it irritated and dehydrated. For me, that means itchy dry skin – combined with breakouts that is a pain to have to manage! Here’s a few things I’ve been doing over winter to help my skin stay hydrated.
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1. Professional treatments
Without a doubt, getting professional treatments has made the biggest difference for my skin. I walk a balance between super oily, hormonal acne and dry skin, and professional help allow me to keep my skin stay hydrated and clear. They also give me a chance to chat to a trained professional about what’s going on with my skin, and to get advice on adjusting products depending on what my skin needs. I set aside money every week to put towards professional skin treatments and get them done every 4-6 weeks.
I usually go to Bare Waxing, where you can buy a facial series. You pay for 4 skin treatments and receive a 5th one free which is great value! I like the Dermalogica ProSkin 30 for a targeted treatment, and the Dermalogica ProSkin 60 for when I need a bit more relaxation and indulgence. Dermalogica is a brand that I’ve been using for years, so it’s really great to be able to talk to a professional who knows and uses their products as well!
2. Check your shower temperature
Long hot showers sound like bliss when it’s cold but they can dry out your skin. Have a warm shower instead of a hot one, and limit the amount of time you spend in the shower. We’re currently on water restrictions here in Auckland, and I grew up on a farm with tank water, so I’m very conscious of how much time I spend in the shower (although sometimes I do lose track of time!). Set a timer if you need to, or put some music on and limit yourself to two songs – totally okay to sing along!
3. Change up your skincare routine
When the weather starts cooling down, I know my skin gets drier so I add extra hydrating products. Some of my faves include Dermalogica Barrier Defense Booster, which I usually use in the morning under my moisturiser. I use the Dermalogica Sound Sleep Cocoon at night for two out of fours weeks a month – for the week before and week of my period I’ve been using a PR sample of the new Dermalogica Retinol Clearing Oil, more on that later. I use a few different face masks, when my skin is dry I go for the Dermalogica Skin Hydrating Masque – I’ve been using this one for years and it’s definitely a fave.
In terms of caring for the skin on the rest of my body, I switch to using oils and heavier body lotions when it’s cold. My favourites are Sleepy Body Lotion at night or Dermalogica Phyto Replenish Body Oil during the day (I actually use this one year round because it’s so lovely on my skin). Sometimes I use the Weleda Skin Food Body Butter if I’m feeling like my skin is particularly dry because it’s extra nourishing – it’s especially good for moisturising your hands and feet overnight.
4. Chill out
Heaters can dry out your skin and they can dry out the air (which will dry your skin out more). Where I live it’s pretty humid which my skin loves. In winter however, the heater goes on and I can feel my skin drying out! I try to limit my heater use because of this, and I balance out that dry skin with heavier oils and moisturisers as I mentioned above.
5. Drink up!
In the words of my friend MahMah, “stay hydrated and mind your business”. I’ve talked before about why it’s important to drink water (so your skin doesn’t feel like a lizard, of course), and some things that can help. I’ve got a 500ml glass drink bottle at the moment (similar to this one) and find that quite nice to drink out of. I have been cutting back on the coffee to help my anxiety so I’ve been adding in peppermint tea when I’m feeling chilly and need something warm.
What do you do to help your skin stay hydrated?
Leave your tips in the comments below!
