As the air cools down to a crisp, we know the peak of cosy season is here. Temps have officially dropped significantly, and as a result our bodies, and our skin, may need some help adjusting.
In wintry weather, it’s a good idea to give yourself a little extra pampering to help with any side effects that come as compliments of the season. Most of us are good at taking care of our facial skin; i.e. we often forgo the same for our skin neck down. Overall, as lower hydration levels prevail, dryness, cracked heels, chapped lips and other issues can occur.
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There’s no reason to stress, though, as there are things you can do as checks and balances. With a few tweaks and adjustments, you should be able to address concerns such as:
Chapped lips
Little humidity in the air during the winter months is known to cause chapped lips. It’s best to keep a good lip balm at hand to reapply through the day, frequently. Try a lip balm with actives or additional healing properties - such as the Pilgrim Squalane Bubblegum Lip Serum. Bonus points if the lip balm offers sun protection, for which we love Natio Aromatherapy Moisturising Lip Balm SPF 50.
Dry, flaky, stretchy or patchy skin
Cold weather is tough on the skin, and its harshness tends to compromise in the skin’s protective barrier. The barrier, which is the skins outer layer, is made up of lipids, amino acids, skin cells and natural moisturising factors. With a drop in temperatures, these all begin to dry out, causing cracks in the barrier that they together form. Try nourishing and soothing body lotions that can help restore balance in the skin. Some of our picks for winter season? Mcaffeine Choco & Shea Body Butter, which is specially formulate for the winters; and Forest Essentials Vitamin E Radiance Renewal Body Cream.
Dullness
Even if you’re not facing major concerns, something that tends to happen during this time is the skin starts to feel sallow, greyish or simply, not in the pink of health.
Update your body care products for the season
Instead of harsher foaming products, opt for cream and oil-based shower gels that add a layer of hydration to your skin while gently cleansing it. Our picks for a skin-replenishing shower: Marks & Spencer Magnolia Shower Cream and the cult classic product that has us all reaching for it this season, L'Occitane Almond Shower Oil: it gently removes dirt and impurities, while giving a nice glow to the skin.
Build up moisture on the skin
Layer it just like you would layer clothes for the cold, using a heavier-duty body lotion on damp skin post-shower. Moroccanoil Ambiance De Plage Body Lotion acts as a sealant and locks in the hydration with its combination of oils. You can also massage in a repairing formula, like Rovectin Skin Essentials Barrier Repair Cream Concentrate to exposed areas throughout the day - specially your hands, feet and elbows. Also moisturise the body at night before you sleep, which helps in the healing and regenerating that occurs during this time.
Top it all off with a body oil
Oils guard the outer layer of the skin, even penetrating deeper to help improve elasticity and texture. Try slathering an oil like Palmer's Cocoa Butter Formula Moisturizing Body Oil or Aminu The Magical Vit C Body Oil to soothe the skin and keep it baby-soft through the winter.
As an added body-loving step, try dry brushing the skin, before you apply oil to it. This not only gently exfoliates dead skin cells, but also keeps the blood flowing into your skin. The House of Beauty Dry Brush is just the tool you need for that extra pampering.
Avoid very hot shower
While a steaming shower may help in warming you up, exposing the skin to hot water can strip it of its natural oils, which are actually essential to its health. As a rule, if your skin is turning red in the shower it’s a sign the water you’re using is too hot. Instead, keep the temperature balanced towards the cooler or tepid side.
