Simple ways to winterproof your skin
Baby it’s cold outside. And if the plummeting temperatures mean your skin is feeling tight and dry, you’re not alone.
The moisture levels in skin are linked to those in the air. And in winter, the air becomes much drier.
On top of this, central heating sucks moisture from the air as well, drying out skin when we are inside too.
Luckily there is a solution. The key to beating the winter skin blues is replenishing lost moisture.
“Hydrated skin is calm, less red, irritated and tight. Imagine how you feel when you’re thirsty and you reach for a glass of water – that’s what you can do for your skin with moisturisation,” says Dr Alexis Granite, dermatologist and spokesperson for CeraVe.
MEGA MOISTURE
“Apply moisturiser to your face and body at least once a day in winter,” says Dr Granite.
“Do this after a shower or bath, because then you’ll take some of the moisture sitting on your skin and lock it in with the cream.”
Think about the type of product you’re using, and in winter switch the formula to a heavier one.
“For the body this would mean changing your lotion to a cream or an oil – these will be more emollient to soften and hydrate the skin,” says Dr Granite.
“And if you don’t want to stop using your favourite moisturiser, you could try layering a product containing hyaluronic acid underneath, which will add moisture back into the skin.”
REDUCE REDNESS
Skin can be prone to redness in the winter, and some of this is from chapping as a result of being exposed to the elements.
“For patients with really sensitive skin, I tell them to – quite literally – shield their face with a scarf when out and about on really cold days,” says Dr Granite.
“This will stop skin being quite so battered by the weather, and also slow down moisture loss.”
You can apply a product containing petrolatum – or petroleum jelly – to the skin to act as a barrier too, such as Vaseline Original Petroleum Jelly,
£2.99 (Boots).
“If you’re not acne prone, this can protect the complexion and prevent redness developing,” says Dr Granite.
When indoors, consider investing in a diffuser or humidifier that adds moisture back in the air.
“And continue to wear your SPF, as this will keep protecting the skin from the elements – the sun doesn’t disappear in the winter,” adds Dr Granite.
CHECK THE BOX
When choosing a new product this winter, look for ingredients with a humectant quality that really lock moisture into the skin. These include hyaluronic acid, ceramides, petrolatum, polyglutamic acid and beta glucan.