It’s rather delicious out in Queensland right now. It’s the time of year our state is blessed with the lovely combination of sunshine that’s still warm and autumn fresh temperatures. Meanwhile, our southern friends are already piling on the layers.
But as it edges closer to June, cold weather will set in north of the border too.
Now is the perfect time to evaluate your skincare regime and consider how you can adjust it for the winter months to combat conditions that dry skin out like:
- Low temperatures
- Cold winds
- Heating
- Low humidity.
Dry skin can lead to itchiness and flaking, and exacerbate skin conditions like eczema and dermatitis. All things we’d prefer to avoid. Here’s how.
Hydrate the skin
This one is pretty obvious. Actually doing it before our skin’s at flaking point though, is a different story.
If your skin tends to dry out in winter, consider upgrading to a heavier facial moisturiser soon. Also, try to avoid using cleansers that strip your skin of natural oils.
Talk to your beautician or an expert that sells your favourite products. Most big brands offer free in-store consultations, make the most of it and get your skin analysed.
If you’re on a budget there are a lot of great options available that are all natural, fragrance-free, suitable for sensitive skin and won’t break the bank. Check Chemist Warehouse, Priceline or Healthy Life for these ranges:
- Swisse
- Sukin
- Derma-Sukin
Nourished Life’s website can also help. They’ve done the hard work testing products, so you don’t have to.
Don’t forget to moisturise the rest of your body, especially your hands and feet. Having hot showers really dries skin out.
Keep your lips happy by treating them to balms not based on petroleum jelly (otherwise known as Vaseline).
Remember to exfoliate
After you’ve bought the right exfoliator, you can get rid of dead skin cells at home for free, so there’s no excuses on this one.
Use an exfoliating scrub, or even just an exfoliating glove in the shower with your usual body wash.
Just make sure to do it regularly during winter if you want your skin glowing by the time it’s bikini weather again. It’ll also help your body absorb moisturising products.
But, don’t go overboard. Dermatologists recommend exfoliating one to two times a week. Doctor Rachel Nazarian explained to Marie Claire “over-exfoliation will leave your skin red, tender, and sensitive”.
“Too little, and your complexion will look rough and dull,” she said.
Keep up your water intake
It’s easy to forget to down the recommended 2 to 3 litres of water the body needs each day when it’s cold. If you don’t neglect your drink bottle though, you’ll feel the benefits in your skin as well as your overall health.
Even the Federal Government recommends drinking plenty of water to “moisturise the skin to maintain its texture and appearance”. An unexpected source of beauty advice but helpful nonetheless.
According to dermatologist Doctor Cynthia Bailey “the winter climate and indoor conditions pull water from your skin so you have to keep putting it back”.
“You can’t just treat your skin the same way you do in the warm summer months and expect it not to be dry and itchy,” she said.