For all of winter’s sweeping seasonal highs, there are a few less pleasant side effects to note. Enter the onslaught of dry, itchy skin that’s settling in for the long haul. While switching to a good moisturiser at the first sign of chill proves helpful, the drier climate and indoor heat may have already taken a toll.
Fortunately, there’s still time to get serious about a daily routine to ensure a hydrated, glowing complexion. Here, with the help of cosmetic injector Dr Clara Hurst, M.D., Dr Clara Hurst has the definitive guide for preventing, soothing, and dealing with dry skin. Take a look at her six winter beauty tips for healthy winter skin.
#1 Prep Your Home
The drier the air, the drier the skin. To maximise the amount of water in the air, Hurst recommends placing a humidifier in the room where you spend the most time, which, in many cases, is the bedroom. “A cool air humidifier increases the moisture level in the air, helping the skin’s barrier stay hydrated," she says. In addition, be sure the heat is kept on low or at a moderate temperature to avoid extra dryness in the air.
#2 Change Up Your Diet
With a direct connection between the gut and skin health, increasing your daily
intake of fats may help with dry skin. Dr Clara recommends eating a diet rich in
walnuts, olive oil, and avocados (but not to sub them for a proper skincare routine).
While that extra glass of full-bodied red wine may seem like a good idea, Dr Clara takes a conservative approach. “Don’t overdo it with alcohol, caffeine, and coffee,” she explains, as they are diuretics that will cause dehydration, "and drink tons of water."
#3 Buff Your Skin
No matter how many serums and creams are applied, dry skin will stay dry without some light exfoliation. “Pick up a gentle scrub,” says Dr Clara, “something with a mild glycolic or lactic acid to get off the dead skin.” The expert suggests swapping a gentle formula for your regular cleanser two to three times a week. For those with raw or severely dry skin, skip the exfoliator and incorporate a wet washcloth instead for a gentler option. Ensure you tailor your Retin-A usage to every other day because, while it’s surely the wrinkle-fighting hero product, it is also a strong exfoliant and “may cause extra dryness during the winter.” Now that the skin is buffed, “[serums and] moisturisers can penetrate and really get to work."
#4 Slather on an Antioxidant Serum
While most summertime products get swapped out come winter, serums are the one exception to that rule. “As long as it’s alcohol-free, an antioxidant serum is perfect for year-round usage,” says Dr Clara . No matter the climate, skin “gets attacked by free radicals,” she explains, causing sun spots, the breakdown of collagen, and premature fine lines. To prevent the damage, apply a vitamin C formula as a first layer in the morning, before layering on heavier products.
#5 Switch to a Heavier Face Cream
Perhaps one of the most important and commonly overlooked steps in the dry skin game is changing to a seriously hydrating moisturiser. “Look for creams, rather than lotions, that are made with ceramides and hyaluronic acid,” Dr Clara says. Ceramides aid in the prevention of the skin’s barrier, which is “easily broken down during the winter.” For patients with severely chapped faces, pack on a hefty amount of product, she says, morning and night.
#6 Avoid Harsh Cleansers
Be sure to toss any face washes with drying ingredients, like fragrances or additives, in favour of those with formulated chamomile or oatmeal. “A really gentle cleanser, like Cetaphil, is a great option that won’t strip skin of its natural oils,” which are needed to protect overall moisture, Dr Clara says.
You're Ready for Winter
Whether you're making some or all of these winter beauty tips part of your skincare routine during the colder months, you're not short of solutions to preventing, soothing and addressing dry skin. With a range of products available to help cleanse, exfoliate and moisturise the skin, we've got you covered. If you have any questions or would like to get in touch, contact us online or give us a call on 9284 5225.
