Top Tips for Healthy Winter Skin

Read time: 6 mins

The winter months can wreak havoc on your skin - making it dry, itchy and irritated. Cold, blustery conditions outside can leave your skin feeling raw and your lips dry, while indoor heat zaps moisture from the air and from your skin.

Even the things that make winter wonderful, like sitting by a roaring fire, can dry your skin. And though taking a hot shower might seem like a good way to warm up, hot water dries out your skin by stripping it of its natural oils.

Lower the Thermostat to Avoid Dryness

When it's chilly outside, what's the first thing you want to do? Crank up the heat! Central heating though can make the air in your house even drier. Try setting the thermostat at a cool yet comfortable setting, and your skin will thank you.

Limit Shower/Bath Time and Temperature

It may be tempting to take a long, steamy shower, but your skin will be much better served with a 5 - 10 minute lukewarm shower (or bath). Avoid using harsh cleansers that contain sodium lauryl sulphate which is very drying. Instead opt for a gentle Oleo shower gel or our Bath Soak. For soap lovers, our range of gentle glycerine soaps is a must. Afterwards, blot the skin dry and apply a moisturising (Oleo) body lotion, or for an extra moisture boost, our Blissful Body Cream.

Opt for a Gentle Cleanser

The wrong cleanser can worsen itchy, dry skin.  For instance, regular bar soaps may contain irritating ingredients and artificial fragrances. Instead, wash with our fragrance-free Gentle Facial Cleansing Bar. Equally gentle for your skin are the lightly foaming Gentle Facial Wash. For those with very dry skin, indulge in our luxurious Rose Petal Cleansing Balm.

Remember Regular Exfoliation

We naturally shed dead skin cells every day, and this serves as a reminder of the importance that exfoliation plays in clearing dead cell build-up. Gentle exfoliation plays a key role in skin radiance by removing complexion-dulling dead skin cells and allowing new, fresh and healthy skin cells to reach the surface. Our Gentle Facial Exfoliator with crushed walnut shells gives nature a helping hand.

Moisturise Religiously, all Year Round

You may already be moisturising your face and body as part of your skincare routine, but are you moisturising effectively? Apply moisturiser as soon as you can after drying off post-cleansing or bathing to help lock in moisture; pat (don’t rub) skin dry and apply moisturiser when still a little damp.  You will probably find during the colder months that you will need a richer facial moisturiser.  Luckily, we have three to offer you - Replenishing Facial Moisturiser and Resilience are formulated specifically for skin that is not quite as young as it once was!  Our Rejuvenating Rosewood Face Cream is ideal for quenching dry complexions.

Think of serums and facial oils like more concentrated moisturisers that are lightweight. By leaving out lubricants and thickening agents typically found in face creams, the active ingredients are able to penetrate the skin much faster. Our Dry Skin Facial Oil and Essential Skin Serum provide that extra boost of nourishment that your skin is crying out for in Winter.

For those with oily skin who may have trouble with heavier creams, our Skin Balancing Facial Oil is a winter skin SOS.

Use your serum/facial oils in conjunction with your moisturisers, on its own, night, day or both. It just depends what your skin is telling you.

Don't Forget your Hands

The skin on your hands has fewer oil glands as compared to the skin on other body parts.  That's why moisture escapes from your hands quickly, making them prone to cracks and itchiness.  Apply a moisturiser (Oleo's Rich Moisturising Hand Cream) regularly throughout the day to keep them soft and smooth.

Stay Hydrated

Be it inside your home or outside, the air is drier in winter.  And as a result, water evaporates from your body easily. Hence, you need to keep your skin hydrated.

Water not only plumps the skin but it encourages collagen production which ensures the cohesion, elasticity and regeneration of skin. It also helps to flush toxins out of the body that can lead to acne and eventually to scarring.

Without adequate water levels, your skin will appear dull, and fine lines, wrinkles, scars and pores will appear exaggerated as the face essentially shrinks into its tightest position.

Drink the recommended two litres of water a day (at the minimum).

Don’t forget your beauty sleep, either. Sleep is a time where every cell in our body renews and repairs, so getting a good eight hours will help keep your skin in good condition.

Choose cruelty-free, vegan skincare products. Choose Oleo Bodycare.