WINTER SKINCARE TIPS

by Hazel Nyere - Co-Founder Nakisa Skincare

“Do you not know that you are a temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?” 1 Corinthians 3:16 Our bodies are so important to the Lord, He calls us temples. In the same vein we should always endeavour to take care of our bodies and by extension our skin. As we go through the winter season it is important to keep a healthy body and healthy skin.

We are already starting to feel the winter chill. It is essential to understand that cold weather can wreak havoc on the skin and cause several skin conditions. The air is drier in winter than in summer and moisture in the air (humidity) is relatively lower. This coupled with indoor heating (such as air conditioners, heaters, and fireside warming) deplete moisture from the skin. The dry air not only dries the skin but can trigger itching, flaking and certain skin conditions like eczema.

There are many ways to winter proof your skin this season.

In this article we look at ways to keep well moisturized, healthy, and smooth skin through the winter season.

1. Moisturise!

Choose thick body creams or butters over lotions. Body creams that are formulated for dry skin are thicker and will retain and seal in moisture for longer. This is a good option for winter. For extra protection add a layer of petroleum jelly or body oil. Apply these immediately after bathing before your skin dries out (within 3 minutes). Also wiping your skin vigorously with a towel; this can cause dry skin, instead, dab water off. This is gentler for your skin. To add extra moisture to your face, choose products that contain hyaluronic acid and oils. Reduce harsh exfoliation over the winter season, this tends to dry skin further. Avoid using body creams and butters on your face, these formulations are too thick for facial skin and can cause clogged pores and acne. Here is a product to try:

2. Use hydrating cleansers

As mentioned before, your skin becomes drier and dull in winter. The cold weather and the windy breeze reduce the moisture levels of your skin. How do you tackle cleansing your skin in such weather? Milk or mild moistursing cleansers are amazing in winter. Aside of removing dirt, they leave your skin soft and supple. In winter it is best to avoid soap cleansers, they usually make your skin dry and strip it of natural oils.

3. Avoid Hot Baths & Showers

Water on the skin in general has a drying effect and upsets the balance of the skin. Avoid long hot showers or baths, keep them as brief as possible. We know that in winter there is a temptation to take a long hot soak to feel warm. This is not a good idea. Hot water can inflame and dry out skin leading to irritation and rashes. Furthermore it disrupts the skins natural moisture balance. Take brief, luke warm or cool showers (5 to 10 minutes) and moisturise immediately.

4. Use sunscreen

Another winter skincare mistake is not wearing sunscreen. Even though the sun’s rays are not as strong in winter, they still exist and can age you. Your skin can be affected and damaged by UV rays all through the year. Wear SPF every morning, alternatively a daily moisturizer which contains sunscreen works very well. Using a moisturizer with in-built sunscreen reduces the time you spend on your skin regimen.

5. Follow a nutritious diet and stay hydrated

It is important to complement your winter skin routine with a nutritious and seasonal diet. This will boost skin health during this season; consume foods that are rich in Vitamin A and beta-carotene amongst others. This helps aid cell renewal, regulates skin function, and promotes collagen production.

Furthermore, it is key to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids, this helps combats dry skin. You may be tempted to lower your water intake in winter due to the cold weather – avoid this. Find ways to make your water interesting to drink. Infusing water with ginger, cucumber, lemon or other fruit makes it tasty and may encourage an increased intake.

6. Don’t forget your lips & hands!

It is easy to forget that your lips need protection too! Keep your lips well moisturised to avoid chapping and drying by using a hydrating lip balm every morning and throughout the day to seal in moisture.

Your hands tend to age fast. That is because you use your hands for so many things and constantly expose them to the elements - in this case, cold weather. In addition to this, your hands are also being sanitized, washed, and dried a dozen times in a day. It’s no wonder they dry out so quickly. Dry, wrinkled hands can be avoided by wearing gloves and by moisturising several times during the day, especially after washing them. Make sure you carry hand cream in your handbag or keep it handy for continuous use throughout the day.

Following these tips can help your skin stay radiant and smooth even through the winter season. Should you have persistently dry, itchy, or scaly skin, consult a dermatologist for treatment.

For more skin tips follow Nakisa.Skincare on Instagram or contact +263772357239 for a skin consultation.