(photo taken last winter when I arrived back from Ireland to a snowy Nantucket)
I know that the weather has been a little erratic lately with temperature changes, and your skin may be acting a little confused. Changes in temperature, a drop in humidity, and dry heat from radiators and stoves may cause your skin to feel dry and itchy. When skin starts losing moisture, the skin barrier may get disrupted, causing increased sensitivity, dryness, and irritation. Below are some tips to help protect your skin from the cold:
- Avoid long, hot showers which tend to dry and irritate the skin. Short, warm showers are best.
- Gently exfoliate your body in the shower, but no more than a couple of times a week, to promote cell turnover (over time gentle exfoliation can help promote collagen production for healthier skin), and to ensure that your skin absorbs nourishing and moisturizing ingredients better.
- Don’t over exfoliate your face or body. This is the time of the year to “baby” your skin. If you over exfoliate, you may cause micro tears to your skin, which disrupt its natural barrier. This may lead to increased sensitivity making your skin more reactive. If you have a skin condition like rosacea or psoriasis, it’s best to talk to a dermatologist, as exfoliation may aggravate these conditions.
- Applying a body oil will not only soften skin and keep it supple, but will also nourish it with vitamins such as A, C and E, antioxidants and minerals. My Nourishing Body Oil contains skin-loving ingredients such as almond oil and avocado oil as well as camellia and grapeseed.
- Putting on an additional layer of clothing is preferable for your skin, rather than adjusting the thermostat to a higher temperature. Consider buying a humidifier to add moisture to the air, if you suffer from dry, itchy skin. There are smaller models available that won't take up too much space and they look pretty.
- Protect your skin from exposure to the cold. That's where hats, gloves and scarves come in. And don’t forget to apply lip balm or lip conditioner to avoid chapped lips.
- I get asked this question a lot..."Can I use your face oil during the day?" The answer is Yes, but I always recommend layering an SPF on top of my face oil, if you are outside (that goes for winter as well as summer). My face oil will help create a protective barrier to protect against the cold but not against the sun.
- And lastly, if you do have an ongoing skin condition that you're concerned about, it is always best to see a dermatologist to put your mind at rest.
If you have any winter skin care tips that you would like to share, please email me at ciara@purebodynantucket.com.
Ciara xx
Disclaimer: You should not rely on this information as a substitute for, nor does it replace, professional medical advice, diagnosis and treatment.
References:
Blancaflor, Saleah. 7 Derm-Approved Ways to Change Up Your Skincare Routine for Fall. Real Simple, August 23, 2019. Retrieved from https://www.realsimple.com/beauty-fashion/skincare/fall-skin-care