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On the JJ Barnes Blog, ahead of the frozen chill that’s headed our way, I check out how to protect your skin this Winter so you can stay healthy and looking your best in the cold.
As the icy winds start to bite and the temperature plummets, our skin often takes a beating. When the weather gets cold, and humidity drops, the skin can lose up to 25% of its moisture, and ensuring your skin is protected from the low temperatures can be challenging. The dry, cold air can strip away moisture, leaving our skin feeling rough, chapped, and dull and I often struggle with bleeding hands, peeling lips, and patchy cheeks.
As parts of the UK are going to face sub-zero temperatures in the coming weeks, with some areas even expecting snowy conditions, I figured it’s time work learn how we can reduce the impact this can have on your skin.
With the help of Franchesca Villar, Beauty Editor at Cosmetify, we have compiled a list of the best skincare hacks to keep your face feeling moisturised no matter the weather, so hopefully we can get through Winter feeling and looking our best!
How To Protect Your Skin This Winter
Slugging
Hailed as a miracle cure for blemish-prone skin, “slugging” has taken the beauty world by storm. This simple yet effective skincare technique involves applying a thick layer of petroleum jelly, such as Vaseline, as the final step in your nighttime routine.
By creating a protective barrier on the skin’s surface, slugging helps to lock in moisture, preventing dryness and irritation. This can be especially beneficial during the colder months when the air is drier and our skin is more susceptible to damage.
Beyond its moisturizing benefits, slugging can also help to reduce the appearance of acne and other skin concerns. By creating a barrier between your skin and external irritants, slugging can help to soothe inflammation and promote healing.
In addition to its skincare benefits, slugging is also a cost-effective solution. Petroleum jelly is readily available and affordable, making it a budget-friendly alternative to expensive skincare products.
Avoid hot showers
While it may be tempting to indulge in a hot shower during the colder months, it’s important to be mindful of the impact on your skin. Hot water can strip away the skin’s natural oils, leading to dryness, irritation, and a compromised moisture barrier.
To maintain healthy skin, it’s best to opt for lukewarm showers instead. Warm water is gentler on the skin, helping to preserve its natural moisture. This simple change can significantly improve the overall health and appearance of your skin, especially during the harsh winter months.
For those with sensitive skin conditions like eczema or rosacea, hot showers can exacerbate symptoms. By choosing lukewarm water, you can minimize irritation, redness, and inflammation.
Switch to a more hydrating cleansing routine
While it’s essential to maintain a regular cleansing routine, it’s important to adjust your skincare habits as the seasons change. During the winter months, your skin may become drier and more sensitive, so it’s crucial to choose the right products and techniques.
While you should still cleanse your face at least once or twice a day, it’s best to avoid over-cleansing, as this can strip your skin of its natural oils. Opt for gentle, hydrating cleansers, such as cream-based or oil-based cleansers, instead of harsher gel cleansers or micellar water. These gentler cleansers will help to preserve your skin’s moisture barrier and prevent dryness and irritation.
By switching to a more gentle cleansing routine, you can help your skin stay hydrated, healthy, and glowing throughout the winter months.
Use a humidifier
A humidifier can be a game-changer for maintaining healthy skin during the dry winter months. By adding moisture to the air, humidifiers help to counteract the drying effects of indoor heating. This can be particularly beneficial for individuals with dry skin conditions like eczema, as it can help to soothe irritation and prevent flare-ups.
By using a humidifier, you can create a more comfortable and hydrating environment for your skin, reducing dryness, flakiness, and itchiness. This can lead to a healthier, more radiant complexion overall.
Go easy on exfoliating
As the weather turns colder, it’s important to adjust your skincare routine to accommodate the changing conditions. While exfoliation is a crucial step in maintaining healthy skin, it’s essential to reduce the frequency during the winter months.
When the temperature drops and humidity levels decrease, our skin’s natural moisture barrier becomes more vulnerable. Over-exfoliating can further damage this barrier, leading to dryness, irritation, and increased sensitivity.
To protect your skin during the winter, opt for gentle exfoliation techniques, such as using a chemical exfoliant with AHAs or BHAs. These ingredients can help to remove dead skin cells without causing excessive dryness. Additionally, consider exfoliating less frequently, perhaps once or twice a week, to allow your skin to recover.
Conclusion
By following these simple tips, you can protect your skin from the harsh winter weather and maintain a healthy, glowing complexion. Remember, hydration is key, so drink plenty of water and use gentle, hydrating skincare products. By taking these steps, you can bid farewell to dry, flaky skin and welcome a radiant, winter-ready complexion.
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