How to look after your skin this winter

Looking after your skin is key in winter. We’re not just talking about your face and hands. Your whole body needs a bit of TLC. Without being exposed to vitamin D and being concealed under dark heavy fabrics for months at a time, skin can suffer.

1. Moisturise like crazy

When dry cool winter air begins to nip at you, your skin needs extra attention to stay moisturized. We recommend Guinot Nutrizone – Intensive Nourishing Cream for Dry Skin, which is the perfect product for winter time. Start the day off by slathering your skin in natural oil, post-shower. Oils do wonders for nourishing skin, especially if you apply it while skin is still damp. Give coconut oil, jojoba or sweet almond oil a try.

2. Exfoliate regularly

Slough away dead skin cells and regain your glow by exfoliating regularly. Use a scrub about once a week to get rid of itchy dry skin. This will ensure healthy skin that glows.

3. Take shorter showers

Hot showers may feel great on a cold winter day, but they aren’t doing your skin any favours. The hot water drains skin’s natural oils, which can lead to dry skin and breakouts. Turn down the temp and try to shorten your shower to save your poor skin. Be sure to always moisturise after you shower or wash your hands, and face to replenish your skin.

4. Ditch your face wash

Many facial cleansers contain harsh ingredients that leave your face feeling tight and parched. Then, oily and broken out later. Why? Well, most facial cleansers strip skin of their natural oils, which leads to excess oil production because your skin is trying to make up for what it lost. Most of the time I just wash my face with water and remove my makeup with a dab of facial oil on a cotton ball. Using oil on your face may seem like a skin disaster waiting to happen, but oils actually balance out your skin and leave it with a healthy glow. I recommend jojoba, grapeseed or almond oil.

5. Indulge in a face mask

Instead of indulging in too many sweets and fat during the winter, pamper yourself with home remedies for dry skin. This ultra-hydrating facial mask is easy to make and will leave your face feeling soft. The chocolate in this recipe feeds your skin with antioxidants to fight free radicals, UV damage and fine lines. The avocado adds skin-nourishing oils and vitamins, and the honey will make your skin glow.

Don’t forget that eating right helps keep your skin looking good too. Munch on carrots, spinach, flaxseed, almonds to keep that dewy glow even during a blizzard!