Winter is a difficult time for our skin. It has to deal with the cold, dry wind, and low humidity. All of this can lead to dry skin that is more prone to cracking and chapping. It’s important to take care of your skin even more during these months in order to keep it healthy and glowing.

So, what steps can you take the ensure a healthy complexion as mother nature gives it her all throughout January and February.

Avoid Hot Baths & Showers

They may be comforting, but long, hot baths and hot showers will strip all of the essential oils from your body, leading to dry, flaky skin. Keep temperatures to a sensible level – there’s no need to rock the lobster look. And slather on the moisturiser after your bath or shower – your skin will thank you for it!

Switch Your Products To Suit The Season

In winter, we need a different kind of skincare routine than during  the summer. We should use products that are richer in oils and moisturisers, but also use products that contain active ingredients like retinol or vitamin C for an extra boost of hydration and protection against free radicals.

Be mindful NOT to over-cleanse as this can strip the skin of its natural oils. And go easy on facial scrubs – once a week is more than sufficient during the winter.

Always keep some lip balm and hand cream nearby too – your lips and hands can suffer in cold temperatures.

Fake It, Don’t Bake It

It’s no secret that sporting a healthy tan tends to make us feel good. Whilst we can’t argue with this, we would strongly advise that you avoid sunbeds at all costs. It’s a misconception that a sunbed will help top up your vitamin D levels. The reality is no sunbed will give you vitamin D. So, if you’re more confident with a tan, opt for a spray tan instead of using a sunbed.

Don’t Ditch The SPF

Even on the darkest, cloudiest of days, make sure you apply SPF every day. Just because you can’t see any evidence of the sun in the sky, it doesn’t mean that the UVA and UVB rays aren’t getting through.

Ask The Experts

Invest in a professional skin consultation. All of your concerns will be addressed and a skincare routine to fit in with your lifestyle will be recommended, along with which products you should be using during the different seasons of the year.

With the right skincare routine in place, you can say goodbye to dry, flaky winter skin and keep glowing throughout the darkest months of the year.