Top Tips to Banish Dry Winter Skin
By: Isabel Alface, Online Editor
As the winter months roll in, the cool breeze brings more than just a rosy glow to our cheeks. Heaters, cold temperatures and harsh winds can all lead to dry, rough, tight or even cracked skin. No matter what skin type you have, cold weather can really dry it out which is why it’s about that time of year where some extra TLC is needed – not that we really needed an excuse to pamper ourselves.
Here are some tips on how to ‘Winterproof’ your skin:
Hydration begins on the inside
Drink up! Sip away on some sweet Rooibos tea, or guzzle down some water. Either way, staying hydrated helps your skin look youthful and fresh.
Slightly adjust your skin-care routine and daily habits
Cleanse your face twice daily- at night, to remove dirt, impurities, and makeup -and in the morning, avoid products which contain soap which can be harsh on the skin, especially in winter-time. Make the switch – alcohol also dries the skin, so during the cold months, shelve products with high levels of alcohol, such as facial toners and astringents – instead opt for gentle or pH balanced products. Exfoliate your face and body once a week with a scrub or a washcloth, the optiphi® Muslin Cloth is gentle enough to use daily in winter!
Use a rich moisturizing cream instead of a lotion
There may be a lotion that you default to during Spring and Summer-time, but your skin is now craving some extra love. So instead, opt for a hydrating cream that contains more oils that can provide a barrier against the chilly breeze. Try optiphi® Moisture Control Ultra, a thick, fragrance-free cream that provides long lasting cellular hydration and restores skin moisture.
Take Lukewarm showers/baths
There’s nothing better than slipping into a nice, hot bathtub at the end of the day – but if you do so, make sure it’s lukewarm. Why? Well, the intense heat of a hot shower or bath actually breaks down the lipid barriers in the skin, which can lead to a loss of moisture. Stick to lukewarm instead and while you there, throw in some oatmeal or baking soda to give it that extra moisture boost.
Stay warm, stay happy, and stay healthy this winter!
OPTIPHI BLOG 