Scarves! Scarves! We can finally wear scarves! Yep, the UK has succumbed to its natural state, and we’re back in freezing temperatures. But with great knitwear, comes great changes to our beauty routine. Our skin’s getting drier, our lips more chapped, and our usual moisturiser just isn’t cutting the mustard. Winter is upon us – here’s what you can do to save your skin.
By Rachel Spedding
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1 Lay off the hot bathsThe temptation to flee toward a hot shower is real, but resist the urge to turn up that temperature gauge – heated water can strip natural oils from the skin leaving you feeling tight and a little itchy. Dry winter air (and heating) will further wick moisture from the skin’s surface, so maintain a steady temperature in the shower and layer, layer, layer on the lotion once you’re out.
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2 Try a facial
As that sunkissed tinge subsides, you may notice your skin looking a little more dull. A professional facial every three to four weeks (around the time it takes for your skin cycle to renew), will encourage a healthier winter glow. A peel will slough off dead cells, encouraging collagen production – that helps to plump up the skin – as well allowing your everyday lotions to sink in a little better.
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3 Remember the SPF
Though there are less UVB rays lurking around once the sun is tucked away, the levels of UVA are still high enough to have a significant ageing impact on our skin. Skin protection is a year-round thing – try using a product with a high UVA rating. Since computer screens and infrared lighting is thought to have the ‘sag’ effect too, it’s best to lather up that sun lotion, regardless of the temperature.
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4 Chapped hands fix
Dry hands are the worst, just the worst. Come winter time, that hand cream stashed on your desk just doesn’t seem to relieve the tight-finger feeling. Try to avoid using hand wipes (the preservatives can trigger eczema), wear gloves when washing up to keep chemicals far, far away, and apply a rich hand lotion and cotton gloves before bed. You’ll wake up feeling a little more moisturised, and ready for some high-fiving.
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5 Winter feet are a thing
It’s not just your hands that need a little extra TLC. Sure, your heels may be locked in boots from here on out, but they’ll still be grateful for a pedi or peel. Yep, feet are prone to cracking during the winter months, and while frequent exfoliating will ease it a little, a salon visit for a professional treatment is a better plan for cold-weather-skin-saving. Regular treatments will help to prevent extreme dryness and maintain moisture. Winning.
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6 Exfoliate (still)
Though you may think that exfoliating will further dry out your skin, or make it extra sensitive, it’s actually the opposite. It’s the only way to rid dead skin cells, and deeply cleanse both the face and body, for fresh skin to come anew. Elbows, knees, ankles and feet are particularly prone to it. Try showering with a wash that’s formulated with glycolic acid to remove debris and dirt without stripping the skin of natural moisture.
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