Winter in Australia, while milder than in many parts of the world, still brings the comfort of cosy jumpers, hot drinks, and evenings by the heater. However, it also brings a unique set of challenges for our skin. The cold weather and dry indoor conditions can leave our skin feeling dry, irritated, and far from its best. This guide aims to help you understand the specific winter skin concerns and provide practical tips on how to prevent and treat them.
How Winter Affects Skin Health
As winter sets in, individuals with sensitive skin or pre-existing conditions like rosacea, perioral dermatitis, eczema, and milia often find their symptoms worsening. The cold air and wind, combined with dry indoor environments, create a perfect storm for skin irritation.
Dry skin occurs when the skin doesn't retain enough moisture. Winter exacerbates this issue as low humidity levels both outdoors and indoors cause the epidermis (outer skin layer) to lose moisture. This results in dry, tight, and flaky skin.
Understanding the underlying causes and adapting your skincare routine accordingly is crucial to maintaining healthy skin during the colder months.
Causes of Winter Skin Issues
- Cold Air and Wind: Exposure to cold winds can trigger facial flushing and exacerbate redness. The harsh conditions strip the skin of its natural moisture, leaving it dry and vulnerable.
- Dry Indoor Air: Central heating and low humidity levels indoors can deplete the skin's moisture, leading to increased sensitivity and irritation.
- Hot Showers and Baths: While a hot shower may feel comforting, it can strip the skin of its natural oils, further exacerbating dryness and irritation.
- Low Humidity: Dry indoor air and low humidity levels rob the skin of moisture, leading to increased dryness and itchiness.
Hacks to Care for Winter Skin
To combat the effects of winter on your skin, it's essential to adjust your skincare routine. Here are some tips and tricks to help your skin stay hydrated and healthy during the colder months.
- Opt for Gentle Cleanser
Choose a moisturising cleanser that gently cleanses and exfoliates your skin without stripping it of its natural oils. Look for products that contain nourishing ingredients. Petitgrain PH Balancing Cream Cleanser: This cleanser includes Shea Butter to soothe the skin, while organic Petitgrain and May Chang tone and clarify pores, leaving you feeling hydrated, clean, and fresh.
- Stay Away from Products Containing Alcohol
Many astringents contain alcohol, which can dry out your skin. Instead, opt for alcohol-free skincare products to help retain your skin's natural moisture.
- Soothe Your Skin
Calming products can provide relief to irritated skin and reduce redness often caused by dry winter temperatures. Blue Tansy and Cypress Anti-Redness Soothing Serum: This provides calming relief and helps soothe skin during harsh winter conditions.
- Moisturise Frequently
One of the keys to maintaining healthy skin in winter is regular moisturising. Use rich, nourishing moisturisers to keep your skin hydrated and protected. Peruvian Flower Nourishing Hand and Body Cream: This award-winning cream is fortified with organic oils and butters to combat dry skin and deeply nourish without leaving a greasy residue.
- Take Care of Your Lips
In winter, lips can become dry, flaky, and even bleed if not treated properly. Regularly moisturise your lips to keep them plump and smooth. Mandarin and Basil Organic Lip Balm: This balm will soothe and moisturise your lips, keeping them perfect throughout winter.
- Avoid Extremely Hot Showers
As tempting as it is to take boiling hot showers in winter, your skin will thank you for opting for lukewarm showers instead. Hot water can aggravate dry skin, so try to keep your showers short and warm.
Shop Our Products for Winter Skin Savers
To wrap up, maintaining healthy hydrated skin during winter requires a thoughtful approach to skincare. By understanding the unique challenges posed by the cold weather and adjusting your routine, you can keep your skin looking and feeling its best. Our range of products is designed to help you achieve just that.
Discover our Winter Skin Savers Kit for a comprehensive routine that will keep your skin hydrated and glowing all season long!
Remember: Moisturise frequently, use gentle cleansers, avoid products with alcohol, and take care of your entire body, including your lips and hands.
By following these winter skincare hacks, you can ensure your skin stays healthy, hydrated, and radiant throughout the colder months.