With winter on our doorstep, you may already be experiencing dry skin and, as the colder weather sets in, it’ll only get worse. Yes, it is time to reach for those skin care and body products that not only moisturise, but also nourish the skin.
What causes dry skin and why is it worse in winter?
Basically, there is less moisture in the skin during the winter months. Firstly, colder weather reduces the size of the skin’s pores and slows blood circulation, which results in a decrease in naturally occurring oil or sebum, which both protects and moisturises the skin.
Secondly, as the temperature drops, people tend to turn up indoor heating which dries the air out, reducing the moisture available to the skin even more. Furthermore, extreme weather like wind and rain also strips the skin of its natural oils.
And who does not love a hot bath or shower in winter? These may warm you up, but they too add to already dry skin getting even drier.
So, what can one do to stave off irritated, dry winter skin? The answers are really simple and ones most of us already know… moisturise regularly, hydrate from the inside by drinking fluids and guess what? Moisturise again!
Thick, heavy moisturisers that are perfume-free are by far the best option. If you do not mind a heavy cream, try L’Occitane Shea Ultra Rich Body Cream or Apivita Royal Honey Body Cream. If, however, you do not like the greasy feel they may leave on your skin, thinner gels and lotions are also an option as there are some super nourishing lotions available. If you like a lighter lotion then give L’Occitane Almond Milk Veil or Apivita Tonic Mountain Tea Moisturising Body Milk a go.
Body oils are also an option for dry skin. Body oils contain emollient ingredients like fatty acids to help hydrate and soften the outer skin layer and while some experts recommend one over the other, it is up to individual choice. However if you are really battling with dry skin you can use both. We recommend L’Occitane Almond Supple Skin Oil.
Key ingredients to look out for
All moisturisers contain humectants to attract moisture to the skin. Common humectants include ceramides, hyaluronic acid, glycerin and sorbitol.
Other hydrating ingredients to look out for are lanolin, silicone, and mineral oil which help seal moisture into the skin. They also form a protective barrier to reduce damage from environmental factors.
You will find most facial moisturisers contain hyaluronic acid as it is known to attract moisture to the skin. Treating dry skin with a moisturising mask can really help relieve dehydration. Try Kocostar Hyaluronic Sheet Mask, which promises to deeply hydrate, nourish, and soothe dehydrated skin.
Super serums
Serums can and should be used all year round but during the cold months of winter, a nourishing serum will provide the skin with the extra help it needs. Something like Uriage Eau Thermale Hydration Serum which targets all the layers of the skin to restore the natural moisturisation mechanisms is an excellent option.
Overnight treatments such as REN’s Evercalm™ Overnight Recovery Balm are also worth considering. This nourishing barrier balm is ideal for sensitive, stressed or dehydrated skin and works to support, nourish and moisturise the skin during its natural overnight regeneration process.
Lip service
And let’s not forget about the lips! They often suffer the most in winter as the thin, fragile skin gets dehydrated very quickly. We love Kocostar Lip Capsule Plump, which thanks to its formula of essential oils and botanical gloss deeply hydrates and adds glow to dry, chapped lips.