Fall brings a double whammy when it comes to skincare. Chilly outdoor temperatures and indoor central heating combine to dehydrate the skin on your face and hands and dry out your lips, leading to itching, flakiness and redness.
So it’s time to rethink skincare routines as we prep for the colder months ahead. Let’s get your glow back!
Nurture your skin
If you see flakiness and dryness, it’s tempting to think you need to up your exfoliation. But exfoliating is strong and strips the moisture out of your skin, making it even drier. So exfoliate no more than twice a week.
Don’t forget – you’re almost sure to need a richer moisturizer for the colder season, as your summer one will struggle to cope. Pamper your skin while you sleep with an oil-rich emollient. And don’t forget the delicate skin directly under your eyes. Because it’s thinner, it’s more vulnerable to winter weather and needs special protection. If you are not already using a serum, now is the time to start. You can specifically target and correct dryness and dehydration using a serum twice daily.
I recommend a professional facial every 6 to 8 weeks during the winter months to my clients to keep their skin hydrated and the signs of premature aging at bay.
Fall and winter skincare is all about deep hydration and rejuvenation. Book a complimentary skincare consultation if you’d like professional advice on the best moisturizer and serums for your skin. We’ll examine your skin, talk about your current routine, and recommend the right seasonal products for you.
Some like it hot (but not your skin)
Try to limit the time in hot baths and showers. Lukewarm water is a better option as the heat dries the oils out of your skin – the warmer water you use, the drier your skin will be.
Once out of the shower, I recommend patting your skin dry and applying a hydrating body moisturizer. This will lock moisture into your skin – applying it to damp skin is much more beneficial, especially if dry. I’m using a combination of Dermalac and Eucerin with 10% urea (purchased from a pharmacy) for “extremely” dry skin as they nourish and hydrate and create a barrier to prevent further moisture loss. Yonka and GM Collin also offer nourishing oils and body lotions to treat dehydrated skin.
Stay hydrated inside and out.
Remember to drink enough fluid throughout the day to help prevent your skin from drying out and keep it healthy. Obvious. But it’s easy to overlook as the temperature drops. Regular moisturizing is also vital – especially after washing which strips the skin of its natural oils. Apply moisturizer to hands first thing in the morning and reapply throughout the day. Remember that what you apply to your skin will ultimately act as a barrier to help prevent moisture loss. Apply sunscreen with SPF 30 daily, even in cold weather, to stop hands and face from ageing prematurely. I keep a travel-size sunscreen and hand cream in my bag that works as a reminder. Try placing your favourite hand cream next to your sink at home as a reminder.
Apply a hydrating lip balm with an SPF throughout the day to avoid the dreaded chapping. I have tubes of Lip Drink Balm with SPF 15 in all my bags. For extremely dry lips, my go-to is GM Collin Lip Repair Balm. I’m never without it. Formulated with Shea butter and Maracuja oil to strengthen, provide relief and soothe the skin, this repairing lip balm gently eliminates dry skin with its exfoliating tip. It also contains Moringa butter to regenerate the hydration barrier of the skin. It is by far one of the best lip products I’ve used.
For more advice on fall and winter skincare, give us a call. Consultations are always complimentary. 🙂
