How to take care of dry skin in winter?

Between indoor heating and battling the elements outside, winter can take a toll on our skin. In the cooler months, your skin may be rougher to touch, and look and feel dull or itchy. The good news? With the right skin care routine and a few lifestyle tips on your side, you can bring your parched skin back to life. Here’s how to take care of your dry skin in winter.

Exfoliate (gently)

Dryness can sometimes be caused by a build-up of dead skin cells. Exfoliate 1-2 times a week (but no more than that – over-exfoliating can irritate the skin even more) to remove those dead skin cells and reveal a healthy-looking complexion. Avoid harsh and mechanical exfoliants and opt for a gentle exfoliant like our Daily Exfoliating Cream that won’t strip or tear your skin. If your skin is feeling extra-sensitive, use your regular cleanser with a muslin cloth for an even gentler exfoliation.

Switch to richer moisturisers

Your skin can quickly dry out in the winter months, thanks to central heating and less moisture in the air. Dry skin can’t protect itself from irritants so strengthen your skin’s natural protective barrier by using richer, more nourishing moisturisers and face oils (our Herbal Recovery Signature Moisturising Cream contains Cedar Bud extract to help prevent moisture loss and is our best face cream for dry skin in winter). For an extra hydrating boost, add a face oil to your daily skin care ritual. High-quality plant oils are full of fatty acids to strengthen and restore skin, antioxidants to fight free radicals and vitamins to rejuvenate skin. Try using our Herbal Recovery Antioxidant Face Oil on its own, or add a drop to your moisturiser.

Avoid hot showers

There’s no better feeling than a hot shower on a winter’s day, but the hot water can cause irritation and break down your skin’s protective layer. Use warm water instead and nourish your skin using a natural, creamy body wash such as our Softening Rose Shower Gel, that will help your skin to hold on to moisture. Pat your skin dry with a towel and apply your skin care products whilst your skin is still damp. Follow up with a nourishing body lotion or oil.

Treat your skin from within

It’s not just what we put on our skin, but what we put into our bodies affects our complexion too. Aim to drink at least two litres of water a day and add foods that are rich in omega-3 fatty acids to your diet that will moisturise your skin from the inside out (oily fish, olive oil, avocados, nuts and seeds are some of the best). Add more superfoods [link to superfoods post] like blueberries and carrots, cut down on caffeine and alcohol – they’re diuretics and can dehydrate the skin.

Help your skin to thrive during winter with specially formulated skincare products. Shop our range of nutrient-rich skincare here.