Winter Skin Tips

It’s no secret dryer skin is a feature of the cooler months. Anyone here not affected? Nope? Didn’t think so. As the humidity drops and the temps cool we’re all drawn to warmer showers and hot baths and we tend to drink less water. In conjunction with the dryer environment our skin really suffers the effects of these changes. It can become any combination of tight, scaly, itchy, flaky and red. It can start to break out or become unevenly textured/ bumpy due to lack of exfoliation and it’s basically just downright annoying.
My tips to love your skin this winter…

1. Exfoliate… Gently, at least 2-3 x week. Face and body. Use a loofah or exfoliating towel (soon to be available at the Space) or a body scrub based on natural oils and salt/sugar/coffee grounds and a gentle enzyme exfoliant for your face.
   
2. Moisturise… After every shower with a rich natural body butter (I love Lush or Wild Healing) or a body oil. Coconut or jojoba are my faves but be sure to apply straight out of the shower onto warm, damp skin and let soak in for at least 10mins before dressing to ensure no oily residue on clothing/ sheets.
   
3. Hydrate… Just because it’s cooler doesn’t mean you can let the hydration slide. You still need your fluids. If you’re not keen on cold water this time of year try it warm with fresh lemon or lime. Herbal teas and stock based soups (like miso) are also great ways to up your hydration (and nutrition) when you’re craving something warm.
   
4. Eat good fats… avocado, olive oil, coconut oil, nuts and seeds all contain essential fatty acids and vitamins that your skin requires to repair, replenish and regenerate from the inside out. These same nutrients also work on brain and nervous function- because everything comes down to cell health.
   
5. Wear socks to bed… After a warm soak and scrub and applying a rich cream to your feet. This is the perfect time of year to enjoy this trick that kicks dry heels arse. Plus, it’s said that soaking your feet in warm water before bed helps a great night’s sleep.
   
6. Massage oil into cuticles… It can be any oil, coconut, olive, grapeseed, whatever you have in the pantry will work wonders on those dry, hard cuticles.
   
7. No hot showers/ baths… OK, I know I might lose you here, and to be honest, I hardly ever listen to myself on this one. But the truth remains that hot showers and baths will stress your skin and dry it out. Causing capillaries to weaken and ‘break’ and the top layer of your skin to dehydrate and pretty much hate you. Try to keep them to a minimum.
   
   While following the above tips should help you breeze through winter smooth and unscaly, just ensure you don't let your skin get too dry before implementing any of them- it can be a long way back!