Autumn is definitely upon us here in the UK and with it come the darker mornings and evenings, having to put the heating on and wrapping up in extra layers to keep warm.
Unfortunately, the colder months can take their toll on our skin. While the cold air might leave you with a rosy glow, the chances are your skin may feel tighter, drier, and generally less healthy than over the summer.
There is plenty that you can do to protect your skin during the winter. Here we’ve put together 11 top winter skincare tips that every woman needs to know:
Winter skincare tip 1: Follow a gentle cleansing routine
Because the wind, rain and cold of winter are so tough on our skin, it’s important that we’re as kind to it as possible. Cleanse your skin with a gentle soap-free cleaner (possibly switch to a creamier cleanser for the winter) and dry your skin thoroughly with gentle pats (don’t rub!).
The jojoba oil I use in the Mellow cleanser is excellent because of its sebum balancing qualities. It is a must for acne-prone skin and helps to break down the sebum in clogged pores.
Winter skincare tip 2: Exfoliate
A good body scrub or facial exfoliant can help to remove the dead skin cells from your body and reveal the healthy cells underneath. This makes your skin look younger and fresher, even in the middle of winter. Add an exfoliant, such as Mellow’s exfoliating cream or gel, to your cleansing routine once a week before you moisturise.
Winter skincare tip 3: Moisturise regularly
As the weather conditions change, your skincare routine should too. Look for an oil-based, rather than water-based, moisturiser over the winter. Non-clogging oils such as mineral oil, primrose oil, avocado oil and almond oil are all great for dry, dehydrated skin. The Mellow moisturiser for dry & sensitive skin uses almond oil and is perfect for chilly autumnal mornings.
Winter skincare tip 4: Be kind to your hands
Did you know that the skin on your hands is thinner and has fewer oil glands that on most parts of your body? In colder weather, especially when you’re going from centrally heated rooms and shops to biting conditions outside, it can be hard to keep your hands healthy. You may find your hands become dry, itchy or that the skin even cracks.
Although gloves offer some protection from the elements, wool can actually exacerbate any irritation on your skin, so it’s always a good idea to wear a thin cotton gloves underneath or choose gloves with a cotton lining.
The cocoa butter, thistle oil, olive oil and almond oil in Mellow hand cream make this an ideal product for moisturising and protecting your hands against the elements.
Winter skincare tip 5: Pamper your feet
During the summer, your feet are open to the fresh air and gorgeous mint-based creams can add an extra zing to your step. In the winter though, when your feet are bundled up in thick socks and heavy boots, it’s advisable to go for stronger oil-based foot creams. Remember to exfoliate the dead skin on your feet occasionally as this helps any foot cream you use to get straight to your healthy skin.
Winter skincare tip 6: Hook up the humidifier
As the heating and cold weather dries out your skin, it’s a good plan to place a few small humidifiers around the house to put moisture back into the air. Your skin will thank you for it.
Winter skincare tip 7: Drink plenty of water
Drinking plenty of water is good for your overall health, which, in turn, affects the quality of your skin. Carry a bottle of water around with you and try to drink throughout the day. Herbal teas are a great way of drinking more water and warming you up when it’s really cold.
Winter skincare tip 8: Don’t sizzle in the bath
There’s nothing nicer than a hot bath or shower when it’s freezing cold outside but it’s important to keep the temperature down. A very hot bath can actually break down the lipid barriers in your skin, leading to a loss of moisture, which leaves it dry and irritated. Experts advise that you have a lukewarm bath for a shorter period of time.
A few drops of jojoba oil or almond oil in your bath will do wonders for your skin in winter, which is why Mellow’s Citrus, Lavender and Rose Geranium bath oils use almond oil for the ultimate bath time product.
Winter skincare tip 9: Wear sunscreen
No, I haven’t gone mad and I don’t just mean when you’re off on a holiday to sunnier climes. Winter sun, as well as snow glare, can damage your skin. Applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen to your face and hands, if they’re going to be exposed to the elements, can help protect your skin from UV sun damage.
Winter skincare tip 10: Look after your lips
Chapped lips can be caused by the cold weather, central heating and letting your skin get dehydrated. Other causes can include thyroid hormone imbalances and a vitamin B deficiency. If your lips are chapped in the cold, try not to lick them. Instead use a lip balm to protect and moisturise your lips. Mellow’s lip balm uses beeswax, cocoa butter and almond oil for wonderfully soft, kissable lips.
Winter skincare tip 11: Ditch the hairdryer
I hate to say it but your hairdryer is not your friend when it comes to looking after your skin in winter. The hot air can dry out the skin on your scalp as well as on your face. If you can, go for a tousled wavy look and let your hair dry naturally. Our shampoo for dry hair is ideal if your hair is looking less than lustrous thanks to the elements.
Do you have a winter skincare tip that you’d like to share with us? We’d love to hear from you, so please leave a comment below or join the conversation on Facebook.