Dry skin remedies your skin will thank you for
The autumn months are synonymous with weekend walks in the crisp countryside, deliciously spiced scented candles and drinks round a roaring fire. But this season is also often a time that’s tricky for skin.
As lovely as crisp, chilly days are, the cold can play havoc with complexions, while ramped-up heating indoors also dries skin out. By introducing a few small changes to your regular skincare routine, you can make sure skin looks and feels its best throughout the autumn and winter months.
Clean sweep
Start with a gentle cleansing routine that doesn’t strip the skin of oils, you need to retain as much natural moisture as you can. Nourish Refreshing Cleanser is packed with vitamins and antioxidants to gently remove make-up and the grime of the day to leave skin feeling clean, soft and nourished.
Whatever products you use, try to avoid mineral oils or anything with a synthetic fragrance, which can both have a drying effect.
Scrub up
Ever wondered if you should exfoliate skin in the winter months? The answer is yes, but only once or twice a week, and judge how your skin reacts to the treatment. Topical exfoliants are more effective and less harsh on the skin than scrubs.
Something like ESPA’s Refining Skin Polish will help to clear pores and revive dull skin, which can be a problem in the colder months. Massage in lightly using circular movements then rinse off thoroughly before applying a moisturiser.
Moisture levels
A heavier day cream, oils and balms will all help shield your skin from the elements, and quite often it comes down to personal preference as to what type of moisturiser you choose to use.
Dr Hauschka Revitalising Day Cream is specifically designed for dry, dehydrated skin so it’s a nice choice for autumn and winter. Make sure you work it well into skin to really get the benefit.
Dry spell
Dry patches and flaky skin are common problems during the colder months. Both are a sign of dryness, so oil is your friend here. REN’s Vita Mineral Omega 3 Supreme Skin Face Oil is non-greasy and is designed to deeply moisturise skin.
Whatever oil you use, work it into your skin using a firm pressure. Start from the centre of your face and work upwards and outwards in sweeping motions, which helps to get rid of toxins and boosts circulation. It is particularly beneficial to massage in a facial oil at night, which relaxes you before a good night’s sleep.
Lip service
Include your lips in your skincare routine! It is all too easy to forget about lips, but they will benefit from cleansing, exfoliating and moisturising just as your skin does. Lipstick can be drying and avoid any fragrance in lip balms.
Use an oil or your moisturiser on your lips and drink lots of water to help prevent chapping and dryness. The Body Shop has a lovely Vitamin E lip balm that will protect and moisturise the delicate lip area.
Body sense
Don’t forget to lavish a little extra care and attention on the rest of your body too. We’re all wrapped up under layers for most of the time, but party season is just around the corner so a little bit of regular body maintenance means you will be ready to don that sleeveless top or backless dress when the time comes.
Keep the temperature on your shower on the warm rather than hot level - hot showers will dry skin out more - and get into the habit of applying a body lotion the minute you step out to lock moisture in for the day. L’Occitane’s Shea Butter Rich Body Lotion combines shea butter and calendula to nourish dry skin, and the lotion is quick and easy to slick on.