With winter in full swing, there is an increased need for more intentional skincare. Suddenly skin barrier function seems to slow down and your skin experiences moisture loss. This may leave skin feeling dry, flaky and more sensitive than usual.
Well, when looking at complex skincare issues, it is important to deal with these problems in bite-size chunks. Small consistent changes, with sustainable habits, instead of rapid change, leading to short-lived expectations.
Some of our favourite small habits that help change skin health during these cooler months include:
1. Implement a face serum into your evening routine
Face serums are a great way to add concentrated active ingredients that are easily absorbed into the skin. Serums therefore help address the deeper root problems, causing acne, dryness and irritation. If you struggle with eczema and dry skin, opt for the Calming Face Serum.
The Balancing Face Serum is great for if you struggle with acne-prone skin.
Try the Anti-Ageing Face Serum, if your skin feels dull and mature and needs a collagen boost and tightening.
And the Radiance Face Serum, is great for “normal skin types”, if you are looking to boost radiance and skin glow.
2.Hydration, hydration, hydration! (and even when you do not feel thirsty)
This is definitely a frequently misunderstood concept. Not only does proper hydration help flush out toxin-build up in the body, but it actually helps maintain proper skin elasticity and youthfulness. In the cooler, winter months, skin tends to lose moisture. Additionally, indoor heating strip the barrier of moisture, causing an increased need for proper hydration through the food we eat and the skincare we use. A great rule of thumb… drink 6-8 glasses of water per day (about 2 L) and use a simple, deep hydrating moisturiser and top your skincare off with a moisture-locking face serum.
3.Eat less inflammatory foods
You know how they say, “you are what you eat”. Although we do not believe that to be entirely true, the truth stands that your skin shows what you eat. Or rather, the state of what is going on inside your body is evident in the way your skin reacts.
So, instead we like to say, “you are what you consume”. The point of contact is food. Inflammatory foods like sugar, pork and highly processed foods like chips, and most ready-meals, which may be triggering immune responses that cause eczema, redness, or premature ageing. Additionally, these foods may work against your skincare routine, causing a continuous cycle of wanting to use harsh chemicals, or medication to combat acne and rashes. With this said, let’s not forget the effect that stress and bad sleep have too, but that is a conversation for another day…
Try and start with one small change, like eating a sugar-free diet for 3 weeks, and see how your skin reacts.
The goal is to create rhythms of intention instead of sudden change and restriction.
Ultimately, the secret in winter skincare is not rooted in doing more for your skin and introducing many intricate routines- it is about doing the things that matter most. When skin is supported with hydration, internal nourishment, and cared for with intentional products like serums, it is able to restore to its full righteousness.
Your skin will eventually respond to consistent care, instead of perfection. Think of this season of winter as an opportunity to return to simplicity.
