Top 4 tips for winter skin care

Cold air, central heating, parties and the stress of Christmas can all damage your skin.
Here are four top tips to keep your skin looking hydrated, healthy and radiant over the holiday season.

The winter months play havoc with our skin. The cold air, central heating, parties and the stress of Christmas can all take their toll. Sudden temperature changes can make your skin dry, itchy and red.

We wrap up in warm clothes in winter to protect ourselves from the cold; it’s equally as important to give your face the protection it needs from the elements.

Here are four top tips to keep your skin looking hydrated, healthy and radiant over the winter:

Exfoliate
Exfoliating is a superb way to get rid of dead skin cells which can cause the skin to look dull and tired. It also helps unclog pores, reduce fine lines and wrinkles as well as boosting the skin’s natural moisture levels. In addition, it will also help your moisturiser absorb better.
Gently exfoliating two to three times per week will leave your skin looking healthy, youthful and radiant.

Hydrating the skin starts from within
It’s vital to drink about 1.6 - 2.0 litres of fluid per day, this will ensure your skin and body stays hydrated.

Most of us don’t consume enough oily fish in our diet which is rich in Omega-3. Taking an Omega-3 fatty acid supplement can also help give the skin a hydration boost from within. Omega-3 is also an excellent antioxidant which can help prevent premature ageing.

Moisturise
The top layer of skin, the ‘epidermis’ can easily dry out over winter; therefore, it’s important to use a rich moisturiser in winter to protect the skin’s barrier. The best time to apply your moisturiser is after a bath or shower. Apply your moisturiser in the morning and evening before bedtime.

Use Sunscreen
It may not be summer, but it’s just as important to wear sunscreen in the winter.
Even though it may feel cold outside, the winter U.V rays are still strong which can cause skin damage. Apply a sunscreen 30 minutes before going out to protect your skin.