The cold, dry winter air can leave skin feeling thirsty, sensitive, itchy and in the worst cases, flaky or even cracked. Ouch!
Now is definitely the time for pre-emptive action to prevent winter dryness and its nasty side-effects. Whilst it can seem daunting, it’s relatively simple to keep skin in tip-top condition throughout the season. With some extra moisture and nourishment incorporated into your daily routine, skin will remain optimally hydrated and supple.
Why Does Skin Suffer in Winter?
It might be the season of goodwill, but make no mistake, skin is constantly under attack during the cold spell.
It’s because the brisk outside air doesn’t retain moisture well, meaning there’s lower humidity and those arctic, blustery winds can leave skin feeling utterly raw. Not to mention that UV rays are still a threat, especially when it snows. Reflecting off the white stuff makes them all the more harmful and damaging to skin cells.
But there’s no escape inside either because central heating loves to suck the moisture out of the air and your skin too. Even simple luxuries like a hot bath or sitting by the fire dry the skin out. One thing you can’t do at this time of year is let your guard down.
1. Keep Drinking
Keeping your body hydrated on the inside and out is crucial to combat winter dryness. You might not feel the need to drink much water during winter but it’s as important now for skin and body health, as at any time. Try one of those bottles that shows you how much to drink throughout the day or even having a cup of warm water is better than no water.
2. Warm Showers and Baths
The idea of having a long hot soak in a bath on a cold winter’s day seems blissful. It’s better for your skin if you stick with warm baths or showers and not spend too long in them either, as this will help to prevent your delicate skin from drying out. And if your skin does go red when you get in, it’s a sure sign that the temperature’s too darn hot.
3. Use a Long-lasting Moisturiser
To keep skin cells nourished from the inside out, it’s important to use a longer lasting, dermatologist tested moisturizer like Obagi Hydrate®. Clinically proven to deliver continuous hydration for up to 8 hours, its amazing efficacy can be attributed to a cutting-edge ingredient called Hydromanil™. These molecules are able to form a matrix across the surface of the skin, preventing moisture loss, whilst simultaneously capturing water molecules and continuously releasing nourishing compounds into the skin. There are also other enriching natural ingredients including shea butter, mango butter and avocado oil to soften and quench dehydrated skin. The hypoallergenic, non-irritating formula makes it ideal for dry and sensitive winter skin.
4. Try a Humidifier
Investing in a humidifier for your home or workplace is one way to add moisture back to dry winter air. Use it in the room where you spend the most amount of time to get the maximum benefit.
5. Change Your Cleanser
At this time of year, it’s best to use a gentler, creamier cleanser or one that contains active components that help to retain moisture. Obagi Nu-Derm® Fx Gentle Cleanser is a soothing gel formulation that effectively removes makeup, dirt, and oil residue, without loss of moisture.
Oat Amino Acids have cleansing properties, whilst antioxidant Aloe, counteracts damage done by UV rays. But the real secret behind this cleanser’s wintertime credentials is that it contains an effective combination of nourishers and moisture retainers.
Panthenol helps skin to hold onto moisture and decreases the amount of water that evaporates through the outer layers of skin. Glycerin is also in there, acting as a humectant, bringing much-needed moisture. With a plethora of active ingredients, it’s no wonder that skin is left perfectly cleansed, looking radiant and primed for follow-on products.
6. Wear Sunscreen
Although sunscreen is regularly omitted from winter skincare routines, it’s still recommended by The Skin Cancer Foundation. That’s because even on grey days, the sun’s UV rays can damage our skin. Even more so when there’s snow on the ground because it reflects off the white stuff.
Apply the sheer Obagi Sun Shield Matte™ SPF50 as your last step in your morning skincare ritual, prior to make-up. With broad spectrum protection from both UVA and UVB rays, you can relax, safe in the knowledge that your skin is fully protected.
Harnessing advanced technology, protection is threefold with Zinc Oxide deflecting UV rays, and Homosalate and Octisalate absorbing and releasing harmful radiation.
