Adding an oil to your skincare routine is an absolute must, especially during winter. Image: Pexels/ Shiny Diamond.
Moisture restore: Five ways to keep your skin hydrated this winter
During the cooler months, dry skin can become quite a problem. Adding body oil to your beauty routine will help lock moisture in.
Adding an oil to your skincare routine is an absolute must, especially during winter. Image: Pexels/ Shiny Diamond.
Winter is officially here, and by now, you’ve likely already started to add more moisture to your skin. Most of us are really good at adapting our facial skincare routine to accommodate the colder weather, but how much attention do you pay to your body care regime?
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EASY WAYS TO KEEP YOUR SKIN MOISTURISED AND HYDRATED
Cooler temperatures are synonymous with dry skin. That’s because a drop in temperature means a drop in humidity (water particles in the air). When the humidity drops and the air becomes drier, it’ll try to extract moisture from anywhere it can – including your skin.
And that’s how we end up with scaly, dry, and sometimes even rough skin in winter. Dry skin can occur anywhere on the body, and if left untreated, it can become sensitive and flaky.
Don’t skimp on your body care regime this winter – a few small lifestyle changes and the right products will ensure your skin stays soft, smooth, and hydrated all season long.
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Here are a few tips courtesy of Skin Oil from Africa to help your skin retain rather than lose moisture this winter:
STAY HYDRATED
In winter, we’re less likely to stick to our eight glasses of water daily and more likely to reach for another warm cup of coffee or hot chocolate. Staying hydrated isn’t just crucial for your organs and gut health but also essential for hydrated skin. If you cannot get through eight glasses of water daily, try substituting one or two of them with a herbal tea instead – you’ll still benefit from the water content without additional caffeine or sugar.
AVOID HOT SHOWERS
Nothing is better than a hot shower when it’s chilly outside, right? Wrong! Hot water may feel great when cold, but it’s extremely dehydrating. It strips the skin from its natural oils and may leave it feeling tight, dry, and sensitive. Dermatologists recommend sticking to lukewarm–warm showers. Not sure how to gauge the temperature? If your skin is flushed (pink) after your shower, the water is too hot.
INCORPORATE AN OIL INTO YOUR DAILY SKINCARE ROUTINE
Our skin is lipid-loving, which means that oils are a great option to moisturize and nourish it. Not only do they go to great lengths to put moisture back into the skin, but body oils also feel ultra-luxurious when applied to the skin. Applying a nourishing body oil after your shower will help to replenish any lost moisture.
LOCK IN MOISTURE WITH A BODY CREAM
The benefits of using a body cream are endless… Did you know that it also can lock in moisture from products applied before it? For the ultimate moisture boost, we recommend following your body oil application with a little bit of body cream. It’ll lock in all the moisture and nutrients from your oil and help protect your skin’s barrier function.
GET ENOUGH DAILY NUTRIENTS
Our lifestyles undergo significant changes in winter, and our diets aren’t exempt. Salads and smoothies suddenly aren’t that appealing anymore, and soups, stews, and curries become far more enticing. Certain foods and nutrients may help maintain the skin’s moisture levels: omega-3 oils (found in fish, eggs, and avocado), antioxidants (found in green tea and fresh fruit and veg), as well as vitamins A, B, C, D, and E may all contribute to healthier, hydrated skin. If you’re worried that you’re not getting enough nutrients from your diet, you may want to consider including a good quality daily supplement in your diet.
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