How to prepare your skin for Winter
Winter can be a really tough season on our skin. Rugging up in winter woollies might help keep us toasty warm, but harsh winds and cooler temperatures dry out the air and can deplete our skin of its natural oils and moisture - leaving it dry, flaking and sore. In some cases, it can even flare up uncomfortable skin conditions such as eczema or psoriasis. By following some of our pharmacist-endorsed tips, you can get in early and give your skin some extra TLC to help keep it moisturised and healthy throughout winter. After all, skin is the largest organ in our body*, so we need to look after it!
1. Hydration is key
Are you surprised to hear that skin is the largest organ in our body? Now consider, roughly 60% of our skin is comprised of water*, and you’ll probably realise how important it is to drink lots of water, especially in winter. Water can help the body flush out toxins and can help combat a variety of skin issues including psoriasis and eczema. Drinking lots of water can also help to clear up skin, increase energy levels and focus, and the hydration can assist in keeping your body fighting fit during flu season#.
2. Lukewarm water
If you crave piping hot showers or hot water to wash your hands in winter, then you’re not alone. But dropping the heat gauge to lukewarm water is much better. Hot water can strip the skin’s natural oils and irritate the keratin cells on the outer layers, resulting in dry and itchy skin which is harder for the cells to lock in moisture4. Hot water on the skin can also trigger an eczema flare up^, so be sure to turn the heat down where you can.
3. Exfoliation
It’s easy to forget about exfoliation as part of your skincare routine in winter when it’s freezing and you just want to shower quickly and get dry – but forgetting to exfoliate allows dead skin cells to build up, can clog hair follicles and even lead to breakouts. Exfoliating regularly removes those dead skin cells, can keep your skin looking and feeling smoother which in turn allows your skin products to penetrate deeper (and work better).
4. Moisturiser is your new BFF
The skin dries out quickly during winter, and moisturising frequently can assist in keeping skin hydrated and smooth – so be sure to make it your new best friend forever (BFF). Moisturising damp skin immediately after having a shower or washing hands can help lock in extra moisture1. Try applying a hydrating moisturiser all over your body before going to bed at night. The fabric and heat of your blankets against your skin may help the products absorb into it better3.
5. Lovely Lips
Dry and chapped lips are usually one of the first things we notice when winter hits, which could be because the skin on our lips is thinner than the rest of our face and more susceptible to damaging winter conditions2. To help keep the moisture in, try applying a nourishing lip balm morning and night; in the morning, before applying makeup (allowing it to absorb before using lipstick or gloss over the top), and again in the evening before you go to bed to help stop your lips from drying out overnight. TerryWhite Chemmart have a range of nourishing lip products to help combat winter lips.
How we can help
General advice only – this information should not replace the information provided to you by your health care professional. If symptoms are severe or persist, please speak to your health care professional. Information current as of date of publishing.
Always check with your pharmacist or medical professional before starting any new medications or supplements, particularly if you have any pre-existing medical conditions, are taking any medications currently, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or researching therapies suitable for infants or children.
Sources:
*http://www.nutritionaustralia.org/sites/default/files/Fun%20Water%20Facts.pdf
# https://www.terrywhitechemmart.com.au/how-to-prepare-for-this-years-cold-and-flu-season/
^https://nationaleczema.org/eczema/treatment/bathing/
1https://www.terrywhitechemmart.com.au/health-information/skin-problems/
2https://www.scienceabc.com/humans/lips-get-chapped-winter.html
3https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/beauty/anti-aging/tips/a23739/winter-dry-skin-remedies/
4https://www.healthline.com/health/cold-shower-vs-hot-shower#Why-do-we-like-hot-showers?
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