In Australia Winter has begun.
The colder temperatures keep us indoors longer.
Open fires, warm air conditioning, hot showers, not drinking as much water as we would during Summer and even an increase in alcohol (just to keep warm!) all up up to our skin becoming dehydrated during Winter. And simply the dry Winter air and lower humidity combined add to skin becoming dry, chapped and cracked.
Without moisture and naturally occurring oils the result is dry skin.
Winter Dry Skin Causes
* Colder, dryer climates
* Use of central heating and open fires
* Overuse of harsh soaps
* Prolonged sun exposure
* Age is a factor, sadly once we pass 40 the skin has less and less elasticity
* Makeup remover wipes
* Chemical cleaning and skin care products, such as astringents
* Products which contain alcohol and fragrances
* Different skin types
* Change in routine
* Less water intake
* Diet
* Allergic reactions
* Certain health conditions - Eczema, Diabetes, Kidney Disease, Anorexia, HIV, Psoriasis
* Medications
* Smoking
* Alcohol consumption
* Changes in the body's hormone levels - Adolescence, Pregnancy and Menopause
Symptoms of Dry Skin
1.Dryness
2. Redness
3. Scaling or flaking
4. Itchiness
5. Irritation
6. Cracks
7. Tightness
8. Bleeding
9. Pain
10. Red bumps
Winter Skin Care Tips
Cream cleansers verses foaming and gel cleansers. Cream cleansers contain more moisture.
Regular exfoliation, 2-3 times a week to remove the dead skin layer to reveal a glowing complexion.
Hydrating masks. Go for a quality, eco and skin friendly mask. One that contains aloe vera is a natural way to lock in moisture into the skin.
Switch to a moisturising toner.
Use a serum to protect your skin from dry Winter air and give it moisture plus anti-aging benefits.
Change your moisturiser with the season and if you are not already, add a rich night cream to add more moisture to your skin.
Are you using a eye cream? Add it to your routine to prevent the delicate eye area from dehydrating and adding fine lines, use it both day and night.
Carry lip balm with you to prevent dry, chapped lips. Look for one that doesn't contain petroleum products like Vaseline.
Use a richer body lotion during Winter. Look for a pot of pure Sorbolene rather than a pump bottle as it contains added water.
Relieve that dry itchy back and flaking skin on your arms and legs by regularly exfoliating. Always apply body lotion straight after your shower to lock in the moisture.
Use a sunscreen. Sunscreen is not only for Summer. It's for outside, full stop! And wear a hat. It will lessen skin damage and aging. Include an SPF in your moisturisers and foundations.
Add a moisturising handcream to prevent dry, chapped and cracked hands.
Winter Skin Care Natural Home Remedies
Drink water and stay hydrated!
Drink lots of water every day and include more fruit and vegetables in your diet
Wear gloves
When outdoors during Winter
When working with chemicals
During tasks that require your hands to stay wet for a lengthy amount of time
Laundry Detergent
Consider switching to a non allergenic or low tox brand
Dry brushing, have you heard of it?
Use a brush with a long handle or an exfoliating glove used dry:
Using circular motions begin at the feet and move upwards over the body in the direction of the heart. Continue from the hands up the arms towards the neck
The result is increased circulation and removal of dead, flaking skin cells
Reduce the temperature and the length of your shower.
Long hot showers are a no no!
Recipes for moisturisers, cleansers and masks
On the face:
Olive oil is a natural cleanser
You can also use a quality microfibre to cleanse without disturbing the skin's natural pH balance
Hydrating masks using avocado and olive oil. Try a honey and oatmeal mask, it's de-lish!
Regularly exfoliate with quality microfibre. Or make a scrub using olive oil and sugar or salt and rinse with warm water
There are plenty of recipes in Googleland for moisturisers using olive oil, or virgin coconut oil, or aloe vera
Avoid washing the face in hot water, and pat dry the skin with a soft towel like bamboo.
For the body:
Use a quality, virgin oil of your choice in a warm bath. Or a bath with oats (oatmeal)
Regularly exfoliate using a microfibre glove in the shower or the bath
Dry Skin and Your Health
When should you visit your GP?
Basically dry skin is inflammation but dry skin can also be a symptom.
It becomes a problem particularly when dry spots appear and they are not relieved by any of the tips above. A visit to a dermatologist is recommended to rule out early skin cancer.
Dry irritated skin could also be an allergic reaction to a skin product, especially if it is a new lotion you are applying to the face or body.
Eczema, Dermatitis and Psoriasis may require treatment with a steroid ointment to be prescribed by your doctor.
If you notice dry skin when taking a new medication you may need to discuss this with your doctor and either lower the dosage or try another medication.
In summary, there are many causes of dry skin particularly now as Australia is in the grips of Winter.
Making simple changes as mentioned above can alleviate the symptoms of dry skin.
And when in doubt visit your GP who may refer you to a dermatologist.
Skin has an important function, it's our defense between our bodies and the outside world. It protects us from bacteria, viruses, and pollution and chemicals that we encounter at work and at home.
For more information and tips to live an ecofriendly life, Like my pages:
You may find this blog helpful: https://sante.enjo.com.au/our-inspo/the-dos-and-donts-of-caring-for-winter-skin
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