Now the clocks have gone forward and the heating is on, there’s a feeling of wanting to bed down and hibernate for the winter.
But, even though less of your skin is visible, it’s vital to take care of your skin through the winter months.
Remember: your skin is a reflection of what is going on inside so, if your skin is dry, you should look at boosting your skin and your body health generally.
Vitamin D
In the UK, we don’t get enough sunshine in the winter and, as large amounts of Vitamin D are produced in our skin when our skin is exposed to sunlight, we can end up with a touch of the winter blues.
You can take Vitamin D supplements or eat oily fish such as tuna, red meat, egg yolks and liver to up your intake. Vitamin D is linked to many illnesses such as osteoporosis, broken bones and even rickets, so it’s important to keep our skin in tip-top condition, whatever the season.
Hydrate
Drink lots of water and take your omegas. The three main omega-3 fatty acids are alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA).
If you struggle with drinking enough water, I recorded a hypnosis which you can download for free to help you overcome any resistance.
Moisturise
Use hydrating products that contain hyaluronic acid: it is brilliant at retaining water in the skin, as one molecule can hold up to 1,000 times its own weight in water. For the face you could use either the Overnight Success Oxygen Cream or Heaven Age Defiance Cream or the Heaven Silver Bee Venom, which all contain hyaluronic acid.
Also make sure you remember to moisturise your hands. As the weather gets colder, they too will take a battering – unless you are good at remembering to wear gloves. The Velvet Hand Cream contains hyaluronic acid (and smells amazing) and the Heaven Vanilla Pod Hand Cream has a coconut oil base, which gives a protective barrier to the skin. It’s great for nails as well.
Adding a serum, such as the Heaven SOS Oil, will feed and nourish the skin through the dark winter months.
Exfoliate
Apply a gentle exfoliator, such as the Heaven Bee Peel, to your face two to three times a week.
Body brushing will boost circulation and get the lymph fluid, which circulates through the lymphatic system, moving. So brushing will not only get rid of those dull-looking dead skin cells but also flush out the toxins.
A brilliant product to use as a companion to body brushing is the Heaven Salt Glow. As it contains organic algae, kelp and sea salt, it can smooth skin, improve circulation and, like brushing, help your body to get rid of toxins.
Showering - lukewarm, not hot
Although it’s tempting to have a piping hot shower or bath to warm yourself up on a chilly morning, it will dry out your skin. Stick to warm or tepid water. Frequent hot showers and baths can lead to dry, itchy skin or even rashes. Afterwards, while your skin is still damp, moisturise all over.
Buy a humidifier
A humidifier puts a continuous stream of moisture into the air., which will help prevent the spread of airborne viruses that like cold, dry air, prevent static and prevent dry skin. You can even add an essential oil, such as bergamot, grapefruit or rosemary, to give the room a warm and cosy scent – which is bound to blow away the winter blues.
Sunscreen
Yes, even in winter you should use a sunscreen; it protects your skin against all weathers. The Heaven BB Cream has an SPF (sun protection factor) of 20 and also contains that lovely water-retaining hyaluronic acid.