5 ways to prepare your skin for winter

The transition from summer to autumn can be the trickiest time for skin, says our wellness columnist Danielle Copperman 
Danielle Copperman
Danielle Copperman27 October 2019

As the weather gets colder and darker, it affects much more than just our moods.

Our skin - a protective barrier against harmful external matter such as toxins and disease – is put to the test as it has to transition from warm weather (during which it must regulate sweat and keep oil levels in balance) to dry, cold weather (during which it must help us to stay hydrated, stay warm and protect against seasonal viruses).

I rely heavily on diet to keep my skin in check, but aside from that, I turn to natural beauty products and rituals to ensure my skin is getting the extra TLC it needs this time of year.

Below are some of my top tips for keeping skin healthy as we settle into autumn and prepare for winter.

1. Stay hydrated, and not just with water

It is crucial to stay hydrated year-round but especially during the winter, as the weather becomes more drying and dehydrating. Obviously, drink lots of water. I aim for two large glasses on an empty stomach in the morning and try to have two litres throughout the rest of the day. I also drink herbal tea throughout the day.

The food you eat can hydrate you too. Eat foods with high water content - such as cucumbers, spinach, broccoli, tomatoes, mushrooms, carrots, Brussels sprouts, oranges, apples and blueberries - to get even more water in your diet. Eating natural produce such as fruits and vegetables, which contain vital vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, will ensure you are getting the components you need to keep cell function healthy (such as cell repair and growth), and which can contribute to the skin's elasticity, colouration and pigmentation. It all helps to reduce dark circles, fine lines and to retain at least a hint of that bright glow that summer so kindly blessed us with.

Stay hydrated by having baths and / or foot baths with oils in. The oils with help to bring moisture back to the body and balance the body’s natural oils, and foot soaks with also help to remove dead skin, boost circulation and warm the body - add a little massage to encourage lymphatic drainage.

Face oils are an easy way to keep skin hyrated
Danielle Copperman

2. Oil up

Don’t be afraid of oils in your skincare routine. People with oily or combination skin are often afraid that oil-based products will make their skin more greasy, but if you use the right kinds of products and the right time of day, they should work in your favour. Water-based products are not actually hydrating, they actually dehydrate the skin more. Oil-based products, on the other hand, help restore and encourage the production of your skin's natural oils, and they are far more hydrating than water-based products. If you have particularly oily skin, I would suggest assessing your diet, hydration-levels and current beauty products, as these may be causing over-production of oils.

I use oil-based products on my face in the evening before bed, and occasionally in the morning if I am not going to wear make up. One of my favourites is Amly's Day Light Face Oil. I also use oils on my body after showering.

3. Skincare routine must-haves

During winter, I focus on using cleansers, exfoliators, masks, oil blends and moisturisers, as well as hand creams and lip balms.

I use a gentle exfoliator or just a cleanser with a muslin cloth (the mildly rough cloth helps to exfoliate the skin delicately) about once or twice a week. I use a cleanser every day; mostly in the evenings but occasionally mornings too. Caudalie's Instant Foaming Cleanser is great.

I use a mask once or twice a month (I alternate between ESPA, Liz Earle and MV Organic Skincare face masks), and I use moisturiser everyday - again, I love MV Organic Skincare products.

My top tip here is to ensure you are buying good quality products made with natural ingredients and without harmful chemicals or additives.

Facial massage can help to de-puff tired skin
Danielle Copperman

4. Facial massage

Facial massages are great for keeping skin warm and to improve circulation. They help with lymphatic drainage as well as to reduce tension and inflammation or puffiness. Whenever I have time, I start the day with a gentle massage (as I apply my cleanser, moisturizer or an oil), which helps waken up my complexion, making it look more alive, dewy and glowy.

I use my hands to work around the eyebrows, temples, under eye area, eyelids, cheekbones, mouth and jawbone, and sometimes incorporate tools such as a jade roller or gua sha.

5. Layer up

It's tempting to crank up the heating to stay warm, but it's also one way to dry your skin out quickly. Try to layer up and find other ways to keep warm, or just be mindful of how much heating you really need (this will also be better for the environment and your energy bill!).

Having a long, steaming hot shower or bath can is also appealing, but these can drastically dry out the skin. Try to keep temperatures moderate and try to avoid having really long showers or baths, as the water will affect the skins natural oils.

Have some warm jumpers and cosy blankets at the ready to give your skin a break from the central heating.

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