This is one of the most important things you can do with the change of seasons.
It’s getting colder as we storm head on into autumn and our skin is the first thing that will notice the change in weather. You’re going to want to reach for that extra creamy moisturiser that you popped to the back of your cupboard a few months ago, because the colder it gets the drier your skin will feel. However, layering on the moisturiser is not the only way to keep your skin looking fresh, and so we spoke to Denise Rabor from WOW Beauty to find out more.
The first expert point she made was that winter hydration starts from the inside out. While this isn’t necessarily new information, we know we’re guilty of forgetting about it. Everyone could do with a gentle reminder every now and again that we are made up of 60-70% water, Denise explained that the effects of dehydration show up very quickly on our skin. Whatever we put on our skin will only be a temporary, short-term fix, therefore we need to focus on what we’re putting inside our bodies for a more permanent outcome.
Denise’s tips for inner hydration:
- You should drink water as soon as you get up before your coffee or tea – warm water is especially good.
- If you are a tea or coffee drinker try to match every cuppa with a glass of water to help maintain your hydration levels.
- Consider drinks that are high in electrolytes which are minerals that help to maintain the right balance of fluids. For example, coconut water.
Denise’s tips for external hydration:
- You should consider switching up your cleanser to one that leaves your skin’s lipid barrier in tact and leaves your skin clean but moisturised. If you’ve been using a foaming cleanser in the summer, consider a cleansing oil or balm for winter. There are great options available even for oily skin types.
- Exfoliation is key to removing dead skin cells, so that your skincare will be better absorbed
- This is the perfect time to think about adding a hydrating serum to your skincare regime like Hyaluronic acid which is said to hold up to 1000 times its weight in water and will provide some much needed hydration to your skin.
- Don’t forget to moisturise. This is the final step in sealing in the moisture in. Remember that heavy doesn’t necessarily mean effective.
- Try keeping a hyaluronic face mist on your desk or in your bag, they are a great way of adding instant moisture in dry atmospheres.
- If you can, try to add moisture to the air around you by getting a humidifier for your bedroom and office to reduce the effects of the dry air caused by the heating.
What are your favourite tips and tricks when preparing your skin for winter? Let us know in the comments!
Feature image: Luna
