How to Prepare Your Skin for Winter

The winter months can be harsh on your skin, with the extremes of cold weather and central heating. Just as you would protect your skin against the sun in the summer, you should also think about what you can do to promote healthy skin in the winter too.

Winter can often leave your skin feeling dry and dull, but you don’t have to put up with it. There are a number of simple but effective things you can do to ensure your skin is cared for, from replenishing those essential minerals to exfoliating and moisturizing. With that in mind, Westlab offers some great advice on preparing your skin to ensure it stays healthy through winter.

Have a cleansing and relaxing bath

Taking a bath is not only a great excuse to have some time to yourself, but can also do wonders for your skin if you have the right products to hand. The most important thing to remember is to ensure your bath isn’t too hot, as this can dehydrate your skin. Instead, try running a bath that is around 37-38 degrees as this is close to your body temperature.

Adding the beneficial products to your bath can help to look after your skin, such as oils to help lock in moisture and bath salts rich in natural minerals. 

Dead Sea Salt contains a unique blend of minerals which not only soothe and nourish dry skin, but also help protect the skin barrier from the effects of central heating and cold weather. Essential minerals Magnesium, Potassium and Calcium can play a role in helping your skin to feel softer, smoother and more comfortable during the winter months.

Alternatively, if you feel more in need of a detoxing bath to balance out the extra indulgences of the festive season then reach for Himalayan salt. With it’s natural purifying properties and an abundance of 84 essential skin minerals, a Himalayan salt bath can leave you feeling cleansed, refreshed and radiant.

Add 1-2 cups of salt to a warm bath and relax for around 20 minutes. You can also blend the salts with your shower gel to create a natural exfoliator for your skin.

Changing your skincare routine  

During the winter your skin will likely need different products to the ones you use in summer, but it’s important not to change too many things at once! Take the time to understand your skin and how it changes as the weather turns colder. 

For many, sensitive skin may become more prevalent during the winter months. You might wish to use richer or more soothing products to balance out the effects of the winter weather, but it’s important to check the ingredients. Think about whether you should tweak your routine to include a cream or oil rather than a lotion, or whether you need to incorporate a night time routine to help your skin repair or maintain its healthy condition.

Protect your skin from the sun

Even in winter those UV rays are still present, so don’t forget your SPF on those sunny winter days. Many of your everyday skincare products can be created with SPF, including face cream and foundation.

Wearing adequate SPF throughout the year, even in winter, can reduce the signs of early ageing and protect against DNA damage. By protecting your skin, you can prolong its healthy appearance while avoiding any lasting damage.

Keep hydrated

Central heating is a major factor which influences skin dryness and sensitivity in winter. To help combat the extra dryness use a humidifier or place bowls of water close to radiators. 

Hydrate from within too. We’re less inclined to drink glasses of water during winter months, as we tend reach for hot drinks more often. Try replacing caffeinated hot drinks with a cup of warm peppermint tea or hot water with a slice of skin cleansing lemon or ginger. 

Finding the right routine for you

The most important thing to consider is finding the right routine and skincare that works for your individual concerns. No two people’s skin is the same, so look for products that are most suitable for you. Remember that natural ingredients can also cause side effects, just like chemical ones, so look for products that have been dermatologically tested.

While the winter months can be harsh on your skin, determining a routine that works for your skin type can make it much easier to keep your skin glowing even when it’s dull outside!