Winter is hard on your skin. A cold climate, harsh winds, and low humidity, together with artificial indoor heating and more relaxed dietary habits can test our body and skin’s resilience and strength more than any other season.
The result of these brutal skin assaults is vital moisture loss and damage to the skin’s fragile protective barrier. Also known as the Hydrolipidic film, the skin’s barrier is a fine translucent defensive layer that sits on top of the Epidermis (top layer of skin) and is made up of sweat, oil (lipids) and water, carrying with it, some very important functions:
- Protecting our skin against environmental aggressors and bacteria
- Maintaining healthy moisture retention
- Balancing our PH level
- Preventing more serious skin conditions from occurring like psoriasis, rosacea, and dermatitis.
When the barrier of the skin is compromised, the skin can become dry, sensitive, and fragile. The skin can look and feel wrinklier, duller, rougher, and quite uncomfortable with tightness and itchiness.
To avoid such winter skin troubles, here are 6 common skin mistakes to avoid this winter…
WINTER SKIN MISTAKE NO 1: TAKING TOO LONG HOT SHOWERS (THIS INCLUDES WASHING YOUR HANDS!)
We all love a steaming hot shower when its freezing outside, buts it’s not a good idea for your skin. Hot water dries out the skin by causing damage to the keratin layer (epidermis) preventing it from retaining vital moisture. The result is itchy, flaky, scaly, and irritated skin. Additionally, a too-hot shower can flare up existing skin conditions like dermatitis. For the overall heath and comfort of your body, lower the water temperature to prevent unnecessary skin drying. Also, be sure to moisturise both your face and body within 2 minutes of stepping out of the shower.
Origani recommends: Sculpting & Toning Body Butter: A sumptuous body barrier cream delivering rich nourishment, hydrating protection, and smooth as silk skin. It also utilises slimming Stevia technology for firm and sculpted skin!
WINTER SKIN MISTAKE NO 2: NOT ADJUSTING YOUR SKINCARE ROUTINE TO A COLDER ENVIRONMENT
As we transition into a new season, our environment changes considerably and thus we need to re-evaluate how we are taking care of our skin. Sticking to your summer skin essentials is not likely to give your skin wants and needs in the colder months. Protecting your skin prom drying out and subsequently becoming damaged, fragile, and sensitive is the goal. Here’s an easy guide to adapt your skincare routine for a healthy and happy winter complexion:
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Use a gentler less-foamy cleanser: Choose a cleansing formula that is free of sulphates, soaps, and other detergent based ingredients to minimise skin tightness and dryness like Origani Erda Daily Glow Tonight Cleanser.
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Dial up on your day moisturiser: A good barrier cream is essential in winter so it’s time to ditch the lightweight lotion that probably won’t provide enough moisture. A great option is the Erda Rich and Hydrating Day Cream.
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Swap out your water-based serum for a facial oil: One of the best ways to sooth irritation and dryness, boost the skin’s barrier and prevent moisture loss is to treat the skin with essential lipids like skin strengthening and soothing ceramides. You can apply Gods’ Nectar Ceramide Renewal Oil either before you moisturise, or you can add a couple of drops into your moisturiser. If you are going to use a face oil, its best to use it at night for best absorption.
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Add a restorative night cream to your routine: PM creams are more intensive and nutrifying and better assist the skin in its natural healing and repairing functions whilst we sleep. We are in love with Origani’s Soothing & reviving Night Cream.
WINTER SKIN MISTAKE NO 3: NEGLECTING TO USE SKIN CONDITIONING AND REPAIRING BODY CARE
Using harsh soaps are a killer for stripping the natural lipids of our skin. A creamy and hydrating soap like Origani Manuka Honey Soap with nourishing moisturisers is much more beneficial in the colder months. Also, neglecting to moisturise our bodies daily can lead to dry uncomfortable skin that ages prematurely. Be sure to slather on a rich barrier body cream like Origani Sculpting & Toning Body Butter from top to toe on slightly damp skin for optimal results.
WINTER SKIN MISTAKE NO 4: FORGETTING TO ADEQUATELY HYDRATE YOURSELF
Dehydration is certainly not limited to the hotter months. Our bodies lose moisture every day of the year. In Winter, we have our central heating blasting which can cause dehydration and we tend to skip our essential liquid intake as we don’t feel as thirsty. It’s also important to remember that just because you are not sweating doesn’t mean you are not losing water. One of the best ways to keep your skin looking and feeling healthy is by way of adequate internal hydration. If you struggle to get down 8 glasses of water a day, swap it up with some warm drinks like decaffeinated hot tea, or yummy and comforting herbal blends.
WINTER SKIN MISTAKE NO 5: IGNORING THE SUN DAMAGE YOU INCURRED IN SUMMER
It’s well known that during summer when the UV factor is at its highest, we sustain some form of sun damage. When we arrive at winter, our skin has a summer skin hangover so taking early action in Winter is key to hitting pigmentation and other related sun damage-based skin concerns head on. Reducing pigment-induced skin damage in winter is ideal due to a reduction to sun exposure and enhanced treatment effectiveness and safety.
Origani recommends: Complexion Perfection Collection: An advanced skincare range that uses the latest bio-ingredient technologies to promote product absorption, ingredient stabilisation, and prevent against the formation of excess melanin. Especially formulated to reduce the appearance of dark spots, hyperpigmentation and a dull complexion, your skin will regain a beautiful smoothness and luminosity.
WINTER SKIN MISTAKE NO 6: USING THE WRONG EXFOLIATOR
Using a physical granulated exfoliator during the Winter months can cause damage to the skin’s protective barrier due to its abrasive action. Your skin is already more sensitised in Winter and while it’s still important to regularly exfoliate, opt for a gentler enzymatic peel or gommage that uses AHA’s and softer resurfacing spheres. The glow will be real minus any skin damage!
Origani recommends: Manuka Honey Peel: Delivering 10 skin benefits in 10 seconds by way of its unique two-way exfoliating system and remarkable cocktail of delicious natural ingredients, this world-famous gentle peel contains a healthy dose of precious high-grade Manuka Honey renowned for a multitude of incredible healing skin benefits.
Enjoy your newfound knowledge on how to best look after your skin this winter (and what not to do). Stay warm and safe and glowing!
Love, the Origani Tram
Xo
