Because our winter is relatively short, we tend to refrain from following a winter care programme for our skins. However, South Africans of all ages can benefit from winter skin care.

The main effects of winter weather conditions on our skin are dryness, flaking, cracking and even eczema, especially in the dry areas of the country, and the main cause of these conditions is heating up of indoor spaces. Affected skin includes the face, lips, hands and feet, but the rest of the body may also suffer.

So, what can you do about it?

Keep the skin dry

Make sure that you dry your skin properly after a shower or bath. Pay particular attention to the folds of the skin and to the areas between the toes and the fingers. All clothing must also be completely dry before you put it on or it may irritate the skin, which can lead to eczema.

Moisturise

Your summertime moisturiser will not do the trick in winter. Look out for a non-clogging oil-based moisturiser to help create a protective layer on your skin. Avocado, mineral, primrose or almond oils are good for this purpose. Lotions containing glycerine, sorbitol and alpha-hydroxy acids may also attract moisture to the skin.

Lotions containing petroleum jelly or glycerine should be applied to the feet after dead and hardened skin has been removed.

Use lip balm to keep lips softten healthy. For chapped lips use a gentle lip exfoliant every night followed by an emollient or prescription-strength hydrocortisone ointment.

Apply sunscreen

Sunrays always have UV rays, whether it’s summer or winter. Therefore, apply a sunscreen daily to your face and hands, and re-apply if you are going to be outside for a while.

Give special hand care

Did you know that the skin on your hands is thinner and has fewer oil glands than on most parts of your body? To keep hands soft and healthy, apply hand cream liberally and regularly. It will also help to wear gloves when you go or work outside.

Attend to facial skin

Rather avoid harsh peels, masks and alcohol-based toners or astringents during the winter months as they can strip the protective oil from your skin. A mild cleanser and a toner without any alcohol should be used. Deep hydrating masks can also be used, albeit less often than in summer.

Humidify

Heaters and air conditioners dry out the air in a room. Try the following to humidify the air without making use of electricity:

    • Add potplants to the interior decorating. Through transpiration, the plants will add moisture to the air.
    • Add a fish tank with a lid that can remain partially open so that it can add moisture to the air.
    • Place a flat container of water near the heater, stove or air conditioner. As the water heats up, it will evaporate into the air, increasing moisture.
    • Vases of water placed on sunny windowsills will help moisturise the air. Coloured stones or marbles can be added for a decorative touch.
    • Hang your laundry on an indoor clothes drying rack or hang it over the back of a chair. It will add moisture to your indoor air. Just remember never to put laundry on a heater to dry as it can easily catch fire.

Avoid very hot water

Although it feels good to soak in a bath of hot water or to stand in a hot-water shower, keep in mind that very hot water breaks down the lipid barriers in the skin, which can lead to a loss of moisture. Warm water and shorter bath or shower times, will benefit your skin.

Always apply a good quality moisturiser after every bath or shower to help keep your body’s natural oils sealed inside.

 

Sources
http://winterskincare.net
http://www.livestrong.com
http://www.skinway.com
http://www.webmd.com