7 Steps to Healthy Winter Skin

“Recently a friend commented that my skin looked amazing (thanks Danielle). It was so nice to hear as after Isabel was born I couldn't look at myself in the mirror. I had developed a fungal infection that spread from my mouth to my eyes and even once this began to clear my skin looked dull, lifeless and very aged. After working at a skin therapy salon for a couple of months I knew I needed to use some decent skincare to repair the damage as all the internal work just wasn't cutting it. So I splashed out and for 2 months I've been using the Usana celavive range and I LOVE it. My skin feels soft and lush, super hydrated and the tiredness I feel everyday doesn't show around my eyes as much. Plus the wrinkles around that area have plumped out. If you're looking to get something good to put on your skin that actually works with your skin then I highly recommend this range. Yep, I have a business with Usana and will make a few dollars if you buy through me but that's not my main reason for posting. Mum life is harder than I expected and with this range there are at least two times in the day that make me feel good about myself. And I feel better for that. “

Prior to my daughter being born I didn’t really think about the health of my skin. I’ve always made sure that I eat well and drink plenty and I haven’t had to worry much about my skin. I also didn’t really think about it as an external reflection of what was happening internally. After this recent experience I’m much more aware of my skin as a health check tool and that I also need to look after my health from the outside in as well as the inside out.

Did you know that even if you drink lots of water your skin doesn’t get much of it? Your body priorities hydrating your organs over your skin which is why we need to use good moisturisers and products that help rehydrate the skin.

I definitely notice that my skin is drier in winter and there are plenty of wonderful things that I’ll be doing to this year to keep the light, bright and lush skin I now have. These are 7 steps for looking after your skin in winter:

  1. Humidify - Use diffusers in the bedroom during the winter. This simple solution can keep you from waking up with a scratchy throat from dry air or your face feeling dehydrated and tight. A diffuser helps to combat the dryness from indoor heat and the overall lower humidity levels in the air. Add a few essential oils like Lavender to help induce sleep.

  2. Cleanse Gently - Harsh weather calls for soothing skincare. Switch to a more gentle cleanser or creamier version like Celavive® Creamy Foamy Cleanser. If you have particularly sensitive skin, you may want to skip any exfoliating treatments containing alpha-hydroxy acids altogether during the colder months.

  3. Moisturize - Moisturizing is essential to maintain healthy skin during the winter. The recommendation has always been to moisturize immediately after the shower to best lock in moisture. Some recent studies suggest it may not be as important whether you moisturize damp or dry skin. The bottom line is your skin simply needs added moisture. Dry skin can lead to irritation, breakouts, and itchy, red, flaking rashes called Asteatotic dermatitis—which unfortunately, we see quite often in the winter, especially on the lower legs. This condition will usually clear up with a prescription ointment from the dermatologist.

  4. Hand Care - Don’t forget to take care of your hands during cold, dry winter months. “I often see patients who develop dermatitis of the hands and fingers. Due to extreme dryness and irritation small fissures occur, which are painful!” says Dr Jennifer Lee, Dermatologist. She recommends using moisturizers liberally on your hands, especially at night.

  5. Sun Protection - Even during the winter months it’s important to protect your skin from the sun. I like Celavive Protective Day Lotion SPF 30 under my foundation, or I use a tinted moisturizer that has SPF 30 or higher and skip the makeup. This way I’m still protected from sun damage if I’m running errands during the day or driving with bright sun shining through my car windows.

  6. Hyaluronic Acid Serums or Masks - Like Celavive Hydrating + Lifting Sheet Mask help boost your skin’s moisture. Serums can be applied under your moisturizer, and masks can be used 1-2 times a week. When masking, remember to apply moisturizer immediately after the mask is removed and the serum is absorbed.

  7. Omega-3 and Vitamin D - Don’t forget your omega-3 and vitamin D supplements during the winter months. Omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to improve skin barrier function and help maintain skin balance. Vitamin D is most effectively synthesized by sun exposure on the skin, but if you live in a part of the world with short days and decreased sunlight during winter, it’s beneficial to supplement your vitamin D intake.

Winter is a magical time of year. And with a few simple steps, it’s easy to keep your skin dewy and dazzling through this chilliest of seasons.

Marian Jarvis