Why does our skin feel dryer in the wintertime?
It’s no secret that skin feels dryer in winter. The drop in temperature combined with low humidity deplete skin of its natural fat (lipid) layer, which is there to keep the skin from drying out. The harsh cold winds of winter can also wreak havoc for our skin. On top of this we are using heating inside and this also sucks the moisture out of your skin.
How can we protect our skin in the cold months?
• Hot water robs skin of moisture causing dry skin, so it's best to shower in lukewarm water
• Moisturiser is much more effective on properly exfoliated skin. Exfoliation helps to remove dry, dead skin cells that can clog pores and make your skin appear dull or lifeless. They encourage the absorption of creams and are perfect for preparing the face and neck when moisturising
• Skip the harsh drying soaps
Typically, people treat dry skin by applying moisturizers, creams or ointments regularly. While these topical products may relieve dryness on the surface of your skin, you can get further relief from dry skin by adjusting the foods you eat.
Water and fluids
One of the physical signs of dehydration is dry skin. Ideally, your body needs at least 6 to 8 glasses of water a day. While soft drinks and sweetened juices are considered liquids, their sugar content can rob you off much needed water as these act as diuretics. The same is true for coffee, tea and alcohol. Increase your water intake while cutting down on alcohol, caffeinated and sweetened drinks.
Fresh fruits and vegetables
Dry skin is damaged skin. Raw foods like fruits and vegetables contain substantial amounts of vitamins A, B and C that your body needs to repair its cells. Eating more foods that are high in these vitamins will help your body to produce new and healthy skin cells. A good guide in buying fruits and vegetables is colour. Research shows that the presence of phytochemicals, disease-fighting substances, is responsible for giving fruits and vegetables their rich colours. The deeper its colour, the more health-giving nutrients a fruit or vegetable has.
Foods high in Omega 3, 6 and 9
Omega Fatty Acids promote softer skin.. Your body needs a balance of "good" fat such as Omega 3, 6 and 9 to keep it healthy. Omega 3, 6 and 9 are therefore essential to process and distribute fat-soluble and skin-saving vitamins like A, D, E and K all over your body. You can get Omega 3 from salmon, tuna, mackerel and other cold-water fishes, walnuts, soybeans, flaxseed oil, sesame seeds and canola oil. Good sources of Omega 6 are lean meats, organ meats, leafy greens, raw nuts, seeds and legumes. Meanwhile, you can find Omega 9 in olive oil, olives, avocados, almonds, peanuts and sesame oil.
Sulphur-containing foods
Foods high in sulphur such as eggs, asparagus and garlic help repair and renew the skin.
When should we moisturise?
My rule of thumb for winter is that your skin will tell you when it's dry. If your skin feels tight and taut, it's time to add moisture. As a bare minimum moisturise morning and night. You can combat dry skin with our Argan & Rosehip Moisturising Cream - learn more about it here.
