It’s the middle of August and here in Australia it has been a long, cold winter. It’s the time of year when your skin loses its plumpness and dry skin overtakes. Your hands probably look and feel much drier than they should! But it's not just your hands that suffer - the skin all over you body becomes drier in the winter months. Plus, your hair and nails lose their moisture too. Here are some tips to help beat the winter skin dryness.
In the summer its easy to remember to drink water because you feel hot. During winter you're less likely to reach for a big tall glass of water. Yet your body dehydrates, often just as quickly, in the winter thanks to all the heating we have in our offices and homes. Try to drink a glass of water as soon as you wake up in the morning and continue this habit throughout the day. In the winter months, try drinking room temperature water so you don't get too cold everytime you have a sip.
Remember too that foods and other drinks also count towards your hydration. Soups are a particularly good way to get nutrition and fluids into your body in one shot. It's a myth that tea and coffee are dehydrating; although caffeine on its own is a diuretic, when consumed as a cuppa or coffee containing plenty of water and milk, you will have a net gain in fluid. Only if you have short blacks (espressos) will you need to have a glass of water alongside. You can also try herbal teas, hot cocoa and chai (although watch the cafe varieties that tend to be made from a powdered premix that is chocka with added sugar).
Your dry skin will easily fall from your body with regular exfoliation. Removing these dead skin cells will give your skin an immediate lift. Use a gentle exfoliater on your face (try a soft facial brush) and a slightly heavier one on your legs and arms. We replace our skin cells every few days so it doesn't take long for a new skin care routine to shine through.
"Moisturising is so important during the winter months - do it daily!"
Moisturising your body regularly is so important during the winter months to replace the moisture that is being sapped from our skin thanks to heating and dry cold air. Lather on a generous layer of moisturiser every time you get out of the shower, paying particular attention to elbows, knees, hands and feet. Use a separate cream for the more delicate skin on your face.
Keep extra tubes of hand cream all around the place – in your handbag, your car and near your kitchen sink. Moisturise your hands, forearms and elbows regularly throughout the day to prevent them from drying out. Massage the cream into your cuticles and nails too.
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