Solutions to your winter skin woes

When it comes to your skin, winter is a cruel mistress. Seasonal winter skin problems like redness and irritation can crop up out of nowhere, thanks to a combination of harsh winds and icy temperatures.

If you’re used to a regular skincare regime, it’s hard to know how to re-adjust to your altered complexion. So we had a chat with skin repair expert Lorena Öberg, CEO & Founder of Lorena Oberg Skincare, to find solutions to the three most common cold weather skin complaints:

Rosacea

Cold temperatures and wind can trigger rosacea (a condition that causes facial redness), so it’s important you have early diagnosis to reduce its symptoms. You must seek advice from a dermatologist, but there are practical beauty treatments you can follow to help soothe your skin.

Firstly, a gentle cleansing regime is vital every morning and evening to ensure all make-up is removed and avoid pores becoming blocked with sweat and dirt. Avoid ingredients and chemicals that are harsh on your skin, such as peppermint, eucalyptus oil and clove oil, as these will only aggravate and cause inflammation, burning and stinging.

Adapt your skincare routine by washing your face and neck with lukewarm water. Avoid rubbing your face and simply blot dry. Don’t forget to let your skin breathe before applying moisturiser.

Opt for fragrance-free skincare products by paying attention to the ingredients list, and better still, use natural anti-inflammatory ingredients like lavender, aloe and green tea to avoid inflammation and flare-ups. Alcohol can also be a trigger, so my advice would be to avoid it if you can, or try non-alcoholic cocktails. Make sure you drink plenty of water!

Dry skin

The cold weather and wind can cause your skin to become dry. It’s important to introduce an oil-based moisturiser rather than water-based; the oil-based moisturiser or cream will add a protective layer that retains moisture lost during this time of year.

However, it’s not just your face that needs attention; your legs, arms, hands and elbows can also suffer from painfully dry and itchy skin. I’d suggest trying pure natural oils on your face and body to give your skin extra conditioning, especially at night. Oils are highly effective at moisturising and soothing the skin, particularly in the winter months when you might be suffering from clapped skin and flaking. By applying natural oils, such as olive, avocado and almond, it will stimulate healing and remove traces of dirt and other impurities.

Face masks aren’t just great for a spot of pampering, they can help improve the strength of weak skin. Particularly if you suffered sun damage during the summer months, your skin will deteriorate faster in winter, so I’d recommend you condition your skin regularly to keep it protected. Face masks are a great solution for preventing dryness.

Dull complexion

It’s important you exfoliate your skin in the winter to remove dead skin cells and improve blood circulation. If you don’t get rid of dead skin cells, they’ll just sit on your skin and will make your skin appear dull. For glowing and revitalised skin, exfoliating is a must!

We all know exercise is key to a healthy lifestyle, but don’t slack on your routine during winter… it’s so easy to give in and snuggle up in front of a warm fire, but exercise is a great stress reliever and can improve your inner health. Try yoga or pilates once a week.

How do you give your skin some TLC during the colder winter months? Tweet us @healthymag or drop us a line on Facebook

To learn more about Lorena’s skincare services, visit www.lorenaoberg.co.uk

Summary

Article Name

Solutions to your winter skin woes

Description

Many of us have winter skin problems such as rosacea, dry skin and a dull complexion. Skin repair expert Lorena Oberg explains her solutions

Author

Francesca Specter

Publisher Name

Healthy

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