Even if you're lucky enough to have naturally youthful and glowing skin, you probably find it suffers a little over the winter time. Cold weather and harsh winds can leave your skin dry and chapped. Colds and other bugs can lead to outbreaks and red sore noses. Late nights planning for the holidays and rushing around after everyone else can leave your skin grey and dull and generally, most of us find that our skin is far from radiant during the winter months. The best way to ensure that yours stays soft and doesn't suffer too much is changing your skincare routine now before the cold weather really sets in.
Cleanse
The best thing you can do for your skin is cleansing. Avoid soap as it can dry on the sensitive skin on your face and instead wash in the morning with a gentle face wash, and remove your makeup before bed with a cleanser, preferably from the same brand, so as not to introduce too many chemicals.
Exfoliate
You should exfoliate your face at least once a week, but preferably 3-4 times as part of your morning routine (instead of washing). Read these easy steps to exfoliate your face for further advice.
Moisturize
Exfoliating and washing are essential for clearing your pores and removing makeup, dirt and dead skin. But, they can leave your skin dry, which is made worse in winter by cold air and harsh winds. Make sure you moisturize after washing, using a day cream on your face. Then use a night cream before bed. Again, try to stick to the same brand.
Makeup Brushes
Remember, it's not just the skin on your face the suffers in the colder weather. As well as moisturizing every day, you should brush your body, in circular motions with a body brush, every morning before you shower. This removes dead skin cells and boosts your circulation. Meaning it can even help with things like cellulite, stretch marks, and varicose veins.
Change Your Diet
Try to avoid greasy foods, foods high in saturated fats and refined sugars and too much caffeine or alcohol. All of which can leave you with oily skin, clogged pores and spot outbreaks. Instead, eat fresh fruit and veg and drink lots of water.
Give it a Rest
Your skin works hard; it deserves a break. Get 8 hours sleep a night , to give it a chance to recover from the day, but also try to have the occasional day when you don't wear any makeup.
Look After Your Makeup
Old, dirty makeup is a leading cause of spot outbreaks and even infections. Wash your brushes regularly and check the use by dates of products to avoid the growth of bacteria. Then, treat yourself to some new products that will definitely be clean!
Now autumn is upon us, it's time to start thinking about making some changes to ensure your skin stays healthy when the weather turns. Try to make a healthy skin care plan a part of your daily routine and stick with it all year for the best results.