Is the cold damaging your skin?

Is the cold damaging your skin? Read on to find out…

The winter comes as a huge shock to our system, and it shows the most on our skin. It’s not just a coincidence that our complexion always becomes worse in the frosty months – the harsh conditions of icy wind and snow impact more than you think. Here’s how…

Heating

In the winter, humidity is a huge culprit for drying out our skin, and as much as we love to get indoors after facing the horrible weather, most heating methods lower humidity levels, so your skin loses moisture.

Extreme temperatures.

When we get indoors, our natural reaction is to head straight over to the radiator or run our hands under warm water. But according to Superfood UK nutritionist Shona Wilkinson, this is wrong. ‘Try to let them warm up slowly! Avoiding long hot showers or baths may be helpful too,’ she says. And if you take a warm bath, sprinkle some ordinary oatmeal into the water to help soothe skin.

Over-indulging

It’s not all about topical treatments either. Shona advises: ‘drink plenty of water, especially if you’re indulging in alcohol. It will help to keep your skin hydrated. Food-wise, prioritise healthy fats in your diet. Eat oily fish (sardines, salmon, mackerel), nuts and seeds, avocados, and olive oil. Our skin needs fats to help keep prevent moisture loss.’

‘Vitamin C is essential for healthy skin too, as it plays a role in making collagen. Make sure you continue to eat plenty of vegetables and fruit in winter. Particularly good sources of vitamin C are green vegetables such as broccoli, kale and Brussels sprouts. Steam them lightly or slow cook them in soups or stews to avoid losing the vitamin C they contain.’

Wearing a scarf

A scarf wrapped tightly around your neck and lower face may feel like you’re shielded from the wind, but the material will rub against your already vulnerable skin and cause redness and flakiness. It’s normal for your skin to begin peeling during this process, but do not pick. Peeling off your skin will cause more irritation and even scarring, so stick to a gentle exfoliator. To prevent this issue altogether, keep your face clear, or search for breathable materials when purchasing your scarf.

Winter sun

The first signs of sun usually cause everyone to sprint outside to absorb some vitamin D. But this can make your skin worse. Remember that your skin has already been exposed to harsh elements and is in a really vulnerable state. This is most commonly an issue for skiers, who can burn easily when the sun reflects off the snow. But, it can happen to all of us, so ensure you wear high-factor sun protection – regardless of how absurd it may seem!

Protect your pout

With all the care you’re taking to protect your skin, it’s easy to forget about your lips. And your pout is just as susceptible to cold weather as your skin, if not more. Lip balms are always the first point of call, but they are usually made from petrolatum, which doesn’t actually get absorbed into the skin. Yes, it will help to trap in any moisture, but it doesn’t hydrate already damaged skin. Alternatively, keep your eye out for products that contain oil that will moisturise deeper than just the surface of your lips.