Autumn is upon us, which means the weather is getting colder, the heating is being turned on and nightfall comes around a lot quicker than the summer months. This can put a lot of stress on our skin, leaving it pale and dry and more prone to sensitivity. Our skin prefers a humidity level of around 40-60% but in the autumn and winter months (when we switch on our heating) it means that it can push humidity levels down to as low as 10%.
However this doesn’t mean we are stuck with dry skin throughout the cold months, there are a number of things we can be doing to prevent our skin from redness, tightness and discomfort.
We have put together some top tips to keep your skin healthy and fresh right through the chilly months. Hello glowing skin!
Top 10 tips to banish dry skin:
Tip #1 – Up your intake of water.
This will increase moisture into your dry skin (recommended at least 2 litres (*8 cups a day)).
Tip #2 – Protect your skin.
Protect your skin from the sun with SPF – just because its winter does not mean that you shouldn’t use a sunscreen. Aim for a cream with at least SPF 15 or more.
Tip #3 – Avoid anti-ageing creams.
They can be extremely irritating to dry skin and will definitely make the problem worse.
Tip #4 – Have a diet rich in Omega 3.
This will make your skin less prone to dryness, try cold water fish, walnuts, and flax seeds are packed with omega-3 acids.
Tip #5 – Stay away from products containing alcohol or detergents.
Pick a mild cleanser and make sure you use moisturiser regularly. Choose an oil-based cream, which will lock in moisture leaving your skin hydrated.
SEE ALSO: 9 ingredients that you should avoid in your beauty products
Tip #6 – Filling you up with vitamins.
A, B, C, D, E and potassium are all good for your skin. Make sure they are a part of your diet.
DIY tips
We have also put together some recipes for making your own facemasks and moisturisers to get rid of your dry skin the natural way.
RECOMMENDED: Coconut Oil, Organic Fractionated from Fushi
Tip #7 – Oils to moisturise your skin.
“Thirsty skin, or dry skin, doesn’t produce as many oils and fats as other people’s. This means that your skin’s protective barrier is impaired slightly and less moistured, whilst potentially allowing allergens and irritants in. Using soaps or washing-up liquid can further strip oils from your skin. In order to maintain that healthy skin barrier it’s good to use emollients (oils) to make your skin soft and supple. Using a good facial oil can do wonders for your skin. It may seem like a strange idea to put oil on your skin but you won’t be making your skin greasy. In fact, the oil creates a barrier and helps restore some of the moisture in the top layers of your skin.”
Ingredients: 20ml sweet almond oil, 18ml avocado oil, 10ml rosehip seed oil, 2ml Vitamin E Oil
Directions: Swirl the oils together in a dropper bottle and apply a few drops to your skin every morning and every night.
Tip #8 – Avocado and honey mask.
This mask is highly moisturising and works particularly well in the treatment of dry skin. It’s best to use a ripe, fresh, organic avocado. Make sure to mash it up into a creamy mixture.
Ingredients: ½ ripe avocado, honey.
Directions: Mash ½ very ripe or soft avocado in a bowl, then stir in ¼ cup honey. Apply to your skin and leave for 10 minutes. Rinse your face with a cool washcloth.
Tip #9 – Milky Mask.
A classic milk mask for the face, reduces dryness leaving your skin glowing and fresh.
Ingredients: 1 tbsp powdered milk, 1 tbsp runny honey, 1 tsp aloe vera gel, 2 drops essential oil.
Directions: Mix ingredients well, apply to your face, let sit for 15 minutes, wash off with warm water. This recipe contains enough for 2 times.
Tip #10 – Oat bran mask.
This is a great mask to fight dull and flaky skin dryness.
Ingredients: 1 tbsp of oat bran, 1 tbsp of yogurt, 1 tbsp of honey, 1 tsp of olive oil, 1/8 tsp of bee pollen (optional).
Directions: Combine all ingredients in a small dish. Apply to your skin and leave it for 10 minutes or until it is dry. Rinse.
