Skin Care Essentials

Winter often spells disaster for your skin. It looks rough and chapped, feels tight and drawn. What should be one of your greatest assets becomes one of your biggest beauty problems. You have to take extra care for your skin during this season and with our tips you will find that having a beautiful skin is not that difficult after all.

Steam Facials: During the winter months, a steam facial once or twice a week is an excellent way to open pores and revitalise dull skin. You can easily do it at home.

Drink Lots of Water: This is essential for having a beautiful and glowing skin. Up your water intake by drinking at least 8 glasses of water each day.

Alpha Hydroxy Acids: Alpha Hydroxy Acids are great for reducing flaky skin. Apply an AHA moisturiser at least three times a week to exfoliate dead skin due to cold blasts. Therefore exfoliate regularly, as dead skin will prevent the moisture from being absorbed properly.

Facial Masks: Try a moisturising facial mask to restore skin damage from cold air. Apply a facial mask once or twice a week to beat the cold, open up pores, clear blemishes and moisturise the skin.

Moisturisers: Moisturising skin during the winter months is crucial. As soon as you get out of the shower, moisturise your face and body. Use a moisturiser that doesn't have too much fragrance in it. Lotions that include aloe, Vitamin E and SPF 15 will assist in protecting and softening premature wrinkles and dry skin.

Use Alcohol-Free Makeup: Most makeup is hypoallergenic and alcohol-free. However, there are still some products out there that have an alcohol base, which has a drying effect on the skin. Be sure to read the ingredients when purchasing foundation, powder, concealer and blush. Avoid fragrance in products or using too much perfume because it has a drying effect on the skin.

Washing: Always wash skin in lukewarm water. Heat pulls the oil out of your skin.

Sunscreen: Finally, make sure to wear sunscreen with a SPF of at least 15. And make sure you cover your lips too. You can use the same sunscreen you use on your face, or a lip balm with sun protection.