With temperatures plummeting this past week and sightings of snow around the country (quick, stock up your fridge, avoid public transport, and prepare to be barricaded in from one inch of snow), winter is definitely on its way. Cold weather can be awful for your skin: chapped lips, dry skin and hands, and that feeling when your face is so cold you can’t even smile. Oh no wait, that’s just my resting bitch face.
In all seriousness, frosty temperatures can lead to some rather uncomfortable skin problems. If you don’t pay attention to it, dry hands and lips can become very painful so it’s best to take care of your skin as much as possible. I’ve put together a list of methods and products to help you look after your skin this winter.
- It’s what’s inside that counts
The first thing I’d recommend isn’t a product, and isn’t specific to winter (great start…), but I have been doing this recently and find it really effective- drinking warm lemon water in the morning. I was a bit sceptical at first but after reading many a scientific review (kind of), I thought I would give it a try. It really helps to clear up your skin, and there are loads of other benefits too, such as getting a dose of vitamin c (avoid those winter colds) and aiding digestion. All you have to do is pour boiled water into a mug and squeeze in half a lemon. If you want to show off your healthy habits on Instagram then throw in a slice of lemon too, because if you don’t take a photo of the lemon water, did you ever really drink it?
- Here’s a handy product
Couldn’t resist an awful pun, sorry. Looking after your hands is very important, but sometimes wearing a pair of thick gloves isn’t enough to stop the bitter cold air getting to them. Using a hand cream is a good way to keep your hands protected and stop them drying out in the winter. A great product is Atrixo Intensive Handcare Protection Cream. This non-greasy formula dries quickly, and you only need a tiny amount for it to have an effect.
- Lips aren’t movin’
You know it’s bad when your lips are so dry it becomes painful to eat and talk. Make sure you avoid getting to that stage by using a good lip balm this winter. My favourite is Burt’s Bees Honey lip balm, which is very moisturising and doesn’t have an overpowering scent. Another great range of lip balms is EOS, with flavours such as “Sweet Mint” and “Strawberry Sorbet” sounding good enough to eat (I wouldn’t recommend going through with that).
- Body beautiful
Investing in a body butter or lotion is also a good idea. Use this after showering to prevent your skin from drying out. Soap and Glory have a really great range of body butters, such as “The Righteous Butter”. One of the main ingredients is shea butter, which is known for it’s moisturising properties. It absorbs quickly and doesn’t leave a greasy feeling. Plus, it comes in a big tub so it will last for ages.
- Shower in festivity
Getting up on cold winter mornings is difficult, but the prospect of showering in a luxurious Christmas scent may be enough to drag you out of bed. Who doesn’t want to own Christmas in a bottle? Any shower gel with scents of vanilla, nutmeg, or even some glitter if you’re feeling adventurous, will add a bit of festivity. Moisturising ingredients such as shea butter and cocoa are also great. Philosophy have released Christmas shampoo, shower gel and bubble bath bottles: one product for all your needs! Their scents include “Christmas Cookie”, “Candy Cane” and “Vanilla Nutmeg”.
Spending that little bit of extra time looking after your skin is a must when it comes to winter. Arm yourself with some of the products in this list and you’ll be ready to face the cold days. Alternatively, just go into hibernation. I wish that were a genuine option.
