It is that time of the year where the likes of myself are conscious of our winter skin care and we get to dress like eskimo just because our body doesn’t like cold- Practically my body having everlasting internal beef with cold no matter how hard I try, but it wouldn’t stop a girl from looking good.
It is still one of those seasons where hospitals are packed up to the brim due to increase in respiratory infections and this year seem to have gone for the guts of children for there’s been an increase in scarlet and group A Streptococcus cases than there was the previous year, hence causing a palpable frenzy amongst parents with children.
Brief Pictorial Summary About Group A Streptococcus:
In fact, because of the seriousness associated with this and the panics that have resulted from it, the UK government have issued out statement to her citizens in bid to enlighten as well as to assure parents that this rare infection is treatable with the right medications in timely manner.
In UKHSA words Invasive group A streptococcus (iGAS) infections remain rare. So far this season, there have been 126 iGAS cases in children aged 1 to 4 compared to 194 cases in that age group across the whole year of the last comparably high season in 2017 to 2018. There have been 88 cases in children aged 5 to 9 years compared to 117 across the whole year of the last comparably high season in 2017 to 2018. The majority of iGAS cases continue to be in those over 45 years.
This year alone hasn’t seen only an increase in Group A streptococcus, it has equally seen the UK experiencing harsh winter which of course inspire this post after MET UK issued out an update on the incoming cold weather condition expected in the UK in 2022. For the first time in along while, some cities in England would be experiencing snow and hopefully there would be white Christmas this year, but for an inflation period where the utility bills have sky-dived? snow and all the harshness that comes with it, is the last thing needed this period.
Well, it is a known fact that, that winter can be tough on the skin. Cold, dry air and harsh winds strip the skin of its natural oils, leading to dryness, flakiness, and irritation. The best solution is to find a way to make the best out of the season skin-wise while being bills friendly.
Here are a few winter skin care tips to keeping the skin healthy and nourished during the winter months:
These below-mentioned winter skin care tips is applicable to sensitive, dry, and any other skin type out there. Just knowing in what moderation your skin type need each tip saves the day.
- Moisturise regularly: Using a thick, oil based moisturiser to help lock in the moisture and protect the skin from elements is a number one on the list for winter skin care tips. Moisturisers with ingredients like glycerin, ceramics help to attract and retain moisture. My go-to for the year is shea-butter, you never go wrong with undiluted shea butter for while my hair is on point, my winter skin care would be too. The lip shouldn’t be left out as well when talking about winter skin care for when the lips are not care cared for they became chapped, so a good moisturising lip balm is a must have. current favourite lip balm is NIVEA lip balm in strawberry flavour. Any right thing or routine for that glowing summer skin when we get to 2023 summer month.
- Humidifier: Dry indoor air can be a major contributor to winter skin woes. Using a humidifier can help add moisture back into the air, which in turn helps to keep the skin hydrated.
- Avoid Hot showers: As someone who loves shower especially hot shower, it has been a hard pill to swallow, but I know better even when I try to convince myself that hot shower is the best during cold mornings. Yes, while hot shower might feel good on a cold day, hot shower strips the skin of its natural oils, leaving it dry and dehydrated. A better choice would be to opt for lukewarm water and a gentle cleanser.
- Exfoliate gently: Indeed exfoliating helps to remove dead skin cells and improve skin texture, however, winter season isn’t a perfect season to overdo it, as overly-frequent exfoliation can strip the skin off its natural oils too.
- Skin Protection from wind and cold: I left this winter skin tip for the last because as fashion website, the outfits are different. However, whatever one chooses to wear, covering up as much as possible to protect the skin from cold and wind is paramount. wearing scarfs, hat and gloves helps to shield the skin during this harsh weather season.
One may ask why do we have to follow all these winter skin care tips, why be particularly conscious of our skin during winter- well, this is because of its great importance.
Importance of Winter Skin Care
Winter skin care is important because the cold, dry air and harsh winds of winter can strip the skin of its natural oils, leading to dryness, flakiness, and irritation. These conditions can not only be uncomfortable, but they can also cause the skin to look and feel less healthy.
Proper winter skin care help to prevent these problems by providing the skin with the appropriate moisture and protection it needs to stay healthy and hydrated. By following a good skin care routine, one can maintain the natural balance of skin and prevent dryness, flakiness and irritation.
In addition to the above-mentioned tips. There are a few other things an individual can do to keep the skin healthy during the winter months as well as achieve a glowing skin in winter.
Drink enough water: Staying hydrated is important for overall health including the health of skin. Ensuring enough water is drunk during dry winter months isn’t negotiable.
Use of sunscreen: Although the sun may not be as strong as it is during summer months, it is still important to protect the skin from damaging UV rays. Using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 to help protect skin from sun damage.
Our Recommended Best Winter Skin Care Products:
The best skin care products in addition to the afore-mentioned tips will depend on your skin type and specific skin concerns but according to Dr. Shereene Idriss, a New York City based dermatologist, one constant in any routine irrespective of the season should be a sunscreen. In her words ” I recommend introducing different products into a routine during winter as the skin tends to be a bit more dry and dehydrated. The skin lacks moisture in cold, dry climates; therefore you may want to load on all the hydration you can get“.
For Dry Skin Type:
Bio-Oil Dry Skin Gel and Bio Oil: I have used bio oil and can attest to the positive effect it has on the skin as I have dry skin type as well. Beside, the final seal it provides on an impaired skin barrier during winter months when there is an increase in water skin loss, it helps to fade stretch marks on skin. The Bio oil dry skin gel gives the finish of body oil which is less messy and easier to spread giving dry skin less irritate experienced during harsh weather.
SkinCeuticals Triple Lipid Restore 242: This product claims to contain free fatty acids and glycerin which provides hydration and skin barrier repair as it gets absorbed into the skin. Dr. Idriss says “it is great for mature skin types needing hydration, as it includes essential lipids within the formula“.
For Sensitive Skin Type:
For skins which are considered sensitive, it is advised to use products that are unscented and that don’t cause irritation.
Vaseline Original Unscented Petroleum Jelly: This product contains 100% petroleum jelly when compared to other forms of petroleum jelly. It helps with extreme dry, chafing and wind burn experienced during harsh weather. It is one of the oldies never found wanting in every home especially African homes, hence a great recommendation addition for sensitive skin type beauties.
Versed Press Restart Gentle Retinol Serum: This product’s specifically formulated for sensitive skin types and should be in sensitive skin beauties winter bag. No one wants to come out of winter caught un-fresh in subsequent months.
In all of these while transitioning from one skin care routine to another as the seasons change, it is our recommendation to always go for that product ones skin is comfortable in while dealing with each Carson season.
[…] well for at the end of the winter, the summer glow skin-wise is topnotch and because it’s winter doesn’t mean we should be caught […]