Health & WellbeingGeneralDealing with dry skin this winter
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Dealing with dry skin this winter

By Rachel - Silversurfers Assistant Editor Dec 10, 2020

Skin is the body’s largest organ, the protective outer layering that acts as a barrier from the environment. It does its job so well that most of us don’t even notice it unless it starts to feel tight, cracked and dry.

The accumulation of sun damage and the decrease in natural oils as we age means our skin starts to become dry; combined with the stripping effects of central heating in winter, it’s no surprise that our skin needs some extra care and attention this time of year.

If you’re dealing with dry skin, there’s a few things you can do in the short and long term to help:

  • Try a serum – Adding a serum or oil to your morning and evening skincare routine can help plump the skin, relieve the feeling of tightness and ward off flaky patches that show up throughout the day when wearing makeup. Products like the Body Shop’s Oils of Life or Vichy Aqualia serum can both offer a powerful moisture boost for your face.
  • Load up on antioxidants – A diet rich in antioxidant foods will help your skin stay supple and at its best. Fuel up on tangerines, sweet potatoes, peppers, citrus fruits, cherries, spinach, olives, peppers and grapes.
  • Remember your omegas – Essential fatty acids (we’re talking about your omega-3s and omega-6s here) help replenish the skin’s natural protective oils and can even help clear blemishes. You can make sure you’re getting enough in your diet with delicious foods like salmon, mackerel, walnuts, olive oil and flax.
  • Step away from hot water – A piping hot shower might feel great on a cold day, but it can be very drying for your skin. Try turning down the temperature slightly and taking a shorter shower or soaking in a warm bath with nourishing oils or bath creams instead.
  • Take a look at your shower gel – Harsh soaps strip the body of moisture rather than add it. Look for a hydrating body wash and avoid shower gels that are foaming or too soapy. Dove’s Deeply Nourishing body wash and other gentle, creamy body washes are perfect this time of year.
  • Moisturise after showering – Moisturise right when you come out of the bath or shower to help protect your skin from drying out. Neutrogena’s Deep Moisture body lotion is inexpensive and one of the best formulas on the market. If you have very sensitive skin, struggle with eczema or are experiencing intense dryness, E45 Intense Recovery is cheap as chips and highly effective.
  • Try gloves or socks – Moisture gloves and socks can be a great way to soften up the tough skin on hands and feet. Slather on a thick layer of your favourite moisturiser and then put on a pair of cotton gloves or socks. Wear overnight or even in front of the television for an hour.

How do you keep your skin moisturised in winter?

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Rachel - Silversurfers Assistant Editor

Hello there! I’m Rachel and I’m the Assistant Editor for Silversurfers. I work behind the scenes to bring interesting, informative and entertaining subject matter to the Silversurfers community. I hope you enjoy the features we have shared with you. Please feel free to comment below and share your thoughts with us, we love to hear from you!

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