The importance of skin hydration during winter

As the winter months arrive, the cold weather and harsh winds present a challenge for our skin. The lowering temperatures can strip away the skin’s natural moisture, leaving it dry and in need of hydration.

Let’s explore the importance of skin hydration during the chilly season, covering care for the face, lips, hands, and body to maintain a soft, supple texture amidst winter’s harsh reality.

Why hydration is important for your general body  

Adequate hydration aids in keeping the skin barrier intact, which in turn supports the function of vital organs by helping to regulate body temperature and eliminate toxins. The ripple effect of good hydration goes skin deep, promoting optimal function across various bodily systems.

The importance of hydration is evident as it serves as an investment in both a radiant complexion and a robust internal function, setting a foundation for holistic wellness, especially during the challenging winter months. Through maintaining hydration, we not only nurture our skin but also bolster the health and functionality of our entire body.

How the winter is harsh on the skin

The cold winter air is often dry and can sap the moisture from your skin swiftly. The situation is exacerbated when harsh winds whip against the skin, leaving it feeling rough and sensitive. Indoor heating, although comforting, further draws moisture from the skin, making hydration an uphill battle. The face, being exposed, bears the brunt, but the lips, hands, and body aren’t spared either.

The cumulative effect of these elements can lead to dry, flaky skin, and in more severe cases, cracks and bleeds. Maintaining a robust hydration regime during winter is imperative to keep the skin healthy, comfortable, and resilient against the winter onslaught.

The face 

The face, being the most exposed part of the body, takes the brunt of winter’s harshness, often resulting in dry, flaky skin. Utilising the right products is key to combating this. Incorporating a toner and exfoliator into your routine helps to remove dead skin cells, paving the way for better absorption of hydrating products like those from reputable luxury brands.

To help increase hydration in the face, products with hyaluronic acid can help support your skin’s natural hydration and replenish moisture. The DermaQuest Essential B5 Hydrating Serum from Daily Skin is one luxury serum which provides multi-level hydration and immediate moisture for dehydrated skin.

Following up with a rich moisturiser can also help lock in moisture, keeping the skin hydrated and preventing the dryness and flakiness that the cold weather brings, ensuring your face remains soft and supple throughout the winter months.

The lips

Winter’s cold grasp often leaves lips parched, leading to dryness, cracking, and in severe cases, bleeding and discomfort. The thin skin on the lips is particularly vulnerable, making regular hydration crucial. Applying hydrating lip balms or treatments infused with nourishing ingredients can offer a shield of moisture, rejuvenating the lips.

Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm uses a vegan formula and is packed with shea butter and has a silky creamy texture to help condition dry lips. Another great lip product around this year has also been the Dior Addict Lip Glow which was listed by Glamour Magazine as one of the best tinted lip balms to buy right now.

Consistent application of lip products not only alleviates discomfort but also prevents further chapping, promoting soft, smooth lips. Amidst the harsh weather, keeping a reliable lip balm at hand is a small yet significant step towards maintaining a comfortable and healthy smile through the winter months.

The hands & body

The cold winter climate doesn’t spare the hands and body, often leaving them dry and rough. Hand lotions and body butters become indispensable allies in restoring and maintaining hydration. A nourishing hand lotion, applied regularly, can keep the skin on your hands soft, supple, and free from painful cracking. For the rest of the body, a rich body butter or cream can lock in moisture, combating dryness and flakiness. 

Some of the best ingredients to look for that help support dry skin are coconut oil, hyaluronic acid, aloe vera, glycerine and many more. Shea butter and cocoa butter are also popular ingredients found in many hand and body creams. Kiehl’s Creme de Corps Body Lotion with cocoa butter is one of the brand’s best sellers right now due to its rich non-greasy formula which is perfect for dry skin.

Ensuring a routine of applying these hydrating products, especially post-shower when the skin is slightly damp, can significantly shield the skin from winter’s drying effects, keeping it healthy and comfortable.

Hydrating ingredients to look out for

When scouting for products for your winter beauty and skincare routine, certain hydrating ingredients stand out for their ability to lock in moisture and promote glowing skin even amidst the cold. Hyaluronic acid, a potent hydrator, can hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water, ensuring your skin stays moisturised. Niacinamide, on the other hand, strengthens the skin barrier and increases its resilience to environmental stressors, while also promoting hydration.

Squalane, a derivative of squalene, mimics the skin’s natural oils, providing intense moisturisation without a greasy feel. These ingredients work in synergy to retain hydration, combating the dullness often associated with winter skin, and pave the way for a radiant, well-hydrated complexion even during the chillier months.

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