Our skin is always changing. Fueled by age, lifestyle factors, and our environment, the rate of change varies from person to person; the one thing that remains constant is that it never stays the same.
Perhaps the most dramatic changes we see in our skin, regardless of lifestyle and environmental factors, occur with the change of weather. The most pronounced changes occur when our skin has to tolerate the cold and dry weather. Regardless of where you live and how you live, there are a few things you can do to keep your skin looking and feeling healthy as we transition through different weather conditions each year.
Know Your Skin Type
If you don’t get this right, nothing else matters. Dry skin should be treated differently than oily skin, which should be treated differently than combination or sensitive skin. Every conversation with a beauty adviser should begin with your skin type.
Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate – Inside and Out
Drinking lots of water is a good start, but you also have to use a good moisturiser. Even if your skin tends to be oily, you need to hydrate your skin and then lock the moisture in. Not only will your skin feel better, it will look younger and healthier.
Cleanse Gently, but Effectively
Dirt and other impurities will cause premature ageing, a sallow complexion and dryness. Cleansing is critical, but be sure to use a gentle, pH balanced and sulfate-free product so you don’t damage your skin’s natural moisture barrier.
Fight Skin-Damaging Free Radicals
Liberal, consistent use of antioxidant nutrients will help protect your skin from looking tired and worn, and will keep ageing at bay. Natural source antioxidants, typically Vitamins C, E and A are best.
Eat a Healthy Diet
A balanced diet that emphasises leafy greens, vegetables, fresh fruit and healthy fats will help feed your skin from inside. These foods are rich in antioxidants and long chain fatty acids that will nourish your skin and help protect it from aging.
Move Around, Work Out, Exercise
Sure it’s good for your heart, and it will definitely help you manage your weight, but exercise will also help your skin look better. The increased blood flow will improve radiance and help firm your skin, while working up a good sweat will help release toxins.
Choose Healthier, More Natural Skin Care
Regardless of your skin type or condition, you should try to choose natural products. Increasingly we are learning that harsh synthetic chemicals and highly processed skin care ingredients can cause irritation, redness, and sensitivity. People who move to more natural products often see an immediate and dramatic improvement in the condition of their skin.
Exfoliate at Least Twice a Week
Removing dead skin cells is vital to a healthy skin care regimen. Your skin will look and feel healthier and more vibrant, and your moisturisers and nourishing serums will penetrate better.
Get a Good Night’s Sleep, and Prepare Your Skin Properly at Bedtime
When we are at rest our skin is better able to repair itself and regenerate. Take advantage of this by feeding your skin its most potent nourishment at night. Use a simple, natural moisturiser that is packed with nutrients.
Younger, healthier looking skin isn’t difficult to achieve, but it does take discipline. With just a bit of care and consideration your skin will look its best all year round.
