Winter Skincare: How to Keep Your Skin Healthy, Hydrated, and Glowing in the Irish Climate
Deep in the dark days of January with beach body long forgotten it’s easy to spend the evenings under a blanket and go to bed with your make-up still on. As the winter season sets in and the Irish climate becomes colder and harsher, it's essential to adjust our skincare routine to keep our skin healthy, hydrated, and glowing. In this blog post, we will explore some valuable tips and tricks specifically tailored to the Irish climate to help you maintain beautiful skin throughout the winter months.
Moisturize, Moisturize, Moisturize
A little repetitive and obvious?! The cold and windy weather in Ireland can strip the skin of its natural moisture, leading to dryness, flakiness, and irritation. Additionally jumping in and out of heated transport such as cars and buses, as well as offices and shopping centres wreaks havoc with my skin - especially my hands and lips. To combat this, I suggest investing in a rich and nourishing moisturizer suitable for your skin type. Look for ingredients like hyaluronic acid and ceramides, which help to lock in moisture and strengthen the skin barrier. Apply moisturizer both in the morning and evening to keep your skin hydrated throughout the day.
Protect from the Elements
The Irish climate can be particularly harsh on the skin, with cold winds and fluctuating temperatures. Protecting your skin from these elements is crucial. Whenever you head outdoors, even on cloudy days, apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 to shield your skin from harmful UV rays. Additionally, don't forget to wear a scarf or a hat to cover exposed areas, as they can help protect your skin from the biting cold and wind. I was surprised to hear the levels of skin cancer in Ireland despite the lack of sunshine, so I still wear a SPF daily.
Hydrate from Within
In winter, it's easy to neglect our water intake, but staying hydrated is vital for healthy skin. The cold weather and indoor heating can dehydrate the skin, leading to dryness and dullness. Ensure you're drinking plenty of water throughout the day to maintain optimal hydration levels. Additionally, incorporating hydrating foods like fruits, vegetables, and herbal teas into your diet can also contribute to your skin's overall hydration. Start and finish the day with a glass of warm/cold water and sip throughout.
Gentle Cleansing and Exfoliation
Cleansing is an essential step in any skincare routine, but during winter, it's important to opt for a gentle cleanser that won't strip away the skin's natural oils. Look for hydrating cleansers that are free of harsh ingredients like sulfates. Additionally, exfoliating once or twice a week can help remove dead skin cells and allow your moisturizers to penetrate better. Choose a gentle exfoliator with ingredients like fruit enzymes or mild acids to avoid irritating the skin.
Lock in Moisture Overnight
Nighttime is the perfect opportunity to give your skin an extra boost of hydration. Consider incorporating a hydrating serum or facial oil into your evening routine to provide intense moisture while you sleep. These products can help replenish and rejuvenate the skin, leaving it soft and supple in the morning.
In the variable Irish winter climate, taking care of your skin becomes even more important. Weekly masks too, will help keep your skin healthy, hydrated, and glowing throughout the winter months. Embrace the season while maintaining your skin's natural beauty.