Winter-proof your skin

These are just some of the questions we ask when the cold months knock on our doors. Natarah spoke to Kloof beauty therapist and technologist, Sharon Vosloo to find out how we can keep our skin healthy and supple after summer. 

How does the winter weather affect our skin? 
In summer, because of our high levels of humidity, there’s a constant feed of water into the skin. You’re literally walking in air that’s full of water, so your skin is wet all the time. In winter, the air is much drier which strips moisture from your skin. 

If you feel the cream you’re using is sufficient, keep using it. If you’re not happy with it, change it. Remember to add an elixir or a serum underneath to ensure your skin has enough moisture. 

You also need to exfoliate. It’s one of the most important things to do because if you don’t exfoliate, you’re just wasting your money by feeding your dry or dead skin various creams that work better when applied to renewed skin; the exfoliated skin. 

Some of my clients complain of sensitive skin and red, sore cheeks. That happens because of the dry weather and it’s a shock to the skin because we’re not used to it. You need to feed your skin moisture but eliminate the butters and the ones that have oils, if you have acne-prone skin. Look for products that are hydrating. 

Why do people ‘shed’ skin in winter?
This is literally your dead skin that needs to come off your body and if you’re not going to help it come off, it’s going to try and come off anyway. In winter, you wear a lot more clothes than in summer so there’s more abrasion on your skin which helps it come off a lot more. Your skin is a lot drier now as well. You need to exfoliate that dead skin off. This doesn’t mean you have to go out and buy expensive exfoliators. One option is to get a pair of those exfoliating gloves which are the best. They go on your hand and there’s no better cleaning equipment than your hand because it’s able to reach the crevasses of your body. Try to do this twice a week.

Should I be using hot water in the bath or shower? 
Don’t make your showers very hot. Just remember, that heat helps to kill the collagen under your skin and the elastin of your skin, which is the same as what hot wax does and can cause wrinkles. 

How much water am I supposed to be drinking?
Remember it’s one glass per 10kgs. Not eight glasses of water if you only weigh 40kgs, otherwise you’re washing out all your nutrients. 

Should I continue to use a sunscreen in winter?
Wearing sunscreen is important, even in winter. There are people who wear a moisturiser that contains a sun factor. If you are one of these people you have sun protection. If you’re wearing a foundation over that, that contains light reflectors, you are in a way reflecting the light away as well. If you are staying indoors, then you are protected. If you are going outdoors, you need to add extra sun protection. 

Just remember your skin is delicate, it is natural. It does not need to be treated harshly. The kinder you are to your skin and the more delicate you are when treating your skin – the more responsive it is and the kinder it will be to you. 

Natarah gets her sugaring done at Le Belle Nail, Skin and Body Care in Kloof. Give Sharon a call on 031 764 6227.