7 ways to keep your skin healthy and moisturised in autumn
- Exfoliate + Moisturise
Yes, you still need to exfoliate in winter. Use a gentle scrub or an exfoliating ingredient like milk (lactic acid) or aloe vera to remove those flaky dead skin cells. Radiator heat is a major hydration zapper and can cause less humidity in the air.
After exfoliating, generously apply moisturiser; you have broken down your skin’s barrier and emollients can absorb better. To keep lips smooth, brush them a couple of times a week with a soft toothbrush or scrub gently with brown sugar scrub. Add moisture to your face by layering skincare (serum or oil then moisturizer) and doing weekly hydrating masks. Slather on a thick body butter with coconut oil, shea butter, cocoa butter or beeswax to seal in moisture after each shower or bath. And if your hands and feet have painful cracks, the best time to heal is overnight. Apply a thick emollient and wear gloves or socks so the moisture can absorb all night long.
- Add a deeply moisturising face mask
A deeply moisturizing mask, like our 24K Gold Face Mask, is good for your skin and can serve as weekly ritual that'll help you unwind. Consider it self-care in a jar. It contains Hyaluronic Acid, which is a humectant, a substance that retains moisture.
To turn your masking time into a relaxing experience, have a seat, then do some deep breathing for ten minutes while the product is resting on your face.
- Shower smart
Long showers and baths strip skin of its natural protective oils. Limit time in the shower or bath to 15 minutes and go for lukewarm instead of hot water. If you can’t live without a long soak, add a generous helping of coconut oil to the water. Switch to showering at night if possible so your body can replace its oils while you sleep.
- Add good fats to your diet
Increase your intake of omega-3 fatty acids, which keep skin cells healthy and help skin maintain moisture levels. Add wild salmon, walnuts, avocados and flaxseed oil to your diet each day.
- Drink up!
One of the easiest routes to moisten skin is to increase your water intake; it will keep your skin hydrated. Cut back on caffeinated beverages and alcohol as they have a diuretic effect. If you’re struggling to keep up, try eating water-rich foods such as soups and stews, or replacing your coffee with herbal teas and hot lemon water. As well as keeping skin supple, they’ll also help flush out toxins for a clear, healthy and vibrant complexion