Our top tips for managing the seasonal chill
Winter might be the most maligned season, but there’s plenty to love – cosy nights in, steaming mugs of hot chocolate (we love an antioxidant-rich cacao or our Nourishing Protein in Chocolate), maybe a little snow if you’re lucky. However one point of contention that we do have with winter is the impact it can have on our skin.
Icy winds and hours spent in front of the heater can really mess with your complexion. From skin that’s drier than the Sahara desert to a sudden burst of breakouts, the cold weather can bring with it a whole host of skin concerns. Here are our best tips for managing your skin in the midst of winter chill.
If your skin is dry
Of course, the most common issue that arises within the skin is dryness. As cold temps roll in, hydration in your skin often checks out – leaving your complexion with that dreaded parched and tight feeling.
Add extra moisture to your skincare routine to combat the chill. Sub out lighter moisturisers for thicker creams that can sink in for deeper hydration, as well as a hydrating serum or face oil. Investing in a rich, nourishing face mask and applying every 3-5 days can also be beneficial for giving dry skin a big drink.
The best way to get your body feeling hydrated is (of course) by drinking more water, so ensure that you’re getting in your three litres per day. Our founder Elle Macpherson swears by adding a scoop of The Super Elixir™ , which keeps your water interesting while also giving your body all the nutrients it needs to thrive.
If irritation is flaring up
Skin irritation, such as eczema, often appears with a change of the seasons, particularly when the environment causes the skin to become excessively dry. For those that suffer from eczema, this can mean sore, itchy skin that tends to show up on your face, hands, elbows and knees.
Such irritation can be difficult to manage, but there are a few things you can do to mitigate sensitive skin. As tempting as it might be, do your best to avoid too many long hot showers we all love in winter, as the water can actually make the irritation far worse. Bring your skincare back to the basics with a simple routine that includes a fragrance-free cleanser and moisturiser.
Additionally, give your body a nourishing boost by adding The Super Elixir™ in to your morning routine. Our original daily all-in-one greens powder contains your daily dose of wholefoods, herbal extracts, vitamins, minerals, and probiotics to support all 11 systems of the body – from the immune and digestive systems to hair, skin and nail health.
If your skin is looking dull
A dull, lacklustre complexion is commonplace in winter, thanks to the lack of moisture in the air. After only a few weeks in harsh temps and central heating, you might notice that your skin is starting to better resemble those grey skies overhead, rather than the bright, bouncy skin you had in summer.
Put a pallid complexion in the past by upping your exfoliation, which helps to remove dead skin cells and restore glow. You should also look out for radiance-boosting ingredients in your skincare products, which can help to minimise dark spots, redness and pigmentation, resulting in a brighter, more even skin tone.
As far as inner support goes, you can’t go past The Collagen Elixir – WelleCo’s bioavailable marine collagen-infused powder that promotes glowing, revitalised skin and healthy hair and nails. We’ve also added in brightening vitamin C and hydrating hyaluronic acid, so you can enjoy the benefits alongside your daily collagen – no extra skincare needed.
If you’re dealing with congestion
Unfortunately, our skin can become a little confused during the winter season and start to produce more oil. As the skin naturally becomes drier in the cold weather, your skin starts to overcompensate by increasing the amount of sebum it puts out – which is a prime environment for acne to develop.
The increase in oil leads to clogged pores, so it’s important to ensure that your congestion is being treated to avoid further breakouts. Be careful not to defer to acne-fighting skincare products, as these formulas can actually dry out the skin even further and cause more acne – not ideal. Layer light, oil-free formulas that address acne rather than heavy products, and ensure that you’re keeping your hands off your face to avoid extra grease.
Help clear your skin from within by taking two teaspoons of The Super Elixir™ each morning. For those busy mornings when you're rushing out the door, adding 2 teaspoons of The Super Elixir™ into your Hydrator Bottle is a quick way to get your daily dose of nourishing greens on the go and extra gut support for a healthy gut-skin connection.