There’s a lot to love about winter. Delicious hot meals with the family, layering up on winter fashion, and if Covid wasn’t around, we’d add in weekend trips to the ski fields too!
There’s a lot we do to shield ourselves from the cold weather, but sometimes that protection comes at a cost to our skin. And if you have sensitive skin that’s prone to conditions like eczema or psoriasis, the words “winter is coming” may make you feel like the months ahead will be a long and painful battle.
Here’s three easy ways you can be kind to your skin so you can get through winter without feeling red, raw and itchy.
Be proactive with your skin care routine
If you are prone to dry skin in winter, developing and maintaining a daily routine is one of the most effective strategies to help protect and care for your skin. You may find creating a night time habit works best to help seal and protect your skin overnight.
Gentle exfoliation will help remove any dead skin and allow better penetration of moisturisers. Just be cautious that you do not over do it, once every week or two is enough. That way you give your skin enough time to shed dead skin cells and healt properly. And make sure you do follow up with a rich moisturizer made with natural ingredients to protect your skin. This will help reduce inflammation and the chance of infection while making your skin healthier.
Now here’s a tip – Wotnot’s 100% Natural & Organic Baby Lotion is not just for bubs, it’s perfect for the whole family to use. The beautiful, velvety formula is rich with certified organic flaxseed oil - one of nature's richest sources of omega-3 and omega-6.
From eczema to psoriasis, it’s designed to help even the most sensitive of types of skin conditions. It’s pure ingredients mean, you can apply liberally without worrying about nasty toxins seeping into your skin.
Control your shower temperature
One of life’s simple pleasures is a steamy, hot shower. And in winter, your body will crave a long, hot shower and bath even more. But it’s one of the worst things you can do for your skin, especially if you suffer from conditions such as eczema.
Bathing in hot water strips your skin of its protective oils and draws out all the moisture which will leave you dry and itchy over time. Instead, keep the temperature lukewarm and limit your shower time to around five minutes. If your mirror gets steamy, then you know the shower is too hot.
Keep baths to around ten minutes and avoid cheap, fragrant bubble bath products if your skin is prone to irritation. If your fingers begin to prune, you know it’s well time to hop out.
Post shower, pat yourself dry instead of rubbing the towel over your body which can scratch your skin and make you itch if you suffer from eczema. Apply a nourishing moisturiser right after to help lock in the hydration.
If your skin is irritated already, don’t skip bathing. Try a lukewarm bath with a gentle, natural cleanser. If you’re lost for options, our 100% Natural & Organic 3-in 1 Baby Wash, Shampoo & Bubble Bath is suitable for both you and the little ones. It’s perfect to use on sensitive skin conditions such as eczema, rosacea and psoriasis.
Add sunscreen, even on a cloudy day
It’s standard that your summertime skin care routine will change as you head into winter. But one product you shouldn’t skip out on is sunscreen.
Some time in the winter sun will give you a boost of vitamin D which can help the skin repair itself and is proven to help even if you have a condition like eczema. Not wearing sunscreen though will make your skin worse and cause it to dry out even more.
Wotnot’s 30 SPF Natural Sunscreen was initially formulated to not only protect from the sun but also to treat eczema. Featuring certified organic ingredients, this sunscreen has a beautiful texture, is deeply moisturising and is made for people with sensitive skin.
It’s become a go-to product for eczema sufferers as it helps people manage their condition effectively without any harsh, toxic chemicals and with no side effects.
Looking after your skin in winter may sound like a chore, but once you create a daily habit of it, your skin will be glowing radiantly rather than beaming red from being itchy and raw. As always, drink lots of water in winter, avoid rapid changes in temperature and use skin care products that are natural and nourishing for your skin.