There is no doubt Winter has well and truly kicked in down here in the Southern Hemisphere. The harsh contrast in weather and exposure to heated rooms can cause havoc on our skin. To help you keep your bod in check, we will be sharing our top beauty hacks to keep your skin looking fabulous and hydrated. Read below for a couple of our go-to’s and keep an eye out for more on the Winter Beauty Hacks addition coming up this month.
Dry Skin Brushing
The idea of taking a bristled brush to your dry skin seems crazy and not to mention painful, however this inexpensive treatment you can do at home has some major benefits. Make sure you purchase a natural brush with a long handle. Then in the bath or shower (sans water) begin to brush your entire body starting at the feet, always sweeping the brush toward your heart. Brush each area several times taking extra care on more sensitive areas. When finished, jump in the shower then pat dry. When your skin is dry apply a natural oil such as jojoba or coconut, repeat at least once daily. Dry skin brushing will exfoliate your skin, which is great in winter as it allows your moisturiser to do its job better. It also helps kick start your lymphatic system which helps removes toxins from your body, exactly what you want during flu season.
Exfoliate, exfoliate, exfoliate!
Many people think exfoliating skin on your face can do more damage than good, however when done correctly exfoliating is worth the hype. In either cleanser or masque form a gentle exfoliator should be added to your skincare routine two to three times a week this winter. Due to the cold air during winter, our skin dehydrates quicker. Exfoliating will remove the top layer of dead skin cells, and just like the dry brush method, this will help your skin absorb your moisturiser more effectively.
Speaking of moisutriser, make sure you are using an oil based product rather than water-based
Oils such as almond, avocado, primrose and many more are great at conditioning and moisturising the skin without clogging pores. They help lock in moisture by creating a protective layer on the skin. Many skincare items marketed as ‘night creams’ will be oil based.