Winter Skin

Winter is particularly unkind to our skin. It’s the combination of harsh weather, central heating, taking too many hot baths and showers, and seeking comfort in indulgent food that all add up to really take a toll on your complexion. And we are not only taking about your face, but your entire body. Skin is the biggest organ we have, and well, sometimes appearances DO matter… So, what can dry skin cause?

• Flakiness from lack of hydration
• Spots from your dietary changes and your skin having to overproduce sebum to try to counteract the dryness
• Itchiness in some areas from it being so dry
• Redness from the increased sensitivity of your skin
• Premature ageing from loss of elasticity due to the dryness

So now the question is: What can I do to stop looking like a prune? Magees, HELP!

Well first thing is first: We know that we all say it, but it is actually time to rethink your diet for the New Year. This starts by promising yourself to drink more WATER. You may not realise, but you are probably not drinking enough water, as we tend to prefer hot drinks like tea or hot chocolate during these cold winter months. Promise yourself to drink at least 1.5 to 2 litres per day! We know this seems like a lot, but trust me, you can do it! Obviously it helps if you go to the gym or exercise in some way, but we aren’t perfect and sometimes we really can’t be bothered.
A trick would be to set yourself hourly water “goals”, like this:

Every hour, the water level should be going down further and further. This is a great way into thinking that drinking water is a personal achievement (some of us need the extra encouragement)!

Next: Skincare!
Now is the time to ramp up skincare routines, and make exfoliating and moisturising a priority.
Skincare routines, like our wardrobes, need to be weather appropriate: In the summer you might opt for a lighter, more mattifying moisturiser, and use your Day cream as your night cream, but in the winter you need to be more nurturing!
Go for the ultra creamy textures, try a cleansing milk and a toner rather than a harsh “soap and water” approach, it feels amazing on dry skin.

Like this:

Lancôme Galatee Confort cleansing milk available here, and Lancôme Tonique Douceur.

For a full-body moisturising routine, we also recommend these:

• Neutrogena Hand Cream, so super soft hands. The Norwegian formula absorbs into your skin in seconds and protects them against the cold weather (€2.99)
• Carmex lip care, containing camphor, menthol and cocoa seed butter to relieve dryness and itchiness (€2.99)
• Aveeno skin relief moisturizing lotion for after your shower. This gentle all-over body lotion will get rid of cracked skin leaving it supple and hydrated all day (€3.49)
• Aussie 3 Minute Miracle Reconstructor for that dry, frizzy and static winter hair. It leaves you hair nourished without weighing it down. It smells amazing too! (€4.99)
• Elizabeth Arden eight hour cream that you can use anywhere you need a little extra hydration. This cream is famous for a reason! (€34)

We would love to discuss your particular skin issues in our shop in Letterkenny, but if you do not feel like going out in the cold because of your dry skin, we completely understand. That is why we have www.magees.ie! Happy shopping!