Winter Skincare Guidelines
If you don’t know where to start with your winter skincare routine, you are not alone. A common concern among our spa clients is the affects that winter has on their skin. It is a combination of the cold and dry air, harsh wind and constant exposure to indoor heat that impairs your skin’s barrier function in winter. When your skin lacks moisture and natural oils, it becomes more sensitive, and you can experience more breakouts, dryness, irritation, and redness.
Fortunately, there are ways to adjust your skincare routine in the colder months, which help combat skin issues you may be facing. Here are some of our Ohana Beauty & Wellness (https://ohanabeautyandwellness.co.za/) team’s top Winter Skincare Guidelines:
Maintain Moisture
Your skin produces natural oils which are essential to its health and protection. While a long bath is tempting on a cold day, hot water deprives your skin of natural oils and can leave it feeling dry and flaky. Dermatologists recommend that shower and bath temperatures should not exceed 38.5°C. Try taking shorter showers and baths and turn down the water temperature. Afterwards, pat dry your skin and apply moisturiser while your skin is still damp. We also encourage our clients to stay hydrated from the inside by drinking plenty of water every day
Transition to an Oil or Cream Cleanser
The sulphates present in foaming and salicylic acid-based cleansers are more drying than other cleansers, even though they are effective in removing dirt. We recommend switching your cleanser during the winter months of the year, in accordance with the different elements that impact your skin. Cleansing cream washes keep your skin hydrated and do not disrupt its natural barrier. Seek out products containing humectants like hyaluronic acid, glycerine, and butylene glycol, which seal in moisture when you use them.
Choose the right Moisturiser
Moisturisers typically contain a combination of humectants, occlusives and emollients, which each offer unique benefits to your skin. Choose a moisturiser that contains at least two of these ingredients, which effectively replenish your skin with the moisture that is loses throughout the day. You should also aim to use a moisturiser that is more textured and richer than the one you use during summer. A thicker, cream-based moisturiser is usually best for winter, as it helps to keep your skin hydrated and prevents moisture loss.
Keep Applying Sunscreen
Did you know that up to 80% of the sun’s harmful UV rays can permeate clouds? This means that even in winter, your skin can still be damaged if you do not wear sunscreen. Also be mindful of UVA rays, which are present all year around, and can even penetrate through glass. By wearing sunscreen in winter, you can maintain your skin’s youthful appearance and prevent premature aging. It is recommended to use an SPF of at least 30 on your face every day during winter. Read our blog post on the importance of sunscreen (https://ohanabeautyandwellness.co.za/importance-of-suncreen/)for more information.
Book a Spa Chemical Peel
Winter is the ideal time for a chemical peel, as your skin is more protected while it heals. The chemical peel process works by exposing the deeper layers of your skin, after removing the dehydrated surface layer. Low sun exposure risk means a faster recovery time from your chemical peel treatment, so that you can enjoy the benefits more quickly. A chemical peel is great for improving skin tone and skin texture. We offer two amazing BioDermal Chemical Peels at Ohana Beauty & Wellness. Contact us for a consultation and to make a booking.
Book a Spa Facial
Our spa therapists can help you feel beautiful in your skin at any time of the year. We offer renowned Thalassotherapy based facials by Thalgo (https://ohanabeautyandwellness.co.za/thalgo-let-the-sea-empower-your-beauty/) as well as effective BioDermal Facials which combine nature actives with progressive technologies. Since skin gets dryer and duller during winter, regular facials can provide much needed hydration, while also restoring moisture. We also offer advanced Dermapen 4 Microneedling (https://ohanabeautyandwellness.co.za/dermapen-4-microneedling/) treatments to address a range of complex skin issues.
Ohana Beauty & Wellness is open 7 days a week and can be found on Level L of the Blaauwberg Beach Hotel (https://blaauwbergbeachhotel.co.za/). We offer free Dermapen 4 Consultations during winter and can also assist you in booking the right facial treatments for your unique skin needs.