Your wardrobe isn’t the only thing you should be switching come winter, and although that may seem like a cliché, it doesn’t make it any less true. While those lightweight moisturisers may have worked just fine in the summer months, as the temperatures drop the dry air, cold wind, and exposure to indoor heaters suck the moisture from your skin and strip it of oils essential for healthy skin barrier function. “These elemental conditions can also spark skin sensitivity, redness, and irritation. So, the bottom line is, a skin regimen shakeup come change of season is needed,” explains Clere brand manager Su-Marie Annandale.
She adds that there’s no need to plan an entire overhaul. In fact, all you need is a few simple swaps and additions, such as using a richer moisturiser as opposed to a lotion. To make your winter skincare transition as seamless as possible, Annandale recommends the below tips:
Shower length and heat – While the chilly weather might sound like the perfect time for a long, hot bath, try to resist the urge. Prolonged contact with hot water can strip the skin of its natural moisture, leaving you even drier than you were before. Take short lukewarm showers no more than once per day and straight after the shower, while your skin is still damp, apply a rich body moisturiser to lock in hydration. You should use enough to leave the skin feeling well hydrated, so you may need to apply more than you do in summer months. If you find that your skin is flaking more than usual, try dry brushing, a ritual that involves rubbing your skin with a brush in a light, circular motion. The mechanical action can work wonders for exfoliating dry winter skin and promoting lymphatic drainage.
Switch from a lotion-based moisturiser to a cream – The cardinal rule of wintertime skincare is keeping skin hydrated. A lighter lotion may have been enough to satisfy your skin during summer, but that’s not an extended guarantee into colder weather. Clere’s range of lotions and crèmes consists of four different formulations. These are: Triple Glycerine, Tissue Oil and Pure Glycerine, Pure Glycerine and Glycerine Gel. All four formulations provide 48-hour moisturisation and contain Vitamins E & A which are gentle, yet effective. Each of the four formulations cater to the different skin needs of the consumer.
Humidifier – Harsh winter weather creates a challenge for the skin as humidity is low both indoors and out. Using a humidifier helps replenish the top layer of the skin by preventing the air from becoming too dry.
From the inside –Food rich in healthy fats improves your skin’s moisture levels. Fatty acids like omega-3s help replenish your skin’s lipid barrier and protect against moisture loss. Enjoy foods like flax, avocado, nuts, and fish like salmon and sardines.
All four Clere skincare formulations provide 48-hour moisturisation and contain Vitamins E & A. The Clere range of crèmes and lotions are available at all leading retailers at a cost of approximately R34.99 (500ml) and R21.99 (400ml), respectively.
For more from Clere visit their website, Facebook and Instagram pages @ClereAfrica
