Top 5 Tips for Effective Winter Facial Care

Winter poses special challenges for mature skin. The biggest challenges result from being exposed to several different climates and temperatures every day.

Not only is your skin coping with the wind and cold, it is stripped by different heating and air conditioning systems when you go to work, when you go shopping, when you commute and exercise and when you go home. There's often a different set again when you go to sleep especially in cold and moisture-prone housing.

Hormonal changes can also affect skin hydration with menopause posing particular challenges. On top of all that, as we age, there is a growing trend for skin to be more sensitised to chemicals in skincare as well as household washing and laundry detergents.

So what can you do to look after yourself?

1. Be careful what laundry powders you use

The laundry powder that gets whites brighter and whiter isn't necessarily going to the best in terms of direct contact with your face and other sensitive skin areas. If you are prone to dryness and itching, look for one that is gentler on skin.

2. Replace highly fragrant and/or coloured soaps with more gentle ones

Babies' skin reacts to many chemicals in soaps that adults might normally use in the shower, so buying and using baby soaps is not a silly idea if you are having skin sensitivity issues. Baby soaps are readily available, affordable and don't tend to leave your skin feeling so dry when you get out of the shower.

There are also several soaps in stores now that are marketed as gentle and sensitive – why not give them a try?

3. Review your skincare regime

The cleanser and moisturiser you used in the summer may need to be upgraded in the winter. Because our skin has to constantly adjust to different conditions, you need a moisturiser that is going to last the distance all day.

In terms of winter facial care, running around homes that are prone to be cold, damp and moisture-as well as cooking, cleaning and running around after people can leave your skin feeling a bit oily so adopt a gentle, but effective cleanser as part of a daily routine.

4. Sunscreen is a must all year-round

The top cosmetic surgeons tell women to wear sunscreen all year round in New Zealand. Because we are so close to the hole in ozone, and our UV-rate is so high. Sunscreen provides a protective barrier for our skin every day. Even if you have no plans to go out for the day, put on sunscreen to cover your face and neck and arms to put out the washing and walk to the car. Make it a priority every day.

5. Treat yourself to a masque as part of your facial care regime

When you get a few moments to yourself, there is nothing like the luxury of lying in a hot bath and applying a masque to your face and neck, then leaning back and doing nothing for 10 minutes. It's not only restorative for your face and neck, but good for your soul. Whether you make one yourself or buy one over the counter, treat your skin to a masque from time to time. Don't have one? Try egg whites and lemon juice for bleaching and tightening, avocado and honey for calming and moisturising or oats, honey and tablespoon of dry yeast with a little warm water for a deep, soft clean.

Develop a winter facial care regime and stick to it to be rewarded with great looking skin all winter long.