Caring for Skin Through Winter

Winter can be a trying time when it comes to keeping our skin healthy. Because humidity is generally lower in the winter it means there is less water in the air, and this dries out our skin and hair. Cold winds and central heating also have the same effect, which leaves skin and hair in need of some extra nourishment and moisturisation.

In spite of our best efforts, we can suffer from dryness, redness (caused by dilated blood vessels), rawness, and chaffing. To help prevent these conditions, we should always ensure our skin is hydrated and moisturised from inside and out. If you do use lighter products in the summer, continue to use them but take note of how your skin feels. Have your heavier products ready as backup for when your skin starts to feel drier.

Skin can also become dehydrated as we're not taking on board enough fluid to keep skin hydrated on the inside. We’re firm believers that taking on board fluids does improve the appearance of skin as well as how it feels inside (no tightness.)

Another measure you can take to help your skin stay healthy is to only have the central heating on if you really have to – put another jumper on and keep the thermostat down low or on a time for the very few hours in the day when you really need the home heated. You can also use a humidifier to keep moisture in the air.

If your skin is drier than it should be, the chances are you are deficient in one or more of Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Vitamin D, Potassium or Essential Fatty Acids. Broken capillaries can be caused due to a lack of antioxidants, bioflavonoids, glucosamine, and calcium. Acne can be caused by a deficiency in Zinc and Essential Fatty Acids.

In terms of lifestyle choices for your best skin - drinking too much caffeine or alcohol, and smoking not only dry your skin out but also cause premature ageing through free radical damage. For healthier skin it is best to limit your alcohol consumption and don’t smoke! Also, eating a diet high in refined foods, white carbs and sugars can cause breakouts, blotchy skin and this paired with a lack of antioxidant- and vitamin-rich foods can lead to dullness. As with all health concerns, it's best to eat a well-balanced diet, with a wide spectrum of coloured vegetables and fruit, and good quality protein at every meal.

Choosing the right products for your skin is of course of great importance, and here at Kijani Living we have several different brands with targeted products to help you give your skin the best care you can. If you're looking for some consultation on skincare before you buy, you can always reach out to us on Twitter or Facebook where our team of experts is on hand to offer you impartial advice.