5 causes of dry winter skin

The cold winter months are the time of year when we are all more prone to dry skin thanks to a combination of environmental and lifestyle factors.

Of course your natural skin type will play a part in determining just how dry your skin gets but the chilly UK climate also does its bit to contribute to parched, thirsty skin.

Here are 5 causes of dry winter skin:

1. Dry air. Although it might feel like it is always raining, on cold days the air can be drier than in the summer.
   
   
2. Low humidity. Heating lowers the natural moisture levels in the air so there is less to hydrate your skin.
   
   
3. Wind. Spend an hour or two out in the whistling winter wind and your skin and lips will likely to be left feeling chapped and sore.
   
   
4. Cold. When the temperature drops, moisture levels usually also drop so your skin will struggle to maintain normal hydration.
   
   
5. Hot baths and showers. You might be tempted to warm up by taking a piping hot shower but very hot water strips skin of its natural moisture.

As well as the environment, there are many other factors that can also influence your skin to become drier, such as using beauty products that contain ethyl alcohol or eating a poor diet.

What to do about dry skin?

Body: If you are struggling with dryness all over this winter, we recommend treating your skin to a tub of organic body butter that will help to lock in moisture.

Face: Our favourite facial care product for winter time is our Anti Ageing Facial Oil. Packed full of protective and nourishing organic ingredients, it leaves skin feeling soft and super-hydrated.

Hands: If your hands are feeling chapped and sore, give them a boost with our organic hand cream. It's non-greasy and smells divine!

A tip for glowing winter skin

We've just heard about another tip for glowing winter skin to add to the winter skin guide we posted the other day.

Charlotte, the founder of Green People, told us that countries that experience bitter winters, like Norway and Sweden, make much greater use of oils to keep their skin hydrated and healthy during the coldest months.

If the UK has another winter like last winter, beset with snow and ice, we could do well to incorporate their advice into our skin care routine.

Here are two of our oils which you may like to blend with your favourite Green People moisturiser:

Anti Ageing Facial Oil

The Anti Ageing Facial Oil can be mixed with Vita Min Fix, Day Solution or Reviving Day & Night Cream to up the oil quota and increase the moisture retentive properties of these natural moisturisers.

This is a lovely facial oil that contains Jojoba oil, Rosehip oil and Rose Geranium and leaves the skin feeling very soft. It is suitable for all skin types.

Sheer Pamper Body Oil

Similarly, the Sheer Pamper Body Oil can be combined with any of our organic body lotions - Hydrating Body Lotion, Aloe Vera Body Lotion, Body Comfort or Body Bliss. We recommend mixing it with the No Scent Hand & Body Lotion so you can fully enjoy its gorgeous scent though!

Enriched with Jasmine, Avocado and Pomegranate, you cannot help but fall in love with this sumptuous body oil.

Ready your skin for winter

So you've started thinking about Christmas shopping, you've turned the heating on and you're getting used to the dark evenings - the classic signs that winter is officially beginning.

But have you shifted your skin care regime to suit the changing environment?

Winter is generally a time of lower humidity, which means there is less water carried in the air. Central heating also creates a dry air environment, while wind and cold days also add their challenges to your skin.

Your skin is sensitive to these changes and will naturally become drier and requiring of more moisture in order to stay healthy and soft.

1) Facial Oil

If you are not already using a facial oil, add one to your regime. Oils are a great way of feeding your skin nutrients and our Anti Ageing Facial Oil also helps to support the structure of the skin.

2) Face Mask

Use a deep-cleansing face mask to keep skin feeling clear and fresh. Our Purifying Mineral Mask absorbs impurities from the skin and can help you to handle breakouts caused by the changing seasons.

3) Rich Moisturiser

Switch to a richer moisturiser to combat the low humidity. The Reviving Day & Night Cream is a lovely anti-wrinkle cream that is packed with natural actives to nourish and pamper dry skin.

4) Avoid drying products

Some skin and body care products are drying on the skin because they contain ingredients such as SLS and ethyl alcohol. Make extra effort to avoid these during the winter season.