Are you feeling frazzled with all the additional pressure that lockdown has brought into your household? The chores never seem to get done, the sink is always full of dishes, and now you have to play teacher as well. In times of stress, we often forget about self-care. But, it is precisely those tough times in which we need it the most. Now is the ideal time to brush up on your body care regime to beat dry skin (and feel great) as the colder weather starts rolling in. Here are a few tips to help you stay gorgeous, soft and glowing, even when you’re feeling a bit overwhelmed.
Heat is not your friend.
Contrary to popular belief, if you suffer from dry, itchy skin, the last thing you should do is wallow in a hot bath or spend ages in a scalding shower. Heat breaks down the protective barrier that is naturally present on your skin, and this decreases moisture. If you suffer from dry skin, the experts all agree, take warm showers or baths and don’t spend more than 5-10 minutes doing it. Besides, who has more than 10-minutes to have a shower when the kids are all waiting for breakfast?
Moisturise STRAIGHT after you’ve washed
It’s easy to get distracted by little people and quick chores but try to avoid faffing around your bedroom after you’ve had a shower. Gently dry yourself off with a clean, dry towel and immediately apply a soothing moisturiser that helps lock-in your skins’ natural moisture. We recommend using a cream specially designed to soothe and repair dry skin. When choosing a body cream or lotion, you should look out for ingredients such as cocoa butter and coconut oil because these help create a protective barrier between you and the elements. Plus they usually smell good too.
Protect Your Skin
Think about your skin as something that needs to be protected from the sun, wind and cold, just like your loved ones. South African winters can be incredibly harsh. When outdoors, always try and wear protective clothing such as hats, gloves, and long sleeves to ensure that your skin isn’t exposed to the elements.
Humidifiers For The Win!
Humidifiers are awesome. They’re usually small-ish devices that basically help put lost moisture back into the air in your room. Why does it work for dry skin? Well, when the outer layer of your skin is well hydrated, it minimises water loss through the skin and helps keep out allergens, irritants and germs. So it’s a worthwhile investment if you live in a dry area.
With these easy tips, you can feel soft and smooth in no time, no guilt, just pure “happy-in-my-own-skin confidence”.
