We all know that winter can be a dreary time of year where nobody likes to go outside and we just like to stay indoors with our soup, blankets and marathons of our favourite series cocooned on the lounge in front of a nice cosy warm fire, however, some of us forget to treat our skin with more care in the winter because of the lack of exposure our skin gets while we cover up in our many layers.

It’s always important to maintain self care during the year, especially with our skin, and winter is no different. Love your skin because our skin in winter does have different needs compared to the warmer parts of the year. Our skin gets less sunlight and vitamin D and our skin may become dull and dry. So below, Rina from Rinascentia has illuminated us with her beauty secrets on how to keep skin radiant in the coldest season of the year.

People have been asking me what is my skin care routine and how I keep my skin hydrated and radiant in winter, so I have come up with skin care tips and a quick guide to winter radiant skin:

Cleanse

How good does a nice hot shower feel on a cold winters day to thaw out the body? I know a lot of experts (and blog posts) say “avoid hot showers during winter”. I don’t enjoy this cold winter weather we are having or wearing up to four layers of clothing feeling stiff all day. So to me a hot shower makes me feel good and nurtured. I say if it makes you feel good do it, but like everything else use in moderation.

My skin is usually dry but in winter it is even dryer and needs extra attention to keep moist and supple. What makes your skin dry out more isn’t really the hot water as much as cold wind, air conditioning and the ingredients used in body care treatments. I think the biggest culprit is Sodium Laureth Sulphate (SLES) or Sodium Lauryl Sulphate (SLS). It’s not only an irritant, but also very drying on the skin. SLS is used in most shower soaps, and shampoos. It is a detergent and surfactant creating lather. This essentially means that it breaks down the surface and separates molecules in order to allow better interaction between the product and your skin or hair. In other words, it removes any traces of oils (which our bodies naturally produce) on your skin or hair just like detergent does to your dishes.

If you are like me and enjoy your nice hot showers avoid using any products with SLS. When shopping next, look at the ingredients list and find some that don’t contain SLS and that do contain moisturizers. I find that if a product foams up then it will be too drying during winter so use something that has oils or moisturisers.

Divine Antioxidant and Omega-Rich Moisturising Cleansing Oil and Divine Oleum with Co Enzyme Q10 are two cleansers that cleanse (even makeup) and don’t strip your natural oils. Both products are gentle on all skin types. They contain vitamin D, which we don’t get much of during the winter months. For dry to very dry skin you can also use this as your night moisturizing treatment.

Exfoliate

Avoid dull winter skin by removing old, dead skin cells and encourage proper cellular turn over and skin health by gently exfoliating to help your skin glow during the dry winter months. Long gone are the days of abrasive exfoliates and over scrubbing. It scratches, tears, and rips your skin. These tiny abrasions are like fine scratches that damage your skin surface and accelerate aging. Avoid any products that contain exfoliates with jagged sharp edges that do not dissolve such as pit fruit seeds and nutshells. I always tell my clients, if the particles don’t dissolve in water, don’t use it. In the case of salt and sugar where they are square (and do start with sharp edges), they dissolve with water, and with the circular motions of applying, become circular, thus preventing any skin damage so make sure to use circular motions when applying.

Chemicals, acids, peels, and micro derma abrasion in large doses can burn, blister, cause redness and swelling to your skin as well as age the appearance of skin over time. You may feel more youthful looking after the first few sessions, but in the long run they can accelerate aging and damage skin. Some can be safe and effective in small doses. I do not recommend them to everyone, but if you must, just take notice of what it is doing to your skin. Some natural and safe ingredients to slough off dead skin cell are ground nuts, grains, flours and oats. These are effective and work wonders in helping your skin glow.

Terra Illuminum Face Mud is a gentle exfoliating cleanser that can be used each day and is suitable for all skin types. It is made with ground almonds, oats, coconut milk powder, iron oxide clay, honey and Vitamin C. Massage gently onto face and hands while in the shower and let it sit on your skin for a few minutes so the nutrients and vitamin C can activate into the skin then rinse off.

Hydrate

Besides drinking plenty of water and herbal teas to hydrate the inside you also can benefit by hydrating the outside as well. Use a good hydrating serum. Some ingredients to look for are Hyaluronic Acid, Aloe Vera and Panthenol (vitamin B5).

I use Plane Jane Hydrating Serum after cleansing or exfoliating. With only very few ingredients, each one, specifically chosen that help hydration. I found on my recent trip to Melbourne that I had to double layer Plane Jane. My skin just soaked it up instantly with their very dry winter.

Moisturise

When you get out of the bath or shower. I would highly recommend you slather your body with a good face & body oil or moisturiser while your skin is still damp to seal in the moisture. After your shower, apply a heavy natural body butter or natural moisturizing oil (not mineral oil or baby oil) to help seal in moisture; coconut oil works well for this purpose too.

I use Divine Antioxidant and Omega-Rich Moisturising Cleansing Oil on my body and Divine Oleum with Co Enzyme Q10 to my face. You only need a small amount on damp skin. It contains walnut and avocado oil and Shea butter to deeply penetrate and keep skin feeling nourished. The walnut oil contains omega-3 fatty acids, which have been known to have an anti-inflammatory effect that can help to soothe irritated skin, giving you a vibrant, smoother complexion.

Before applying Divine Oleum to my face I apply Silk Nourishing Face Cream.

This is my typical winter routine below which can be used for all skin types:

Night Routine

Step 1: Cleanse – Divine Oleum with Co Enzyme Q10

For your nightly beauty routine, massage onto dry face and neck for a couple of minutes It is safe around eye area. This will also cleanse off your makeup. Rinse with flannel and warm water.

Also:

*Apply as a night moisturiser after serum for dry skin.

*Apply as a body moisturiser after shower.

Step 2: Hydrate – Plane Jane Hydrating Serum

Apply on damp skin. This can also be used anytime during the day. Ideal to leave in your handbag to keep skin hydrated in dry conditions such as air-conditioning, travelling etc.

Step 3: Re apply Divine Oleum as a night moisturizer or Silk Nourishing Face Cream.

Morning Routine

Step 1: Cleansing – Terra Illuminating Face Mud

As a gentle daily exfoliating cleanser, apply about a teaspoon to palm of hand. Add a few drops of water or Plane Jane Hydrating Serum to form a thick paste. Massage all over face and neck for about a minute. Rinse with warm water and a face washer. For a mask leave for 10 – 15 minutes.

Note: Why stop at just your face, any leftover product on your hands, massage into hands, leave on for a few minutes and rinse off. Feel how smooth and hydrated your skin now feels.

Step 2: Hydrate – Plane Jane Hydrating Serum

Apply on damp skin. This can also be used anytime during the day. Ideal to leave in your handbag to keep skin hydrated in dry conditions such as air-conditioning, travelling etc.

Step 3: Moisturise – Silk Nourishing Face Cream

Apply to damp skin avoiding eye area

Step 4: Protecting barrier – Divine Oleum with Co Enzyme Q10

Apply a very small amount and warm between the palms of your hands. Pat over your face, neck and hands.

Working out of a warm air-conditioned office and walking in the cold wind doesn’t help my already dry skin, so this routine helps give the protective barrier I need…., and now, I have my amour on and ready to face the elements.