While there’s a lot to love about winter (chic coats, nights in, plush blankets), it can bring out everyone’s inner couch potato and that means our beauty regimens can become a little lax.
Lockdown and the heightened levels of stress we’re all experiencing right now haven’t been kind to our complexions, but while there’s no real need to be keeping up the beauty maintenance, a little self-love can go a long way in boosting our moods and general wellbeing.
And if you’re one of the many of us that indulge in these bad winter beauty habits, then consider this a PSA that you’ll thank us for come summer.
Skipping Body Lotion
It’s hard enough leaving the warmth of the shower let alone then taking the time to lather up your skin with lotion that frustratingly takes even longer to absorb in the cold, but have you heard of in-shower lotions? Think of them like a conditioner for your skin. You simply apply it in the shower and then rinse off the excess, and you’re left with moisturised skin that is ready to get straight back into pyjamas.
Getting Lazy With Lip Balm
We all own at least five chapsticks and yet, we rarely reach for them until it’s too late and our lips are chapped. They work to heal, but what works even better? Using them enough to actually prevent the chapping altogether.
Excessively Hot Showers
Ok, we’re all guilty of this one. An indulgent moment of scalding hot water on a subzero day can really be soothing, but it’s decidedly not so soothing for your skin. Excessive heat not only hurts your pores, but it also leaves your skin extremely dried out.
Over-masking
Our skin is just generally drier during the cooler months, so it’s normal to want to plaster every moisturising mask in your arsenal onto your parched face. But this is only a Band-Aid solution and the excessive moisture can have an adverse effect of clogging your pores. Try an express mask like this Sisley Paris 3-minute mask. Everything in moderation.
Not Wearing SPF
We’re surely not the first to tell you this, but let us remind you: sunscreen is non-negotiable. It doesn’t matter if it’s a gloomy day or you’re just going to be at your desk all day, we’re exposed to harmful UVA and UVB rays all the time. Slip, slop, slap.
Too Much Caffeine
Is there anything better than a hot morning coffee on a cold winter’s day? How about three? Well, while we’re naturally inclined to reach for the hot drinks when it’s chilly, too much caffeine can be detrimental to our skin and gut health. Opt for some warming green tea when you’ve reached your coffee limits.
Sleeping In One Too Many Times
The allure of a cosy bed is certainly not lost on us, but we have to warn you, there is no way of ‘catching up’ on sleep. While we 100% support the occasional day in bed, at the end of the day, the sleep you’ve lost is sleep you’ve lost and it doesn’t warrant a week-long siesta.
Not Getting Enough H2o
Because we’re mostly reaching for the hot drinks, winter often sees a decline in our water-drinking habits. And with our skin already battling out the elements, it’s definitely not the time to be skimping on hydration. Switch to room-temperature (trust us, it feels colder when it’s freezing) and set a daily water goal.
Blasting The Heater
Hear us out, we’re not saying to ditch the heater completely. However, it’s important to be wary of the impact that it can have on your skin and hair health. Like most things that warm us up, heaters also dry everything out. One way to combat this is with an air humidifier, but it also doesn’t hurt to layer up on thermals. Not only is it better for the environment, but you’ll thank yourself when the electricity bill hits.
Not Getting Outside Enough
Now, this doesn’t mean flouting the current restrictions in place regarding social distancing, but a little bit of sunlight on your skin, if even for just five minutes, can really go a long way. Vitamin D is not only imperative to our bone, muscle and teeth health, but a lack of Vitamin D has been linked to depression. So, stay safe but treat your body (and mind) to some sunshine.
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