Winter care for your largest organ

Most of us think skincare is about using more on our skin.

So in winter we reach for richer creams or layer serums under creams to keep our skin hydrated.

This using more approach works to a certain extent, but there’s something more effective at keeping dryness away in the cold dry season.

Removing less. 

Our skin is designed by nature to be protective. It secretes a complex of oils to protect against drying out.

This oil is unique to the biology of each body, and superior to any external moisturiser/oil we can apply. Sometimes I refer to it as liquid gold.

The more we can retain this oil complex in winter, the less dried out our skin will be, the less compensation (products) we’ll need.

Sounds simple right? It is! Just that many of us are unknowingly removing this irreplaceable liquid gold every day by using a cleanser that’s not compatible for them and/or using it incorrectly.

Thus, in essence, winter skincare is about right cleansing – using the right cleanser in the right way.

Right cleanser

Your perfect cleanser has a difficult job – to remove excess sebum and pollutants, not but too much.

No single cleanser suits two skins equally.

As a general guide, a good cleanser to use during winter is one that is mildly (or non) foaming.

Look for one that washes off easily with room temperature water, requiring no heat, facial cloth or brush.

It’s not easy to find a ready-made cleanser that suits you perfectly, especially if you have reactive or allergy-prone skin.

If you don’t wish to try another cleanser only to be disappointed again, we tailor-make your cleanser (and entire skin regimen) for you! 

How to cleanse

Your job is not quite finished with your perfect cleanser. You have to use it correctly!

Observe your skin first thing in the morning. Unless there’s noticeable oil all over your cheeks, skip cleanser in the morning.

Use water only to rinse/splash in the morning. For this morning cleanse, use water as cool as you can tolerate.

At night, cleanse for a full minute in gentle circular motions – paying attention to areas you tend to get congestion.

Ensure that the water is not steaming. If in doubt, go as close to your body temperature (37 deg C) as you can.

One final thing – apply your moisturiser within 2 minutes after cleansing. This minimises evaporation from your skin – removing less (water) from your skin.

Stay warm and be well!

For more seasonal conscious beauty tips, follow us on @hopandcotton!