How to combat dry skin in the winter months

Following the same skin care routine year-round may not work so well when the humidity drops. In winter months, it's common to see your skin change due tot the dry, cold air. This weather can make fine lines and wrinkles more noticeable as well as making your skin feel dry, itchy, flaked, cracked, and even bleed if it gets really bad.

To combat this, it's important to be using the right products for your skin type and know what your skin really needs.

Take a look at the list below and see what changes you could make in your self-care routine to enable your skin to heal.

1. Use gentle skincare products, free from fragrance and nasties.

Some skin care products are simply too harsh for dry, sensitive skin. Even if you don't have issues the rest of the year, you may find some products irritate your skin as it gets colder. In this case, we'd recommend switching to fragrance free lines, made for sensitive skin. While you're at it, try to find natural products that don't contain alcohol, AHAs or Retinoids. These active ingredients may irritate your skin further.

Top tip: Get yourself a January Lemonade Box - filled with vegan products that are kind to dry, sensitive skin.

2. Switch to a warm bath or shower - not hot.

If your body, scalp and face are feeling itchy and dry, try turning the water in your shower down a little. Instead of a hot bath or shower, just keep it warm and limit your shower time to 5-10 minutes each day. To increase humidity, be sure to close your bathroom door whilst you're washing - your skin will thank you later! Finally, be sure to use gentle cleansers on your skin and hair to remove dirt but avoid further irritation. When you're done, apply a moisturiser immediately and blot dry with a towel rather than any harsh scrubbing.

Top tip: Try the Glow Hub HA Hydrate & Nourish Body Serum (£14.00) from the December Lemonade Box. Apply as soon as you get out of the bath or shower and allow it to absorb.

3. Use a thick moisturiser & allow it to sink in.

For issues with your body, look to find an ointment such as a repairing balm or nourishing oil. If you can find one suitable for your shoulders down to your feet you'll be in for a treat! When it comes to your face, try a hydrating, fragrance-free moisturiser with a lightweight but excellent formulation. Anything with hyaluronic acid, squalane, jojoba oil, glycerin or shea butter should do the trick. Always read the ingredients and check what you're putting on your skin.

Top tip: Try the Harborist Environmental Moisture Light Cream (£39) inside the January Lemonade Box. This will also help your skin fight against external aggressors such as pollution.

4. Take care of your lips.

I'd be willing to guess that 99% off us have suffered from dry, cracked lips at some point & we all know how unpleasant it is. That's why it's important to keep them hydrated in the winter. Get yourself a great lip scrub treatment to use weekly and a hydrating lip balm or oil to keep them nourished all day. 

Top tip: try the Dr Botanicals Natural Lip Refresh Sugar Treatment (£69) inside the January Lemonade Box. This will buff away dead skin & leave your lips looking plump & hydrated thanks to the addition of Peppermint Oil.

5. Get a humidifier for your home.

Running a humidifier pulls moisture back into the air to "improve dry, itchy skin and help it retain that hydration." Cracked lips, limp hair and itchy skin are all conditions that can improve with the use of a humidifier. But take note: Humidifiers won't (and shouldn't!) replace your skincare routine.

Luckily, we've only got a few cold months left before Spring comes back around and our skin starts to settle but if you're struggling, try some of the pointers above and you'll be well prepared for next year so you don't have to face it all again!