The time that most of us dread and very few of us enjoy has finally hit our hemisphere, winter. There are very few things to enjoy about this weather really; early nights spent mostly indoors, dry skin, chapped lips that sometimes crack, often dry and ashy elbows, the list is endless. But like most things designed by our mother nature, everything has an equally recurring opposite.

Fortunately for us, there are several developed methods that one can adopt to assist in taking the best care of our skin as seasons reach an inevitable change. Part of these methods may be used to focus on our facial regimen. Just like most parts of a woman’s body, adopting a regimen for any part of our body is helpful for creating a much needed and helpful routine, that match the season and the impact that comes along with it.

Our focus during this cold and harsh season should be on being active and consistent with hydrating our skin as much and as often as possible. Unlike summer, colder weather actually strips the body of its natural moisture, which means the doubling on moisturizing is required to keep your skin in its natural moisturized and hydrated state. In most parts of South Africa during winter, we experience direct shine from the sun with clear skies but cooler winds and temperatures. In the Western and some parts of the Southern regions of the country that experience a Mediterranean climate, conditions are cold, rainy, and windy. However, taking care of our skin and adopting a weather-adjusted regimen should be a priority to both conditions.

How to keep your face glowing during the winter season:

1. Wash your face: winter is no different to summer when it comes to cleansing your face at least twice a day. But for different reasons, we wash our face purely because water (warm) opens up our pores and softens the skin. The skin easily absorbs and product that is applied after this process. A cleansing foam wash (Cetaphil) works well with winter; it’s mild and gentle on the skin, retaining some of your natural moisture. There’s an acne- prone range as well.
2. Switch up your moisturizing products or habits: as mentioned you need to double up on moisturizing, especially if you are going to be headed outdoors. It is essential to use a product that will help retain moisture. A thicker or heavy face cream is suitable. However, if you suffer from acne-prone skin you might want to consider purchasing a matting crème first like Skinoren, then apply your moisturizer after it has matted your face.
3. Sunscreen of 50 SPF: the winter sun is as harsh as the sun can get. It’s unforgiving and can cause a lot of damage to one’s skin. Direct contact with the sun should be avoided and sunscreen should be worn all the time. Simply mix this with your moisturizing crème and you’re good to go!
4. Take advantage of that face mask: face masks never disappoint, they are great for throughout the year. Picking a face mask that works for the season could really enhance your glow. For example, it is advised to refrain from using masks that leave the skin feeling dry or stretched. Use masks that contain serums. Also DIY masks are useful. An example of these are:

• 2 tbsp of honey + 1 tsp of cinnamon (for clearing acne)
• 2 tbsp of Greek or plain yoghurt + 1 tbsp of oatmeal (for a deep pore cleanse)
• 2 tbsp of aloe vera gel + 1 tsp of turmeric (for oily skin)
• 1 tbsp of coconut oil  + ¼ of turmeric (for healthy skin).

• 5. Drink that water: hydration is key for excellent looking skin. It gets harder to consuming water during winter, but even waking up to a cup of lukewarm water and lemon is an amazing treat for your skin. But water assists in replenishing your skin, keeping it youthful.
• 6. Exercise your body: training during this weather helps your body circulate blood. The circulation of blood is essential as it gives your skin oxygen. Your skin needs oxygen in as much as it needs sweat to give it that extra ounce of glow and softness. Training indoors is just as efficient as training outdoors, just make sure to break a sweat. Your body needs it!

Check out our next article on easy home-friendly ways to break a sweat for more!

• 7. Lastly don’t forget to eat right: consume foods that are extra nutritious, green, and that hydrate, especially if you struggle with consuming enough water. Fruits are a great scapegoat way of eating your water; such fruits include watermelon and grapes. Add more food with fiber to your diet for those essential vitamins!

Repeat this daily and weekly (face masks) and you’re all set for a glowing, healthy-looking winter face!