Tip The Scales

Posted: Tuesday 28 June 2011 10:48am

The cold weather may have you hiding under layers of clothing, but that doesn’t mean you should neglect your skin. Here are the products you need to look after your winter hide so when spring comes you’re ready to bare all. Body Scrub Dead skin cells tend to build up in winter and prevent essential products from diving deep into the epidermal layer. Exfoliate three times a week: this will stimulate circulation and provide a smooth surface for a more effective application of moisturiser. Try The Body Shop Sweet Lemon Body Scrub, $27.95, it gently exfoliates using organic sugar granules and includes Trade soya oil which restores the skins’ protective barrier with its rich fatty acids. Body Moisturiser You may be feeling neglectful in these cold temperatures but never has moisturising been so important. Due to the dry and cold air, your skin loses more moisture than in summer, leaving you even more dehydrated and flaky. Every morning and night, especially straight after showering, apply a hydrating cream. To protect against the harsh elements you may need to swap your lightweight summer moisturiser for a more intense one. We’re loving Garnier Body Intensive 7 days Cocoa Butter Conditioning Lotion for Dry, Dull Skin, $6.95. A body oil can also give you that extra nourishment your skin craves. After showering, blot yourself (almost) dry. The humectants (a substance that helps a product retain water) in your moisturiser work better when they can adhere to water on the skin’s surface, providing a direct passage into the lower layers. Before bed is also an important time to lather your body with moisturiser. Your body goes into recovery mode when you sleep, making it the ideal opportunity to provide the skin with essential nutrients. YY Tip: To find the right moisturiser in winter, look deeper than a thick formulation. Search for products with ingredients such as mineral oil and beeswax, which slow down the rate of water evaporation from the skin and increases water retention, and humectants like glycerine as they attract water from the dermis into the epidermis. Gradual Self Tanner Maintain a subtle glow throughout the cooler months with the help of a gradual tanner. Better than a deep bronze self-tanning mousse (which can look unnatural during the sun-shy season), a gradual tanning lotion can build a soft hint of colour and is perfect for winter. We love Le Tan Daily Glow SPF 15, $7.99, for its natural-looking colour and vanilla fragrance. Broad Spectrum Sunscreen Yes, that’s right –even if it’s chilly outside, the sun is always present in the Australian climate. This means sunscreen is a year-round beauty staple for age-defying skin. Before you get dressed each morning apply sunscreen to any skin-baring section, paying special attention to your face, neck and décolletage. Another option is to apply a body lotion in the morning that also has broad spectrum protection, such as Cancer Council Body Lotion SPF 30+, $16.95. Body Balm Certain areas, such as your feet, elbows, knees and hands will become extra dry in winter. Give them some TLC with a rich moisturising cream or balm. We recommend Antipodes Saviour Skin Balm, $45.

by Chelsea Tromans

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