Top 6 Tips for Protecting Winter Skin

Winter weather is often not kind to our skin. Cold weather, indoor heat, harsh cleansers and hot showers steal moisture away from our skin. Having great skin can help your spray tan last longer and look better - any season! Try these top tips for getting your winter skin in great shape...

1. Protection

Wearing gloves and scarves protects your skin from cold winds, rain, and snow, but avoid irritating fabrics (like wool) and use mild cleansers and moisturisers as winter skin is more fragile. And don’t forget the sunscreen! Winter sun can be just as damaging as summer sun, so apply liberally to any exposed areas.

2. Hydration

We tend to drink less water in the winter because we turn to hot drinks like tea, hot chocolate and (my favourite) chai latte, but don’t forget that your skin needs hydration from the inside, out. A little warm water with lemon can be very refreshing and hydrating at the same time.

3. Wash in Lukewarm Water

I love my long, steamy showers and a big hot soak in the bath, but hot water washes away skin's protective oils, leaving it dry, tight and itchy. When you can, particularly when just washing your face or hands, choose lukewarm water to avoid stripping as many oils away from the skin.

4. Moisturise, Moisturise, Moisturise!

Dry skin doesn't hold fake tan as well as moisturised skin does. When choosing the right moisturiser for winter, consider an oil-based product rather than a water-based solution, as it’s more likely to help your skin retain moisture. Alternatively, you can add a few drops of oil to your regular moisturiser like lavender, chamomile or jojoba, which help soothe dry, itchy skin. Be mindful though, if you fake tan throughout winter, some oils can strip your tan quicker and create a barrier for your next tan.

5. Exfoliate

I highly recommend exfoliating your whole body before a spray tan, but when you're not tanning, and especially throughout winter, keep up the habit. Moisture can’t get in if dead skin cells are too plentiful, so exfoliate often, particularly on your hands. Follow immediately with moisturiser and moisture right after you wash. Applying moisture to damp skin helps seal that dampness into the skin.

6. Hydrate From the Inside Out

Eating a variety of foods high in water content can help hydrate your skin from the inside out. Try rockmelon, watermelon, apples, oranges, kiwi, and watery veggies like tomatoes, cucumbers, zucchini, carrots and celery.