It’s that time of the year again where we go back into our suit cases and bring out the coats, boots and anything that can beat cold winter days/nights. So is taking out all the guns when taking care of your skin.
Everyone is preparing themselves for a cold winter season. You are covered up all day but one thing that never needs stop glowing is your skin. During this time of the year one has to take additional care of their skin as it is affected by the cold air that hits the surface of the skin.
The skin being one of the largest organ of the body plays a vital role in protection, regulation and sensation of the body . The skin acts a protection agent from external components such as chemicals, radiation and micro-organism, this organ also aids in regulating body temperatures and also plays a big role of sensation due to the presence of the receptor cells on it which helps detect heat, cold, touch and pain.
This winter we are saying no to skin that is dry and not glowing, we are keeping our skin moisturized and healthy.
No winter’s cold formed against our skin shall prosper.
How then will I keep my skin flawless? Firstly, you are to identify the type of skin you have. According to Eucerin, the dermatologist recommended skin care brand, there are four basic types of healthy skin: normal, dry, oily and a combination skin.
Normal skin
Skin that is well balanced skin, normal skin has fine pores, good blood circulation and has a smooth and soft texture, a prime example of normal skin is that of a toddler/child.
Dry skin
Skin that produces less sebum than normal skin, which than results in a lack of lipid which it needs to retain moisture and build a protective shield against external influences.
I have really dry skin, even during the hottest summer’s, so imagine during the winter. My daily skin routine includes me washing my face with Gentle Magic bar soap and a face sponge, I advise that you to refrain from washing your face with a face cloth)… after I apply coconut oil and that’s it. I repeat the same routine before going to bed at night… and my facial skin is always happy and glowing,”- Sofia Shikongo, Law Graduate
Oily skin
Skin that produces an excessive amount of sebum, resulting in enlarged visible pores on skin, glossy shine and pale skin.
Combination skin
The skin types vary in the T-zone (forehead, nose and chin) and the cheeks. Combination skin has an oily T-zone and normal to dry cheeks.
I usually wash my face twice a day! And use different masks once a week when I get spare time, in the morning I scrub my face using the Garnier 3 IN 1 charcoal anti blackhead and also use the Garnier toner after that, I also use my body lotion for my face as it is non-fragrance and its cocoa butter, after a long day I just apply Vaseline (baby Jelly). Overall my skin type changes all the time, which then forces me to change the products,” –Sylvi Frans, 3nd year student at Sunderland College, UK.
MONO tips for radiant skin this winter:
1. Avoid hot showers
This is probably one of the greatest causes of dry skin in winter despite the fact that it gives a great sense of pleasure, hot showers stripes your body’s natural resistance against dryness and irritants.
2. Body lotion
Applying thicker creams in winter is a must do, it is prudent that you always keep your skin moisturised.
3. Scrubbing/exfoliating
Because skin peels more in winter and dry, hence the need to scrub as it removes dirt and impurities from the skin
4. Water
Water is probably one of the most treasured gifts that the earth has provided for the human race, drinking water increases the content of water in your skin cells which prevents the skin from drying. One could always make it interesting by adding your favourite fruits to your water bottle.
- Rena Stephanus
