Orli for Wellthy Magazine - winter skin tips

The loss of humidity that comes with winter takes a toll on our skin. We all start to experience a certain degree of dry, flaky or chapped skin. The dryer air also impacts sebum production and can disrupt the acid mantel of our skin exacerbating breakouts, eczema and dermatitis

The good news is there are many easy and effective ways to keep your skin healthy and glowing throughout these cooler, dryer months.

Incorporating a high quality natural toner and oil serum into your skincare routine is a good place to start. Your daily facial routine should be a 4-step process that includes a cleanser, toner, serum and moisturizer. It may add a couple of minutes to your regime but the benefits to your skin are significant. 

It’s all about layering your skin with different textures and nutrients. Toners or facial mists provide a thin layer of hydration, clearing up the pores to allow the skin to soak in a serum and moisturizer more effectively.

Serums deliver a boost of nutrients and essential fatty acids to the skin. Applying a natural moisturizer over the serum ‘locks’ in all the nutrients of the toner and serum, whilst providing an additional layer of hydration.

 The change in season is also the perfect time to use an oil cleanser. Oil cleansers are effective at removing dirt deep within your pores (when used correctly with a hot face cloth) without stripping the skin off its natural moisture. A good cleanser should never leave your face feeling tight or ‘squeaky’ clean.

Choose skincare products that are nutrient dense, rich in botanical actives and low in synthetic chemicals. It’s important to consciously support brands who are genuinely passionate about sustainability and who stay true to authentic natural ingredients.

 Skincare comes in different textures. For people with oily skin, the summer time is fine for a gel cleanser and a light moisturizer. However a cream or oil cleanser is more suitable for winter. For very dry skin, it could be worth changing over from a cream moisturizer to a natural balm.

 Long steaming baths or showers aren’t ideal for skin. Keep them short and use lukewarm water. Eliminate bubble bath and SLS products as they can strip your skin’s natural layer of moisture causing more dryness and irritation.

 Replace foam and bubbles with some real nourishment instead. A cup of oatmeal, coconut oil and a few drops of essential oils help soothe and alleviate skin conditions.

When toweling dry, use a pat dry approach as opposed to a rigorous rub dry. Whilst the skin is slightly moist, apply a rich body cream or body butter to seal in the moisture.

Give your skin a gentle dose of exfoliation once a week. Your skin is more flaky at this time of the year and regular exfoliation helps to remove the build up of dead skin; helping new skin regenerate more effectively.

 Take note that over-exfoliation can compromise the lipid barrier of the skin, causing redness, itchiness, increased sensitivity and inflammatory acne. A very light buff now and again is all your skin needs.

 Don’t forget your lips this winter. Lips have a thinner outer layer and a lack of oil-producing glands. Prevent dryness and cracking lips by using natural lip balms or natural lip tints.

 My top ingredient picks for winter are Rosehip, Avocado, Jojoba, Sweet Almond and Argan oils as they contain lots of essential fatty acids. Unrefined shea butter and coconut oil are ideal for richer balms and are suited to very dry or irritated skin or lips.

 These are our organic winter picks available at orli.com.au

Cleansers:

1) Divine cleansing oil by Erica Brooke

2) People for plants cleanser and make up remover

Toners:

1) The Little Alchemist’s Kyella Rose toner

2) Blossom’s rose facial mist and toner

Serums:

1) MUSQ replenish serum

2) Organic Argan Oil by Earth Yard

 Face Moisturisers:

1) Mokosh face creams (light or rich) shea butter base

2) The Little Alchemist’s Defence Complex

 Body Moisturisers:

1) Blossom’s hand and face moisturiser

2) Mokosh body butters

 Exfoliants:

1) People for plants face scrub

2) Saltie soul cucumber and Vitamin E body scrub

 Lip Balms and tints

1) People for plants lip balms

2) Yard Skincare enriched lip tints