BEAUTY TALK: tips for dry & sensitive skin in Winter

I think it is safe to say that the cold and dry air during Winter takes a toll on almost everyone’s skin. Now, imagine those surroundings paired with eczema, which basically equals extra dry skin all year long. After a week in the tropics (which was amazing for my skin), being back to windy Vienna with icy temperatures is quite the challenge. On the up-side, I have never had oily skin and my hair doesn’t get greasy for days. Over the years, I have learned to deal with my skin type and the dryness that comes along with it. I know I am definitely not alone, and so for today’s beauty talk, I wanted to share a few personal tips against dry skin in Winter with you guys.

Hydrate! This is my personal No. 1 since it took me years to understand that not drinking enough water throughout the day didn’t only leave me feeling thirsty, but also had a direct impact on my skin. You can use endless amazing products, but if you’re not getting 2-3 liters of water per day, your skin will never look the part. When I am bad with my water intake one day, I immediately notice the next. My trick: 0,5L right when waking up and a pressed green juice before breakfast, plus a big glas of water as the last thing before going to sleep. That alone will get you a good 1L and the rest is easy throughout the day.

Get to know your skin! Typically, for eczema patients everyone recommends really thick creams or even using oils to keep the skin from drying out. Well, anything that is oily will make my skin itch within seconds. For me, hydro-based products work much better and have a more calming effect on my skin.

Skip the scented stuff! Less is definitely more when it comes to unnecessary ingredients for skin products. In my case, I am allergic to various artificial scents, so I prefer to rely on products where I am 100% sure the brand knows what they’re doing. Not everyone can be an expert when it comes to certain skin conditions, but La Roche-Posay has made it their mission to help with eczema and super dry skin. The LIPIKAR series is perfect for that, with products ranging from shower gels to body lotions and hand creams. By the way, if you or a family you know suffers from eczema, La Roche-Posay is currently giving away Lipikar packages to 100 families!

Sorry, no baths! As you’ve probably all noticed, water can actually make your skin extra dry. Especially when it is hot. Why? Because hot water has the ability to split fats and oils (that’s why we also like to wash our dishes with hot water). As appealing as a hot bath sounds during Winter, the shower will have to do for me. I try not to spend too much time under the steamy hot water and stick to really mild shower gels. My current favorite is Gel Lavant From the LIPIKAR series mentioned above. It has the medical benefits while smelling like any other fresh shower gel. Once you are out of the shower, be sure not to go crazy with the towel. Carefully dry the skin with dabbing notions rather than rubbing away the protective layer. “Wash, but don’t strip!”
Speaking of hot water: Before Christmas I switched to the micellar water make-up remover that doesn’t require any water. That way, I don’t have to rinse my face twice daily, but am actually hydrating it while clearing off the make-up. No soap. No colorants. No alcohol. No parabens.

Beauty Sleep for that glow! Not without reason is there a saying that states your skin is the mirror to your soul. Eczema finds it’s origins in the psyche and I can always tell that my skin gets worse when I am stressed, worried or tired. After a great night of sleep my skin always feels and looks so much better, so be sure to get that beauty sleep!