As the seasons change, so do your family’s skincare needs. From dry skin and chapped lips to sore noses and eczema flare-ups, winter can be harsh on the skin.
Because moms usually know best, we asked dermatologist and mom-of-two Dr Lauren Knight which essentials are needed to keep skin healthy when temperatures drop. She explains that cold temperatures and dry air dry out the skin, compromising the skin barrier, its protective outer layer.
Here are the top five must-haves to help safeguard your skin this winter:
Rich moisturiser
Cold weather, dry air and indoor heating all dry out the skin. Use fragrance-free emollients and barrier creams to keep the skin well-moisturised and to help manage flare-ups of chronic skin conditions like eczema and dermatitis.
Dr Knight’s expert tip: Gently pat the skin dry and apply moisturiser immediately after bathing to lock in moisture.
Gentle cleanser
Harsh cleansers can dry out the skin even further. Use gentle, non-fragranced soap or cleansers.
Dr Knight’s expert tip: Keep baths and showers short, using warm – not hot – water.
Lip and nose balm
The skin around your nose and mouth is thin and takes an extra beating in winter, especially when you wipe or blow your nose.
Dr Knight’s expert tip: Use a balm to protect this delicate area, like Letibalm Nose & Lip Repair, which contains nourishing active ingredients and is suitable for babies, children and adults.
Soft tissues
Frequent blowing and wiping due to colds and flu can quickly cause redness and irritation around the nose.
Dr Knight’s expert tip: Use soft, unscented tissues, wipe gently and then reapply a soothing balm like Letibalm to protect and heal the skin.
Humidifier
In parts of South Africa, the air becomes extremely dry during winter; indoor heating can make the air even drier. A humidifier adds moisture back into the air.
Dr Knight’s expert tip: Using a humidifier in your bedroom at night moistens the air, making the skin feel more hydrated and making breathing easier.
Follow this advice to help keep your family’s skin healthy and radiant all season long. After all, mom knows best – and so does a dermatologist.
Image credit: Anastasia Shuraeva/Pexels