Vegan winter skincare that works

I’ve been talking to a lot of people and their skin is drier than normal - the cold and wet winter air outside mixed with central heating and hot showers doesn’t really help us!

Tips for combating dry skin (including some we might not think about but are obvious):

Don’t have long, hot steamy showers or baths! Even though it’s one of the things we might REALLY want to do to warm up and relax, the steam strips the natural oils from our skin. Go for short, lukewarm showers or baths if you are suffering from dry skin.
After washing your skin, pat with a towel until damp (NOT DRY) and then apply moisturiser immediately. This will help lock it in.
Look at your SPF, skincare and makeup that you’re currently using - are there any ingredients in there that could be drying the skin? Ones to avoid are:

Sodium lauryl sulfate, sodium laureth sulfate, ammonium lauryl sulfate.

Soaps such as sodium tallowate or cocoate.

Denatured alcohol, essential oils, mint, menthol, eucalyptus, clays, and starches.

Let’s talk about nutrition. What we eat and drink really does help (or hinder!) our bodies. Things to help dry skin are:

Increasing your intake of fruit and dark leafy vegetables - contains more fluid that absorbs directly into skin cells than water
Drinking more water will always help with your skin and your energy levels, so that will probably be included in all my tips! But it can’t combat dry skin on it’s own.
Are you getting enough healthy fats? Omega’s will provide hydration to skin and hair and helps plump up the lips and skin too. It’s very important to track this when you’re vegan as these fats are essential to heart health. Luckily they are easily found in nuts, pulses, avocados, seeds and seaweed.

Essential skincare products to use

A gentle, creamy cleanser morning and night. If removing makeup at night, double cleanse using a soft wash cloth.
Exfoliate using AHA’s suitable for dry and sensitive skin, such as Glycolic or Malic acid.
A moisturiser morning and night. Make sure it has SPF in for the day to protect any damage from UV rays. Vitamin E is a great ingredient as it replenishes and hydrates skin at the same time. At night go for a really rich moisturiser to let it soak in while you sleep.
Look for moisturising properties in your SPF cream such as aloe vera or coconut butter.