Top Tips For Winter Skincare

My skin has been acting really weird lately. Dry skin and red puffiness under my eyes, and stubborn combination skin patches. It must be the change of the seasons.

To find out all the top tips on how you can prepare your skin for winter, I spoke with Tracy Feehan, Vice President Marketing at Beiersdorf. Tracy provided some great tips on how you can keep your skin looking fresh and lovely all winter long.

What are the top tips for keeping your body and face moisturized this season?

Dry skin can happen anytime of the year, but is even more common in the colder seasons. Our skin gets parched when the temperature starts to cool down, and as we spend more time in centrally heated air and wearing woolen clothing.

Prevention is always better than cure. Start incorporating a moisturizing routine before your skin gets too dry. Protect by applying face creams and body lotions to strengthen the skin's barrier against the cold. There's no rule to how much moisturizer each person should use, simply use enough until your skin feels comfortable.

For those concerned about the sticky feel body lotions might leave, in-shower body lotions are a convenient way to moisturize the skin. Designed to be used on wet skin after your usual shower product (think of it as a skin conditioner), it leaves skin feeling smooth and hydrated -- no need to apply body lotion afterwards.

The skin's repair mechanisms are especially active at night when we are asleep. Take advantage of this time and always moisturize both face and body before you go to bed. Massage your skin to improve the skin's circulation which also helps you sleep more soundly.

Are there any tips or handy tricks to keep your skin feeling amazing this season?

Keep showers short and under 10 minutes. The longer and hotter the shower, the more moisture is lost from your skin. Taking a lukewarm shower, at approximately 32 degrees Celsius will help prevent stripping your skin of its natural oils.

Any other tips?

As it gets colder, give preference to products that contain ingredients known for moisturizing qualities like almond oil, Shea butter or vitamin E to keep your skin feeling soothed and soft during fall/winter time.

Here are a few of my own tips too:

Keep hydrated -- With increasing wind and less humidity in the air, skin loses moisture easily. Use products that help to restore the barrier of the skin (essentially, you want to create a barrier between the skin and the outside world). Try a primer that releases moisture into the skin up to 24 hours later and prevents moisture loss throughout the day. The end result is that your makeup looks better, longer.

Power up with masks -- In the fall, we experience weather inconsistencies. Sometimes, we may still get warmer days, sun-filled days, along with windy and rainy, even snow days. Replenishing the skin, controlling the oil and nourishing the skin, are all necessary for optimal skin health. Using a mask weekly is a simple way to ensure that you can cover these concerns in as little as 7 to 10 minutes.

Off with the skin! Exfoliate. In the winter, it is paramount that one exfoliates regularly. This removes dry skin cells and flakes from the skin. This reveals a healthier glow.

How often should we exfoliate in the winter?

Exfoliation in cooler months is necessary to keep the skin looking radiant. If using a mechanical exfoliate (scrub), I recommend exfoliating two to three times a week.

I love all these skincare tips for the colder months. I am going to use these helpful tips as I continue to expand by beauty routine this winter!

Your suggestions are always welcome, as I continue on my journey to live life to the fullest. Let's have the very best 2016!

Visit Sacha daily at SachaD.com