The best body butters and oils for dry winter skin

If you’ve noticed dryness in your skin as the weather cools down, know that you’re not imagining it! Cold weather affects the skin, including visible cracks, patches of roughness, itchiness, sensitivity or a tight feeling. Some people may also experience flare-ups of skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis when the temperature changes. 

While applying topical treatments, such as moisturisers, are key to nourishing dry skin, ensure your lifestyle habits promote healthy skin, too. “Aim for 7-8 hours of sleep to help your skin regenerate,” says Dr Mamello Ntsele, a dermatologist in KwaZulu-Natal. 

She explains that rejuvenation and repair occur when you rest, and this leads to increased elasticity and reduced stress on your skin. She also says staying hydrated is important, as is eating a healthy, balanced diet with foods rich in antioxidants, omega-3, fatty acids and vitamins A, C and E.

Why moisture is important for dry skin

Dr Ntsele says that when it comes to choosing a moisturiser for winter, you should look for these ingredients in your skincare products:

• Humectants (such as hyaluronic acid and glycerine): These ingredients help to attract and retain moisture.
• Occlusives (such as petroleum jelly, emulsifying ointment and beeswax): These lock in moisture and protect the skin from external factors.
• Emollients (such as ceramides, shea butter and squalane): These fill in the gaps between skin cells, improving skin texture.

But not all moisturisers are effective in treating dry, damaged skin. Dr Ntsele says there are certain skincare ingredients to avoid if you do have dry skin, including alcohol (it has a drying effect), fragrances (these may cause irritation, especially on sensitive skin) and essential oils (their concentrated formulations can also irritate the skin). 

Reconsider your winter skincare routine

There are ways to prevent dry winter skin:

1.    Adjust your skincare routine. If you’re unsure which ingredients to use and which to avoid, speak to a dermatologist who will assess your skin’s needs and recommend suitable products. 

2.    Moisturise right after washing. Dermatologists recommend applying moisturiser to clean, slightly damp skin as this allows the moisture to be retained and prevents dehydration.  

3.    Apply sunscreen every day. SPF is always an essential part of a healthy skincare routine, no matter the weather. 

4.    Go easy on exfoliants and scrubs. This step only needs to happen once a week, or even every other week. Use a gentle exfoliator or scrub. 

The best of body butters

The thick, creamy goodness of body butters leaves more than just a luxurious feel on the skin – it serves as a protective barrier, keeping skin safe from external factors like cold weather. Body butters help to lock in moisture and keeps the skin moisturised for longer. 

Try these:

• Oh So Heavenly Creme Oil Body Butter Pure Honey & Almond Oil
• The Body Shop Shea Body Butter 
• The Body Shop Coconut Body Butter 
• Sorbet Shea You Love Me Hydrating Body Butter
• Good Earth Body Butter Shea Butter

The oils you need

Whether it’s a lightweight oil that’s suitable for your whole body or a tissue oil that’s great for use on certain areas to treat stretch marks or uneven skin tone, body oils are ideal for treating dry, dehydrated skin. 

Try these:

• Afri Pure Glow-To-Go Body Oil
• Vaseline CERA-GLOW Body Gel-Oil
• Oh So Heavenly Body Oil The Radiance
• Portia M Marula Skin Oil
• Justine Tissue Oil Active Repair

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