Skincare: Guarding against Jack Frost

Our skin is often the first to feel - and show - the impact of cold winter air. During winter, humidity drops dramatically, which can leave your skin losing its natural moisturising abilities. If you suffer from dry, chapped and even cracked skin, winter can make things worse.

Luckily, you’ll find a range of skincare products at your local pharmacy, tailored specifically for taking care of your skin during the winter months. Here are a few things to consider:

Moisturisers

When the weather outside turns frightful, seek out a heavier moisturiser - particularly ones that contain ingredients like hyaluronic acid and ceramides. These components help to lock in moisture, and will create a protective barrier against the cold. If you have sensitive skin, speak to your pharmacist about which products will be appropriate for you.

Lip Care

The skin on our lips is thinner than the rest of our body, making it a lot more susceptible to chapping. Your pharmacy will be stocked with a variety of lip balms containing natural oils and butters to offer you deep hydration and protection, keeping you smiling regardless of the weather.

Sunscreen

Contrary to popular belief, winter is a time when we should still be applying sunscreen regularly. Even when the sky is cloudy, UV radiation can still get through and cause damage to your skin - and if you’re lucky enough to be spending the winter on the slopes, snow is particularly adept at reflecting the sun’s rays, which can leave you with a nasty case of sunburn. A broad-spectrum SPF helps protect against both UVA and UVB rays, and you can find a variety of options at your local pharmacy.

Cold and Flu Remedies

Winter brings an inevitable rise of cold and the flu. If you’re eligible for a flu vaccine, you can pop into your local pharmacy to make an appointment and get your jab at a time that’s convenient for you. For those who can’t entirely avoid being exposed to coughs and sneezes, your nearest chemist can arm you with remedies to help you recover faster, and ease your symptoms until you’re back on your feet.

Your local pharmacy is stocked with a wide range of over-the-counter treatments. Nasal decongestants can provide relief from stuffiness, while cough syrups and lozenges are effective for soothing sore throats and persistent coughs. Over the counter pain relief is also available, for reducing fevers and relieving body aches. If you’re not sure what you need, speak to your friendly pharmacy team, and they’ll point you in the right direction.

Vitamins: For Winter Immunity

A strong immune system is our best defence against winter ailments, and vitamins and minerals play a significant role in ensuring our body’s defences are up to par. There are a few particularly important supplements to stock your cupboards with this winter:

Vitamin C is known for its immune-boosting properties, and regular intake can help you fend off colds on your daily commute.

Vitamin D levels can drop during winter thanks to shorter days and less exposure to the sun. Supplementing can help you maintain healthy levels all year round.

Zinc is a trace element known for its ability to reduce the duration of colds, so you may be able to cut your recovery time by stocking up now.

Multivitamins are always a good idea for giving your body everything it needs on a daily basis - speak to your local pharmacist for advice on how to bring vitamins into your routine.

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Don’t let winter get you down. With the right preparation and the guidance of your local pharmacy team, you can navigate the season with minimal health hiccups. So, next time you’re nearby, pop in to explore the variety of products on offer at your nearest pharmacy.