Winter brings with it cosy fires, snuggly blankets and early nights that can increase our sense of wellbeing. The Scandinavians call this urge to cocoon and comfort ‘hygge’ (pronounced ‘huuga’). There’s no straight translation for the word, but it basically means winter wellbeing.
However, for our skin, cold winds, heating indoors, increased moisture outside, itchy fabrics and changeable conditions can be a bit irritating.
So how can you create ‘hygge’ for your skin, as well as your mind? Let’s have a look at the rituals and products you use to take care of both your skin and soul.
Bliss Out
Hot water in the form of a bath can be such a joy in colder weather. Nothing says selfcare quite like a good long soak in the tub with a scented candle like the Cosy Nights by Acala.
Watch out though for traditional bubble bath which can be full of detergents that irritate the skin.
An alternative is to blend essential oils together with a little sulphate-free, scent-free bodywash (to aid dispersion in the water) and then inhale
deeply. Enjoy the mood enhancement as well as the body recovery...
Odylique have a great range of organic essential oils to choose from.
Marjoram is especially warming and relaxing.
Cedarwood is a lovely choice for winter as well.
If your skin is eczema prone, you might not be able to tolerate bathing even in softer waters. Instead, to get the benefit from essential oils, you can add 
a couple of drops to a dish of water and rest it on a radiator or add it to a steamer.
This is also great for easing signs of SAD (seasonal affective disorder).
Scrub Up
The art to winter skin care is like winter dressing – you need to think in layers.
Cell turnover decreases in winter, so you need to exfoliate more, not less, to avoid skin issues like Keratosis Pilaris (chicken skin).
Buff from top-to-toe at least once a week, but be gentle. Salt scrubs can leave
sensitive skin sore, not soothed, so a gently exfoliating oatmeal scrub soap like this Honey and Oatmeal Bar from Odylique is a good option.
Switch to a replenishing facial cleanser like Odylique's Silk Touch leaves a comforting layer of hydration. And if you like a separate eye product, Sante's Organic Eye Makeup Remover is a favourite.
Hydrate and Protect
Many people don’t realise that there is a difference between skin that is hydrated (has enough water) and moisturised (has a moisture barrier from the elements).
Often, using targeted creams can help to ensure your skin avoids that ‘tight’
feeling it can get in winter.
We like Lavera Basis All Round Cream for body care, and the Lavera Basis Sensitive moisturiser for face.
For winter we also love Odylique’s Prebiotic Rich Hydration Cream. This is brilliant at replenishing and protecting your skin from the cold with its extracts of plant-based collagen, pomegranate and prebiotic chicory. You can absolutely feel the difference.
Double Down
To lock in moisture all over your body, we love Acala's Luscious Lemon Whipped Body Butter. Its citrus essential oils are a brilliant mood booster at this time of year.
Chilblains, where the skin is rapidly exposed to cold and then heat and becomes sore and chapped, are a bane through winter.
We recommend a solid barrier cream with active ingredients like calendula. This is not only restorative, but helps the skin protect itself against the elements. Odylique's Calendula Balm is a great balm for this. This is also an idea for any areas of psoriasis or eczema which might flare through the winter.
Finally, make sure to carry a protective balm when you're out and about. It’s important to choose one with natural ingredients like coconut oil and shea butter, which are vitamin-rich and help prevent cracking and soreness.
The 5ml size of the Odylique Ultra Rich Balm or Odylique's Lip Silk are perfectly hand-bag-sized. Or if you want a pop of colour the Lavera Pearly Pink lip balm hydrates with a sweet pink tint.