Winter Skincare Guide
As the seasons change and the weather gets colder, the skin on our body can become drier. You may find that your skin may need some extra support. This doesn’t mean changing your entire skincare routine. Instead, review what you are currently using and possibly add one or two products that can provide some additional nourishment to cocoon the skin with some much needed hydration. It’s also worthwhile thinking about other little things that we can do when caring for our winter skin. Read on below….
Common symptoms of winter skin include:
Dehydration
Redness and inflammation
Tightness
Flaking
Continuous discomfort
Use warm water when cleansing your skin
Cool down the temperature of your water.
Use warm not hot water when washing off your cleansing product. Gently press your skin dry with a clean towel instead of rubbing. Also, limit the time spent having a hot shower as this will avoid drying out the skin, which can decrease the natural oils found in the skin.
Did you know…
Increased heat may damage collagen and elastin fibres in the dermis, leading to premature wrinkles.
2. Use fragrance free skincare
This will support the skins natural barrier function.
Fragrance within skincare can cause the skin to be reactive leading to inflammation and sensitivity. If the skin is becoming more reactive due to the drop in temperature outside and harsh winds, swapping your skincare for a fragrance free alternative may improve the discomfort you are currently experiencing.
SKINCARE TIP: Always look for formulations that do not contain any of the following: fragrances, preservatives, parabens, conventional emulsifiers, artificial colours, mineral oils, silicones and amines.
3. Apply moisturiser directly after washing
Ointments, creams, and lotions work by locking existing moisture in your skin, limiting TEWL (trans-epidermal water loss). To lock this much-needed moisture, you need to apply a moisturiser within few minutes of:
Drying off after a shower or bath
Washing your face or hands
Alternatively you could use a soothing, hydrating facial mist then apply your moisturiser.
4. Keep Hydrated
It’s important to remain hydrated. Ensure your drinking water. You could think about adding electrolytes to your water or even swap your coffee or tea and fizzy drinks to warming herbal teas.
5. Essential Fatty Acids in skincare and your diet
EFAs are a group of naturally-occurring, unsaturated fats that offer a range of amazing skin benefits, whether you are applying them directly to your skin or eating them in your diet.
Skincare that is composed of essential fatty acids will feed your skin resulting in a glowing complexion.
There are two types of EFAs:
- The Omega-6 series derived from Linoleic acid
- The Omega-3 series derived from Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA).
The body can synthesise most of the fats it needs from the food we eat, but linoleic acid and alpha-linolenic acid cannot be synthesized in the body and must be obtained from our diet.
Fish and other seafood (especially cold-water fatty fish, such as salmon, mackerel, tuna, herring, and sardines)
Nuts and seeds (such as flaxseed, chia seeds, and walnuts)
Plant oils (such as flaxseed oil, soybean oil, and canola oil).
EFAs are great at bringing your skin into perfect balance.
6. Try not to over exfoliate your skin
As much as you think it’s productive to remove the surface flaky skin, they do serve a purpose when helping to maintain your skin barrier function. Over exfoliating or using active ingredients like AHAs (alpha hydroxy acids) continuously can cause inflammation and reddening of the skin.
Reduce the amount of times you are exfoliating and see if you notice a difference.
Within my holistic facial rituals I can use a Resurfacing Enzyme mask which is very gentle and will only remove surface cells that are ready to be removed. It works by gently dissolving them to reveal a smoother more even complexion.
6. Book in for a Discovery Skincare Consultation or Holistic Facial Ritual
Sometimes it’s nice to know support and guidance are within reach when it comes to discussing skin health. When you book in for a Discovery Skin Consultation I can gather information that will allow me to look at you as a whole. Taking a deep dive into your lifestyle, stress, diet and nutrition.
Within my Holistic Facial Rituals I use a unique skincare range called Dermaviduals.
It has a unique delivery system, which is based on the principles of corneotherapy. The beauty of this science-based system is that it works to ensure the epidermis is always kept intact, so it can defend itself against winters elements.
Dermaviduals skincare range can also be customised for your skin and its condition. Whether you suffer from chronic illness, ongoing skin conditions or other medical related problems, it means you have a prescription that’s right for you and your skin each season.
Ready to look after your winter skin?
Then let’s connect so you can experience a renewed healthy and glowing complexion.