“I regret taking such good care of my skin” – said no-one ever!
Winter has arrived in full force and many of you might be feeling the chilly effects of the weather change on your skin. Just as you would change up your outfits and general wardrobe during the winter months, the same should go for your skincare routine. After all, the biggest organ of the body should not be neglected and can always do with a bit of extra TLC.
The most common concern I usually receive in winter is mostly dryness and dehydration, which often leads to itchiness, redness or irritation on the skin. If you are like me, the idea of sitting in front of a warm fire or indoor heater sounds fantastic, but extra heat can tend to strip the natural oils and moisture from your skin. Even extra hot showers can be a culprit adding to skin dehydration.
I have put together a few tips to avoid the winter blues and keep your skin hydrated and happy.
Healthy Eating and Supplements
Suggested foods to add to your diet would be anything containing Omega-3 or Omega-6 fatty acids like avocado and fatty fish like Mackerel, Sardines and Salmon. Nuts and seeds are always a great addition (sesame seeds, walnuts and pecan nuts especially). Add supplements such as vitamin C (a powerful antioxidant) as well as flax seed oil as they will assist with moisture levels in the skin and are generally great for maintaining smooth skin texture. The anti-inflammatory action of flax seed oil also prevents natural aches and pains in the joints and muscles.
Adapt your Skincare Routine
The belief that a ‘heavier cream is better’ often creeps in during winter months. Although your skin’s requirements do change with the seasons, it’s important to know what specific changes you should actually make. Often just adding a treatment serum for that extra boost of vitamins and hydration is all that we need, while applying a heavier moisturiser may lead to blocked pores instead of hydrating the skin. Focus on adding your treatment serums at night before bedtime. The skin regenerates while we sleep and this is a perfect time to add boosters.
Winter is a great time to switch up your cleanser to a non-foam or a creamy cleanser for added moisture. Don’t forget your sunscreen; cloud cover does not block UV rays. Before you go outside, make sure to apply a moisturising, broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher to all exposed areas of your body.
Regular exfoliating is key to allowing proper product penetration in order to keep skin hydrated and protected. This, paired with a mask once or twice a week can serve as a “mini” home facial treat. This is the perfect opportunity to book a booster facial or online skin consultation with your professional skincare therapist.
Staying Hydrated is Essential
Your skin has a natural barrier layer that retains moisture. If this barrier’s functions are disrupted, your skin may become dry or sensitive. Your skin therefore needs hydration to perform at its best, and prevent premature aging and dryness. I would recommend drinking about 2 litres or 8 gasses of water each day. When you’re drinking enough water, your skin is able to happily absorb water from moisturizers and creams that you add topically. If you aren’t adequately hydrated, your skincare products could lose their benefit as well.
Another advantage to drinking water is its ability to flush your system of toxins. This will keep your skin clean, pushing out bacteria and reducing the risk of acne and other skin problems. If your skin is oily, then your pores can clog up, eventually leading to acne breakouts. Drinking water balances the natural oils sitting on your face with moisture.
Control External Factors
Invest in a Humidifier if you are able to. It will add moisture to the dry winter air in your home or office. You can also protect your skin by wearing comfortable non-irritating clothing. Wearing lighter layers made from soft breathable fabrics against your skin, with warmer heavier jerseys layered on top will help with skin irritation.
With all the hand sanitisers that we need to use, combined with the frequent hand washing, our hands are surely taking a bit of a knock. Now more than ever we need to remember to give our hands extra attention and apply a non-greasy moisturiser and cuticle oil regularly.
Invest in your skin. It is your best accessory and will represent you for a very long time to come! Check out our online store for some fabulous options and winter promotions available.
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