Skincare Specialist, Deborah Seymour shares her tips on how to look after your skin during the colder months:
As we head into the colder months, our skin faces a fresh set of challenges. The drop in temperature, indoor central heating, and harsh winds can whip any moisture out of our skin, compromising our skin barrier, and leaving it dry, irritated, and in desperate need of extra care. To keep your skin healthy throughout the colder months, it's time to re-evaluate and adapt your skincare routine. Here are the key components of a successful winter skincare routine:
1. Hydration is Key
Winter air is notorious for its lack of humidity, and the combination of cold, dry air outdoors and artificial heat indoors can quickly deplete your skin's moisture levels. To combat this, prioritise hydration in your skincare routine, a good balance of water and oil is essential. Start by choosing a gentle, hydrating milk cleanser that won't strip your skin of its natural oils. Follow up with a high-quality moisturiser with ceramides and lipids, that provides both moisture and a protective barrier against the elements. Hyaluronic acid, a powerful hydrating ingredient, can work wonders during the winter, helping your skin retain moisture and stay plump.
2. Personalised Skincare
Our skin is as unique as we are, and it reacts differently to various environmental factors. In the winter, it's crucial to customise your skincare routine to meet the specific needs of your skin and any concerns. My tailored approach to skincare with bespoke serums and moisturisers are made for your skin as it presents on the day.
3. Beneficial Winter Actives
Several key active ingredients can help combat the challenges posed by winter weather:
a. Boswellia: This natural extract strengthens the skin's barrier function while also soothing and calming irritated skin. It's a must-have for those dealing with sensitive or reactive skin during winter.
b. Linseed: Perfect for addressing signs of environmental damage, linseed strengthens the skin's protective barrier. It's particularly effective for combatting dryness and dehydration.
c. Evening Primrose Oil: This oil is an excellent anti-inflammatory agent that can help even out your skin tone. It's a fantastic addition to your winter skincare routine for calming redness and soothing irritation.
4. Richer Moisturisers
The winter months can often call for a thicker, more nourishing moisturiser. If your skin tends to be on the drier side, consider switching to a richer formula to provide your skin with the extra hydration it needs. Ingredients like shea butter and ceramides can offer intense moisture and protection against the harsh winter elements.
5. Oleogel: A Winter Essential
Think of oleogel as the modern-day equivalent of Vaseline. It's a versatile product that can be your best friend during winter, especially when you're out and about. Apply it over your regular moisturiser to create a protective barrier against the biting wind and prevent trans-epidermal water loss. It's a quick and easy way to shield your skin from the harshest elements.
6. Don’t skip the SPF
If you're committed to preserving your skin's health year-round, make sure not to skip the SPF, even during the winter months. This is the most effective method to shield your skin from the primary culprit of skin ageing, UV damage. Without sunscreen, your other skincare efforts may not yield the desired results.
7. Winter skincare tips
Skip your hot showers and turn the temperature down a few degrees. Hot water can strip our skin of natural oils, making it red, irritated, itchy, and dry. Try not to cleanse your face in a hot shower as this can affect your skin barrier.
Dry air occurs in the winter months when we turn our central heating on, this pulls moisture from our skin. Adding a humidifier to your room is a great way to replace moisture to the air you breathe, it can help with skin concerns such as dry, dehydrated skin and cracked lips.
By following these steps and embracing a winter skincare routine tailored to your skin's needs, you can ensure that your complexion remains radiant and healthy, even in the coldest months of the year. So, when winter comes knocking, your skin will be well-prepared to face the chill.
If you need any help with transitioning your skincare over to the winter months or need a new skincare routine I would love to help! Contact me on 07939521825.
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