Winter is on its way bringing cold temperatures and harsh winds. It’s tempting to turn up the central heating and reach for carbohydrate rich, sugary comfort foods, but what can you do to help your skin during this cold season?
As winter progresses, we notice our skins becoming more dehydrated, rough and flaky. Conditions associated with dry skin like eczema and psoriasis can also be worse during cold spells. Moving from centrally heated environments into the biting cold can cause broken capillaries and make rosacea worse.
In short, winter can be a difficult time for our skin, but a few changes to our skin care routines and diet can help.
- Include healthy fats in your diet such as nuts, seeds, oily fish and avocados to safeguard essential fatty acid levels. These fats help to maintain a normal healthy skin and reduce the water loss which leads to dehydrated skin.To help maintain fatty acid levels we also recommend supplementing with Advanced Nutrition’s Skin Omegas+. These combine Omega 3 (sustainably sourced fish oil) with Omega 6 (evening primrose oil) and Vitamin A for increased hydration, skin smoothness and reduced wrinkle depth.
- Cleanse with care. The outer layer of the skin is incredibly delicate, so it’s easily damaged by harsh chemicals and vigorous cleansing techniques. Try an oil-based pre-cleanse to remove make-up and grime, without stripping the skins natural oils, followed by a skin specific cleanser. We love Dermalogica’s pre-cleanse oil and it smells amazing too.
- Stop the scrub. We all want to get rid of that dull dry layer of skin, but too much physical exfoliation such as granular scrubs or microdermabrasion can damage the outer layers of the skin leading to water loss and even more dehydration. Instead opt for chemical exfoliators that include Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs). Winter is a great time to consider opting for a professional peel.
- Turn down the moisture. Often as winter approaches the temptation is to switch to a thicker, richer moisturiser, but this may not be the answer for everyone. These ‘rich’ creams can fool the skin into stopping making its own moisture. Talk to a skincare specialist to determine whether your skin is dry (lacking in oil) or dehydrated (lacking in water) before making a change.
- Protect to perfect. We see so many clients that think they only need an spf in summer months or when on hoilday. Those aging UVA rays are around 365 days (including the cloudiest, dull November afternoon). Added to that more than ever we are being exposed to blue light damage from computer screens and tablets. You don’t necessarily need a high spf, but look for one with broad spectrum coverage and anti-oxidants to fight sun-induced free radicals. The protective ingredients found in jane iredale foundations allow the skin to breathe while providing sun protection.
- Protect the pout. As soon as winter arrives, you see an increase in the use of a certain petroleum-based lip salve. To put it bluntly, it’s not good for you! While initially it feels like your lips are moistened, that petroleum jelly actually dries your lips out, encouraging you to apply more and more. Added to that, you end up swallowing a whole load of it and your liver cannot process petroleum, so it just sits around your liver for years.Instead choose a lip balm that nourishes and protects with natural oils such as jane iredale’s Lipdrink with SPF15. It’s available in 7 different shades, and has a refreshing lemon flavour.
As the days become chillier its the ideal time to look at your skin care regime to ensure your healthy glow survives throughout the winter months. Give us a call on 01789 261144 or book online to arrange your free consultation.