Skincare during Winter

We have had snow and icy winds howling down our streets. Combine this with the extremes of central heating, and we really need to give our skin some extra attention. Icy cold wind strips away at your skin’s natural oils, leaving skin unprotected and causing increased transepidermal water loss and dehydration, leading to red and raw skin, which can further lead to fine lines. A great way to combat these effects is to boost the skin with Essential Fatty Acids, both through the products you’re using and from the inside, which will help repair the skin’s lipid barrier and leave your skin both protected and feeling more supple, as well as looking healthier and glowing.

Switching to products which are rich in Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs) (rather than creams and gels), makes a huge difference. Start with a change in routine with your cleanser. I like Sarah Chapman’s or Vaishaly’s Cleansing balm – both are luxuriously rich and moisturising.

Massaging balms and oils into your skin will also increase blood circulation, bringing nutrients to cells and leaving skin with a healthy glow. I like to spend an extra few minutes massaging the Winter Oil in of an evening and depending on how cold it is will either use it again in the morning or I might use my left over Autumn Oil in the morning.

Boost your intake of EFAs internally by eating lots of cold water fish, using olive oil and snacking on walnuts. Salmon is often hailed as the skin super food as it is a fantastic source of protein.

Externally, we just need a deeper moisturiser that doesn’t contain a lot of water.

The Winter Oil is packed full of ingredients which will put richness back into the skin, but if your body also needs an added boost, look for products which have these ingredients:

Primrose Oil: Loaded with Omega 3 fatty acids which have a yin balancing effect on the skin.

Rose Hip Oil: Deeply nourishing, high in Omega 3 and vitamin C content.

Shea Butter: Rich emollient butter that has a strong effect on severely cracked and dry skin.

Frankincense and Myrrh: Regenerates the skin and heals dry, cracked areas.

And finally, don’t forget to PROTECT YOUR HANDS!

Hands are one of the great indicators of age and come under extra strain during the winter, especially if you suffer from bad circulation. Hands can also become red and chapped. Throughout the year, I always massage in any unused face creams into my hands, but during the winter I add a good few extra doses in the morning and at night. You might use more of a beloved cream, but in the long run your hands will thank you.

If you are hitting the slopes don’t forget to use a high protection SPF!!!