5 Ways to Get Supple, Glowing and Hydrated Skin During Winter

1. Take Off Your Makeup Properly

Are you really taking off your makeup properly?

It’s super important to double-cleanse your skin at night, to remove not only the makeup itself but also the environmental pollutants that are also sitting on your skin. 

You want to really deep cleanse the skin and purify the pore. This prevents our makeup (even when they claim to be non-comedogenic) plus the build-up of grime and pollution from blocking the pores which then results in break-outs and congestion. 

You can combat this by double-cleansing, which will also allow your skincare to penetrate more effectively. 

My first step is usually a cleansing cream or oil which breaks down and removes makeup, SPF, sweat, bacteria, old skin cells, and whatever other build-up is sitting on your skin from the day (At the moment I’m using Ahava’s Silky Soft Cleansing Cream) which I then wipe away.  My second cleanser is now actually able to deeply cleanse (for this I’m using Ahava’s brand new Foaming Cleanser).

2. Get the Right Products for Your Skin (and change from summer to winter products).

Firstly, it’s important to learn your skin type.  This will help you learn how to take care of your skin and choose the right skincare products for you.  It is best (and usually the most economical option) to go to your professional beauty or skin therapist to find out for sure but a rough guideline is:

• Sensitive skin may sting or burn after product use

• Normal skin is clear and not sensitive

• Dry skin is flaky, itchy or rough

• Oily skin is shiny and greasy

• Combination skin is dry in some areas and oily in others

It may take some trial and error to determine the individual qualities of your skin.  But you really don't want too much trial and error as it can be expensive buying product that you don't end up using and worse still you could create some skin irritations such as dermatitis which you’ve then got to fix before you achieve your healthy glowing skin.

The order of application of your products is also important. For example, Vitamin A (retinol) is best used at night. Some of these stronger products can be extremely drying to the skin at first and if used in the wrong way or without complimentary products they can be damaging.

And finally, your skin condition changes with the seasons.  So if you’re using a light moisturiser in the summertime it might not be enough to combat harsh winter weather depending on where you live, so consider swapping out not only your moisturiser but possible also your cleanser and serums too if you use one.

3. Exfoliate Regularly. 

How to exfoliate... and when to exfoliate... and what type of exfoliant should you use? 

Personally, I use a very light exfoliant (Arbonne’s Prep work Cleansing Polish) every day and approximately once a fortnight uses a stronger chemical exfoliant. 

What is chemical exfoliant and mechanical exfoliant?  A chemical exfoliant usually consists of a product that usually contains enzymes or Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) and a mechanical exfoliant contains granular beads.

I recommend talking to an expert (Beauty Therapist) before launching into using both a chemical exfoliant and a mechanical exfoliant in your routine to work out what you should be using, how often, your skin’s sensitivity and how your skin responds.

4. Minimise Sun Exposure

Most people now realise that a healthy tan from the sun can be extremely harmful to your skin.

Sun protection is one of the most important things you can do for your skin because ultraviolet rays from the sun can cause skin cancer and premature skin aging (wrinkles and age spots). 

This is important all year round, not just during the summer and even on cloudy days.  I have often heard my clients say that they are just going to work inside and don't need SPF on their face, but UV still can filter through your car’s windows and can do damage on a daily.

Sun protection with an SPF of at least 30 is also super important if you’re using certain topical ingredients that increase your skin’s susceptibility to burns such as chemical exfoliants and retinol.

I also recommend should also wear a wide-brimmed hat and protective clothing and sunscreen

sunglasses when you’re outside for further protection

5. Adopt Good Nutrition and Hydration Habits. 

How many times have you heard this “you are what you eat”.

- True story.

But you are what you drink as well (or should I say What you don’t drink).  

Too many people just don't drink enough water in winter.  Yes, I know it’s cold and you don't want to get colder by drinking iced water, I get it.  However, there are other ways around it, like a nice cup of herbal tea just make sure it doesn’t contain caffeine.

To find out the best products for you, contact me today and we’ll find the perfect routine for you!