Help protect your skin this Winter 2013

Start protecting your skin now in preparation for winter and the New Year.

Why our skin changes in the winter. Cold temperatures cause the skin to contract, and cold reduces circulation. This means cell turnover slows, as do other body processes. So, cold weather may slow down lymphatic drainage, making us feel sluggish and look puffy. And, a slowing of the overall system reduces the rate of cell turnover, resulting in more cell debris on the surface of the skin.

This can make skin look ashy, pasty, dusty and dull. The other problem with winter weather, though, is the drop in humidity, this loss of air-humidity means that skin feels dry, too.

Here are a few key tips from Dermalogica to keep your skin healthier this winter and New Year:

1 – Tepid water only. Heat may be appealing when you’re chilled to your core, but hot water contributes to dehydration. A steaming bath may also trigger flushing, including Rosacea symptoms.

2 – Moisturise – especially before you go outdoors. No, moisturiser does not freeze! Dermalogica’s clients across Scandinavia will attest to this. This never happens. So be sure to guard your skin with a shield of hydration.(barrier repair will be suitable for some skins to help protect and shield the skin)

3 – Cleanse carefully. Your skin continues to produce sebum and waste products, and shed cells, even if you’re not feeling warm and sweaty. So, cleansing is always the first step to optimum skin function. When facing the challenges of winter weather, it is more important than ever to avoid harsh products, especially deodorant bar soaps. These are generally alkaline, and the perfumes are irritating to the skin. Don’t use these on your body, and definitely don’t get them anywhere near your face! Cleanse face and body with a gentle botanicals-based liquid cleanser, pat dry (don’t rub), and apply moisturiser from toenails to hairline.

To find out what products to use this winter for your skin and your skins needs then do book in for our free face mapping consultation, where Hannah or Lauren will assess your skin and give you the products to fight the problems of winter skin.