The Effects of Winter on our Skin

March 4, 2015

So, if you are anything like me during the winter months, all you want to do is curl up at home in front of the fire with a good book and a hot chocolate. Unfortunately, life in reality is not like it is in the movies. Whether it’s walking the dog, doing the school run or commuting to work, we all have to brave the elements at this time of year and as a result we feel the effects on our skin.

I’m sure like lots of other people that as the seasons change you can see and feel a change in your skin. During the winter, one of the most common changes is that skin can feel a lot drier and tighter than usual, due to the air being much drier and lacking in humidity. This leaves our skin super thirsty and crying out for hydration. You may also see dry ‘patches’ developing where the skin can become flakey, which can not only be uncomfortable but extremely frustrating when trying to apply make-up and other products.

As a result of better education and media hype, we seem to be becoming more and more vigilant in protecting and caring for our skin during the summer. However, I think we can forget that we are being exposed to damaging UV rays from the sun 365 a year. It’s these UV rays along with other environmental aggressors which cause ‘free radicals’ in our skin, contributing to premature ageing, uneven looking skin tone and overall skin damage. Products with an SPF are a must and so important to our skins health. You wouldn’t leave the house without brushing your teeth so don’t leave the house without wearing your SPF, daily! (Our favorite is Skin Ceuticals Brightening UV Defense).

On the upside, there is no need to panic! As always the Aqua team are here to help!

Firstly, if your using soap to wash your skin – stop immediately! This will completely dry your skin out and strip all the natural moisture from your skin, leaving it incredibly dehydrated. Facial wipes are certainly no better, they will sensitise your skin making it even more susceptible to weather damaged skin. The answer is to use a cream cleanser if you have dry sensitive skin or a cleansing gel that has fruit acids in if you have oily/combination skin. We recommend Simply Clean or Gentle Cleanser.

To prevent dry skin from occurring or even to treat it if it already has, the best thing to do would be to add a moisturising / hydrating product to your daily routine. As many of you may have found, a thick, heavy, intensely moisturising cream does not always sit well on the skin during the day, particularly when applying make – up over the top. This is generally because high street products sit on the surface of the skin and cannot be absorbed whereas Cosmeceutical products are backed by science so are powerful and can penetrate. So, why not use a hydrating serum (our favorite is Hydrating B5) or light moisturising day cream during the day and save the richer products to give your skin a real treat at night.

If you have started to develop dry patches where the skin is flaking, then the remedy here would be to introduce an exfoliating product to promote the skins natural regeneration process. An exfoliating scrub could also be used to eliminate any visible excess flaking immediately. Or even better, we’d recommend using Retexturing Activator this 2 in 1 hydrating and exfoliating serum will resurface without scratching the surface of your skin – the fruit acids will dissolve your dead skin and the Hyaluronic acid will saturate in hydration.

We have all heard the phrase ‘prevention is better than cure’ which is so true when it comes to our skin. Our first line of defense should always be to wear a minimum of SPF 30, daily. Secondly, the introduction of Vitamin C will help to reinforce the skin’s natural protection against ‘free radicals’. Aqua’s top anti-ageing vitamin C is Skin Ceuticals – Phloretin CF.

We are all guilty of longing for the warmer weather to make ourselves feel better, but with a little help, we can achieve that feel good feeling, having healthy skin all year round!

So, book in at one of our Salons in either Carbis Bay or Truro for a complimentary skin analysis with one of our skin specialists to find out more about your skin. We can then recommend products and treatments specifically for you and help with any concerns you may have.

Look forward to seeing you soon!
The Aqua Team xxx

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