The Best Winter Skin Care Products
Winter weather can play havoc with your skin. The cold, wet and windy conditions can result in dry, itchy, cracked and flaky skin. The wind sucks the moisture from the skin and hair leaving us battling to find the products to deal with the onslaught. The reason this happens is that the pores tighten up when the cold air hits the skin resulting in the body reducing blood circulation to the area and the blood going to the parts of the body that need it most – the organs, because of this, the naturally occurring sebum produced from the sebaceous gland is compromised and protection of the skin is decreased. This creates further problems for acne conditions because due to the lack of sebum, the bacteria has a greater chance to enter the body. The areas of the face and body that are exposed to the elements will be the most affected. We tend to forget about protecting our face as we cannot really cover up like we can with other parts of the body. We can wear hats, scarves, gloves, long coats, trousers and boots but covering our face is more difficult.
The most troublesome area is often the lips, with colds and flues rife at the moment the immune system is compromised and the herpes simplex virus which lies dormant has a chance to breakout. Not only are these cold sores painful, they are hard to disguise and leave you feeling run down. At the first tingling apply Zovirax antiviral cream to the area and reapply as advised on the Patient information leaflet (PIL). If your lips are dry or cracked, its hard to beat the old fashioned remedy of applying vaseline. Keep it in your pocket and reapply throughout the day.
Your skin is the first line of defence against disease and foreign bodies entering the body via the skin therefore protection is paramount. The average human body is made up of around 60% water. Therefore water is vitally important for healthy skin, hair and nails, as well as controlling heart rate, blood pressure and body temperature. Research has found there are many people deficient in water levels in the body resulting in a huge decrease in athletic performance and fatigue that is caused by the lack of hydration. Stay hydrated by drinking enough water to hydrate your skin. ( about 2 litres per day) I carry a bottle of water with me everyday and you will be surprised how sipping throughout the day, how quickly you can consume your daily quota. You can stay fully hydrated with other fluids as well, herbal teas are excellent along with eating foods with a high water source, mainly fruits and vegetables.
S0me of our favourite products for dry, dehydrated skin:
Dermalogica body hydrating cream is a moisturising body cream to use after the shower or bath or anytime of the day to relieve skin dryness and keep skin hydrated, it locks in moisturise to leave the skin feeling and looking smooth, healthy and silky. Free of artificial fragrances, colours or parabens.
Dermalogica Barrier repair from the UltraCalming range is a facial moisturiser that helps shield the skin against environmental and internal triggers that causes skin stress. The product contains Oil of Evening Primrose to help restore a healthy barrier. Do remember exposed skin can be susceptible to windburn or other winter rashes. This is a great product to help shield against the elements.
Dermalogica Solar Defence Booster is a SPF50 broad spectrum sunscreen that can be added to your moisturiser or foundation to give critical defence against skin ageing UV light.
Environ RAD SPF15 antioxidant sunscreen is for the face and body with UVA & UVB broad spectrum medium protection. This is a light weight suncream that is suitable for everyone.
Environ Avance Elixir serum can be applied before your recommended Environ vitamin A moisturiser to give added moisture to the skin day and night.
Environ Hydrating Oil Capsules. These capsules feel amazing when applied, they can be used if you are feeling the skin is dehydrated alongside your usual moisturiser.
Above is a small selection of the best winter care products we have in stock. If you have any questions or queries on your skin care regime please do not hesitate to contact the salon via our website, telephone or facebook.