Farewell sunshine but hello to that special winter glow
YOUR OUT-OF-OFFICE is off and the last traces of summer are behind us. While lazy sun-soaked days do wonders for the soul, they can be tough on your skin. If you are guilty of having let your skincare regime take a backseat to fun in the sun, nowisthetimetodecidewhatimprovements you want to make to your skin over the winter and to give it the attention it has been craving. TIP 1: DARK SPOTS It takes only a few days of lapsed sun protection to make freckles, facial pigmentation and age spots more noticeable.
Antioxidants help neutralise ultraviolet damage. The most effective ones contain vitamin C but products are not all created equal. SkinCeuticals Phloretin CF (oily or combination skin) and CE Ferulic (dry skin) are my all-time favourites. Apply four to five drops to the face, neck and décolletage with your fingertips in the morning after cleansing and follow with an SPF 50 sun protection moisturiser. I love SunSense Daily Face SPF 50+. It has a universal tint to even out skin tone and acts as a primer for make-up.
Apply a retinol cream before bed. As well as targeting dark spots, these products can also be used to freshen a dull complexion and soften fine lines. Over the counter, my top picks are La Roche Posay Redermic R and SkinCeuticals Retinol 0.3. Fantastic in their own right, these products can also be used for a month or two before switching over to a prescription–strength retinoid or skin lightening cream, to improve tolerance in first-time users. TIP 2: BREAKOUTS While acne improves with sunshine in some cases, hot and humid weather is just as likely to cause breakouts in others. Image Clear Cell Clarifying Pads contain a combination of salicylic and glycolic acid to unblock pores and remove impurities and excess oil. Wipe these over the skin after exercise or on-the-go. TIP 3: ROUGH SKIN Sea water and swimming pools make for dry, damaged skin. Choose a nour- ishing body wash, such as Aveeno, and gently exfoliate any rough or scaly areas with a facial sponge such as Buf Puf. Follow with Ameliorate skinsmoothing body lotion or Neostrata ultra-smoothing lotion. These intensive treatment creams contain alpha hydroxy acids, to slough away dead skin cells and boost cell renewal, leaving you with silky skin. TIP 4: CRACKED HEELS After months of summer sandals, dry, cracked skin builds up on our soles and heels. Soften hard skin by applying a urea-based foot cream, such as Flexitol heel balm, before bedtime. Massage firmly into skin for a couple of minutes and cover with cotton socks to increase absorption. After a few days, the skin should start to soften and you will be able to use a pumice stone on more stubborn areas. TIP 5: CHAPPED LIPS Now is the time to sort out parched lips before they become even more vulnerable to cracking and splitting. Pop some Lansinoh HPA lanolin nipple cream in your handbag and apply frequently and liberally throughout the day to sore lips. TIP 6: DIET AND FITNESS It is worth giving some thought to your diet and fitness regime if you have let things slide over the summer. Healthy bodies are often accompanied by glowing skin, greater confidence and an overall sense of contentment and wellbeing. When we look well, we feel well. Dr Justine Kluk is a consultant dermatologist and cosmetic dermatology expert with boutique private clinics in Hampstead Garden Suburb and Harley Street, drjustinekluk. com, 0203 733 3225