Simple steps to soothe your skin when it’s cold outside
EXPERTS are warning that Britain could be facing one of the coldest winters ever. Temperatures plunged below zero this week and it looks as if the cold snap is here to stay for a while.
Unfortunately, skin is very sensitive to cold weather and the winter months can bring problems such as chapping and dehydration as well as causing conditions such as rosacea to flare up.
It can be tempting to turn up the central heating to compensate but this actually makes matters worse as alternating between cold and hot temperatures will dry out skin. Read our guide on how to protect your skin from the big chill.
CHANGE YOUR SKINCARE
When temperatures hit zero, you need to adapt your skincare routine to suit the cold weather. Dry skin tends to be fragile and needs extra support. One way to do this is to layer products and use creams that are especially nourishing.
When shopping for skincare, look for ingredients such as antioxidants and hyaluronic acid and always be gentle when cleansing as scrubbing can irritate.
A lip balm can help soothe any small irritated or flaky patches but choose one that contains natural emollients such as beeswax or shea butter. Try Burt’s Bees Ultra Conditioning Natural Lip Balm, £3.99 (boots.com).
YOUR PERFECT WINTER ROUTINE
Take the time to cleanse properly. Pixi Double Cleanse, £24 (marks andspencer.com) comes in a double-sided pot containing a solid oil and nourishing cream cleanser that will infuse the complexion with a cocktail of hydrating ingredients. Next, try a moisturising essence which will give skin an immediate hydration boost without clogging pores.
Melvita Eaux Extraordinaires Rose, £16.30 (notino.co.uk) is a blend of damask rose floral water and hyaluronic acid. Simply sweep over your face to leave skin plump and hydrated.
Follow this with a generous layer of antioxidant serum. Goldfaden MD Radical Difference, £84.13 (skinstore.com) is a highly concentrated and firming serum that is suitable for all skin types. It contains organic red tea and cherry extracts and helps to form a protective barrier over the skin.
Finally, finish with a nourishing moisturiser to seal in all the goodness you have already applied. Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream, £24.50 (debenhams.com) will keep skin hydrated for up to 24 hours. In the evening, after you have removed your make-up, treat your skin to an overnight mask. Your skin’s natural repair mechanisms kick in overnight and a good night cream will encourage this process. Try Cloud 9 Skin Solutions Good Night Deep
Nourishing Sleep Mask, £38 (feelunique.com) which contains vitamins A, D and E and helps to stimulate cell renewal. You can give your skin an extra boost with Profhilo. This innovative new treatment, which is available from cosmetic clinics, is designed to hydrate skin from the inside out.
The treatment takes 10 minutes and involves having five tiny injections of hyaluronic acid on each side of the face, just under the skin. The hyaluronic acid then gradually diffuses under the skin, plumping it up. From £500.
LIFESTYLE TIPS TO TRY AT HOME
The festive season may be in full swing but do try to limit the amount of alcohol you drink. It is very dehydrating and causes the small blood vessels in the skin to widen, leading to flushing and broken veins. Drink plenty of water too and swap coffee for green tea which is packed with anti-ageing antioxidants.
Don’t spend too long in the bath or shower as soaking in hot water robs skin of moisture. Add a moisturising oil to the bath and make sure to apply a body cream afterwards.
Dry air draws the moisture out of skin so turn down the central heating and keep the temperature at around 20 to 22 degrees. A humidifier can be a help at this time of year. Alternatively, leave a bowl of water by the radiator and over time it will evaporate, adding moisture to the air.
Keep skin protected from the inside out by adding healthy fats to your diet such as olive oil and avocado. They will help keep your complexion looking smooth and clear. Other foods including honey, pumpkin, spinach, berries, plain yogurt, walnuts and aloe juice all have a moisturising effect too.
Essential fatty acids such as omega 3 also play a role in supporting the skin. The best source of omega 3 is oily fish, such as salmon, mackerel, fresh tuna and sardines but fish oil and cod liver oil capsules can also be used.
Staying active in the cold weather months is essential for good health and will give you a mental boost too. There are lots of ways to workout at home, for example exercise videos or home equipment such as an exercise bike. Aim for 20 to 30 minutes activity, three times a week.
A vitamin D supplement is essential in the winter months when we are exposed to less daylight. The sunshine vitamin can help boost your mood, protect your bones and provide antioxidant protection. Try Heliocare Ultra D Oral capsules, £26.50 (effortlessskin.com).
For advice on cosmetic surgery, consult your GP. For more of Lesley’s tips see lesleyreynolds. com