WINTER SKIN BOOSTER
Spots and blemishes in January are usually caused by a mix of stress and your skin’s reaction to festive sugar overload.Yes, it’s not just your waistline that suffers, the skin’s barrier can become more fragile leading to blocked pores and breakouts.
Topical medications such as retinoids can significantly improve skin. La Roche-Posay Redermic R Retinol Overnight Treatment, £29.50 (boots.com) is suitable for all skin types, even sensitive.
Avoid using pressed powders or liquid foundation, because most contain oil. Instead use a good mineral make-up – it’s anti-inflammatory and acts as a concealer, foundation, powder and sunscreen all in one.Try No7 Mineral Perfection Powder Foundation, £14 (boots.com).
For an emergency spot treatment, dissolve a soluble aspirin in a little water and dab the paste on to the spot to reduce redness and inflammation.
Central heating and frequent changes in temperature can quickly dry out skin, leaving it dry and flaky.
Moisturise your skin more frequently, at least three times a day. Look for ingredients such as hyaluronic acid and urea, as these are humectants, which bind moisture to the skin. It’s tempting to smother skin in a heavy cream but this will block pores. Instead stick to light, hydrating textures that allow skin to breathe.
Superfacialist Pure Sensitive Skin Recovery Day Cream, £9.99 (boots.com) contains probiotics and natural
hydrators to plump and nourish skin. Your skin repairs and regenerates overnight, so make sure you apply a night cream that nourishes and hydrates.Your Good Skin Cica
Repair Sleep Paste,
£12 (boots.com) is packed with antioxidants to strengthen the skin’s barrier, while ceramides lock in moisture and plump up the skin from the inside out. Finally, dry skin is easily irritated, so avoid products that contain ingredients such as lanolin, mineral oil or petroleum, as they can strip skin of its natural oils.And be careful with essential oils such as tea tree or citrus oil, which can inflame skin further.
INVEST in Luminous Facial Yoga, a new subscription-based website. For just £2.99 a month, members will have access to a range of facial yoga and facial massage tutorials and routines. The exercises are easy to follow and the site is simple to navigate whether you want a full facial workout or you are just looking to focus on a particular area. Members are invited to take part in a monthly live class online. Go to luminous-london.com for more details.