It's time to get out the hat, scarf and gloves - winter is coming! The colder season brings with it skin-drying winds, free-radical damage and other conditions which can be harmful and irritating to your skin. After all, preparation is everything and now is the best time to consider how your skin will change during the colder months.
Firstly hydrating your skin from within is the way forward! I always say you should eat your water by consuming lots of raw fruit and vegetables. During the winter months look out for foods such as cold water fish, ground flaxseeds, walnuts, goji berries and eggs. These foods are fantastic at flooding your cells with water and keeping cells strong so they can contain the water, keeping you hydrated and healthy for longer. Make sure you are taking the right supplements to ensure you are getting all the vitamins and nutrients your body needs too.
Now you have looked after your skin internally - what should you do next? Well keeping your skin well hydrated by using a richer moisturiser which contains super-hydrating and anti-inflammatory agents. Look for ingredients such as avocado, sunflower and olive fruit oils for optimal hydration and liquorice extract to reduce redness and skin irritation. In the winter, the air is dryer and your skin produces less oil, so you need to give it a bit of extra TLC. Depending on your individual skin needs find a moisturiser that meets your skin concerns and will keep your skin hydrated.
With the start of winter here you may need to change your cleanser as during the summer months you might have been using a stronger cleanser to deal with excess oil and impurities. However, as it gets colder it's important to switch to a gentle foaming cleanser instead. However just because it's the end of summer doesn't mean you should forget to apply SPF if you are spending time outdoors. It might be cold out but the sun is still shining and UV rays can still damage your skin! During the day use a moisturiser rich in antioxidants to protect skin from free-radical damage and repair skin which has previously been damaged during the warmer weather.
Exfoliation is also hugely important during the winter months. While we are continuously moving from the warmth of central heating to the chilly outdoors it can cause our skin to go a bit haywire. So exfoliate your skin at least once a week to increase cell renewal and remove dead skin cells, leaving your complexion looking radiant and smooth.
Many of us forget our lips and it is very important that we give them a bit of extra TLC in the winter months. Lips don't have sweat glands and so the skin can dry out much more easily. Use a lip protector which will exfoliate away dead skin cells while locking in optimal moisture, keeping your lips soft and kissable all year round.
Just because it's winter, you don't have to lose your sun kissed glow. If your skin is starting to look a bit paler than you'd like, use a bronzer. Let's face it, glowing skin looks great with winter colours but you should avoid sun beds. Instead get a beautiful glow with an oil-free bronzer and don't forget to wear SPF so you can enjoy a gorgeous, guilt-free glow.
By optimising your internal, external and emotional environments, your skin, body and spirit will have the best opportunity to thrive. Focus on internal care with nutrition, proper diet and supplements; topical care using appropriate skincare products; and emotional self care by exercising, reduce stress, building connections with the community and focusing on things you like to do.
So to make sure you have all the top tips for great skin, watch the video below.......