winter skin

The change from warm to cold, to central heating, to cold, to the office, to travelling, to central heating, etc. can cause a real “burning” sensation on the skin. 

Here are just a few tips that can help.

° Treat skin like you would your clothes. If you wear multiple layers of clothing, you're also wearing multiple layers of skincare. This time of year more than any other, you need a skincare wardrobe. Cleanse, tone (acid/mist or both), serum, oil, cream, protectant and/or balm. How much and when you use all of these will depend on your skin, but as a general rule of thumb, start with "less is more" and move on if it's still absorbing (the only thing to keep in mind is that applying silicone on top will inevitably "peel" or "roll").

° Don't over cleanse. Your skin needs all the moisture it can get this time of year. If you are dry/sensitive and use harsh cleansers suitable for the summer months and use the electronic facial cleansing brushes a lot, your skin may be very unforgiving.

° Avoid products that contain a lot of alcohol. It's one thing if a toner has "alcohol content" at the very end of the ingredients list - it's another thing if alcohol is the main ingredient. Acids can be an exception here.

° If you love a face wash (foaming agent), try switching to a cleansing milk in such cold weather. If necessary, you can buy a milk for oily skin.

° Oils and balms can feel very soothing on the skin. Natural ones. If you are particularly dry, a strong balm can actually be drying, so proceed with caution. If you have oily skin, an oil specifically formulated for that skin type can be used.

° You should NEVER strive to make anything "squeaky clean," be it hair or skin. If you get that feeling after washing/cleansing, you should definitely stop and reconsider your use.

° Exfoliate regularly. Face and body. Topical liquid peels are much more effective than scrubs. The skin is acidic, it is receptive to acidic products. Use toners or pads with AHA acids twice a day and then apply a spray of a moisturizing toner with glycerin and/or hyaluronic acid before applying your serum. You will feel a difference after just one day.

° Not everyone can/wants to use liquid acids. For those of you who actually prefer a physical exfoliation, opt for gentle, grainy exfoliators from natural sources that do not contain pearls. The safest are generally those that dissolve when rubbed in.

° Make sure you take omega oils to help your skin from within. Fish is best – flax is a good alternative for vegetarians.

° Continue using face masks - but opt ​​for more hydrating ones rather than clay masks. If you have combination skin, use your clay mask and follow it up with a hydrating mask for a good boost.

° If you enjoy showering, don't be tempted to stand under a hot shower to warm up. Your skin won't thank you. Keep it warm-hot, not boiling!

° If you suffer from psoriasis or eczema, it's likely that your symptoms will worsen during the colder months. Make sure your shower/bath products are as free of irritants as possible, avoid dryer sheets, and moisturize, moisturize, moisturize!

*And finally – don’t forget your vitamin D.