Winter can be a tough time for our skin.
It is exposed to cold temperatures outside and subjected to drying central heating inside so it loses important moisture.
This is after our skin has already had a battering from the summer sun.
All of these can have a big impact on the skin barrier – a watertight seal that keeps the outermost layers of skin smoothly together – and can cause skin to flare up, according to beauty experts.
So just like you make room for big cosy jumpers, hot chocolate and nights in front of Netflix, you also need to make room for a new winter skincare routine.
And as someone whose daily skincare routine consists of splashing some water on my face and slapping a bit of moisturiser on, I realised it was about time I got my act together.
I spoke to two Harrogate skincare experts, who have shared their top tips on the correct way to look after your skin when the cold snap hits.
Samantha Hamp, owner of Samantha Hamp Beauty and Skincare, Harrogate.
Harrogate skincare and beauty specialist Samantha Hamp, who has been in the industry for more than three decades, said:
“When the cold weather comes and the heating goes on many people notice their skin becomes more dehydrated, rough to touch, sometimes red and even sore.”
Here are Samantha’s top five tips to help combat these issues:
Drink up!
Keep hydrated and drink water steadily through the day – a couple of litres if possible.
Take supplements
Taking oral supplements will help the skin all over your body. Omega oils boost the protective barrier of the skin, which increases hydration and reduced inflammation.
Lock-in the moisture
Retain the moisture in the skin by using moisture-lock supplements with a hyaluronic acid and ceramics complex to retain moisture in the skin. I use Advanced Nutrition Programme.
Keep moisturising
Use a high quality moisturiser containing Vitamin A, such as Environ AVST, with antioxidants to help protect and repair the skin. You should apply this twice a day, particularly when you are going out in the cold weather.
Clean your face when you get home
When you get home in the evening, clean your face with a gentle cream cleanser NOT wipes or soap, as they strip your skin. Apply your moisturiser, plus a serum ideally containing hyaluronic acid. The earlier in the evening you apply it, the better.
Samantha, who owns Samantha Hamp Beauty and Skincare, on Cheltenham Crescent, added:
“As a therapist with over 30 years experience, I have come to love the two brands Environ and Advanced Nutrition Programme as they deliver what they promise.”
Camilla Davies, owner of Skin SOS, Harrogate.
Camilla Davies launched Skin SOS, on Cold Bath Road, in November 2019.
Here are her top five winter skincare tips:
A change will do you good
Change up your skincare seasonally as you do with your wardrobe. We recommend changing your daily cleanser from a gel to a cream or to milk-based, as skin tends to suffer from more dryness in the colder months. Comfort Zone’s Remedy Range is perfect for cold weather to protect, soothe and nourish dry skin. The Defense moisturiser is a must-have winter essential.
Exfoliation is key
Regular exfoliation – one to two times per week – is beneficial to prevent blocked pores and aids with the build up of dry and flaky skin. Over-exfoliation can lead to your skin becoming over-sensitive due to weakening the skin and damaging its natural defence. It can also make it easy for acne-causing bacteria to get into the skin and cause pimples to breed. Dermaquest Algae polishing scrub utilises jojoba beads leaving the skin smooth and prepped for serums and other advanced products.
Time for a facial
Have a facial. Skin can become dull and dry from time to time, particularly in winter. Having regular facials will increase blood circulation and treat any skin concerns, along with being super relaxing. Intensify your treatment by adding LED light therapy to your facial. Light therapy is extremely therapeutic, as the days get dark. It is a brilliant remedy for Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).
Wear sunscreen
SPF in winter? Yes – it’s a thing! We recommend wearing SPF daily. A lot of you ask us where this should fit into your skincare routine. This is your final product after hydrating, but before any makeup. Whilst we get less sunshine, visible light and Infrared-A can damage your skin all year round and lead to premature ageing.
Stay hydrated
Drink lots of water. When it’s cold outside, we forget to drink enough water throughout the day, but this is just when low humidity is most likely to strip our skin of it’s moisture. Sip slowly throughout the day or indulge in warming winter teas, such as natural herbal teas, to keep hydrated in winter. You will feel healthy, hydrated and cozy at the same time!
