I have been seeing a lot of dry skin in clinic over the past few weeks. A combination of increased heating, cold dry climate and perhaps even the recent chlorination of Christchurch water is to blame. So following on from some questions from my clients I have been inspired to write something! I now give you my top 5 tips for healthy winter skin
1) Lower the Thermostat
When it’s chilly outside, what’s the first thing you want to do? Crank up the heat! But heat dries your skin out big time! Whatever you do, don’t let any heaters blow on your face – going from a hot environment and into the cold air dries the skin out and shows off the delicate blood vessels, leaving you dry and red.
2) Modify Your Facial Skin-Care Regimen
Gently remove dead skin cells using a Glycolic acid. Glycolic acids remove the sticky bonds between the dead skin cells to refine the skins texture. We are now stockists of Cain and Austin Glycolic Acid Miracle pads! It is also time to upgrade your moisturiser – and sorry people, your supermarket moisturiser is not going to cut it. I absolutely adore Aspect Doctor Resveratrol moisturiser because it is hydrating and is clinically proven to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, win!
3) Add a serum
Placed on clean skin under your moisturiser, serums are highly active and interchangeable depending on your specific skin requirements. I recommend adding Aspect doctor Hylauronic Hydrating Serum to your winter skin care regime. This contains Hylauronic acid, a sugar found naturally in our skin which is water binding to lock in moisture.
4) Apply Sunscreen
Don’t be fooled by darker, dreary days in winter, either. The sun’s harmful UVB rays can permeate clouds and UVA rays are just as damaging in winter as in summer! So before you go outside, apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher to all exposed skin.
5) Treat yourself!
Try a NanoLaser peel! Superior to microdermabrasion, this treatment gently removes dry, dead skin cells using a laser light. By removing the dead skin cells, skin care products will soak up into your skin, ensuring you get the best out of your skin care regime – and these are currently on special.
Winter is also a very popular time of year to have your Sciton BBL treatments. So it is time to sort out that red nose and treat the pigmentation spots which have developed over summer. This client favourite is a medical grade IPL with anti-ageing research to back it.
Thank you to all of my clients who have been asking me questions on how to best look after their skin between treatments. If you have any skin related questions drop us a line via private message or come and see one of our Registered Nurses for a free consultation. Stay warm everyone!
Janelle Holton-Lowe
Aesthetic Nurse Specialist for Encore Cosmetic Clinic