5 EXPERT TIPS FOR PERFECT SKIN THIS WINTER

Drink Up

Hydrating your skin is crucial to help keep dryness at bay. “Before you do anything else make sure you are drinking enough water,” says skin expert, Simone Thomas, founder of Simone Thomas Wellness. “Skin will lack moisture and when it is colder you will need all the hydration you can get. I know that glass of iced water doesn’t seem as appealing as when you needed to quench your thirst in the sun, but keeping hydrated is one of the best things you can do for your skin. Aim for around 2 litres a day, enjoy herbal teas, but try not to overdo it on caffeine-heavy lattes and hot chocolates.”

Don’t skip the SPF

Come rain or shine, wearing SPF daily is always essential. Why? UV light damages collagen and the skin at a cellular level, even through the winter months. Dr. Anjali Mahto who is working with skin brand Purifide, says, “Many believe that sunscreen will block your pores and cause spots. Acne-prone skin can be more in need of sun protection as UV exposure can increase pigmentation. Prolonged sunlight can also drive comedones (blocked pores that form a bump) or blackheads so it can make your acne worse. Short-term ultraviolet light can be good for the skin as it can be anti-inflammatory, but we all need to be protected from long-term damage.” See a skin specialist for advice if acne is your concern. nakedhealth MEDISPA offers a course of acne laser treatments.

Moisturise

With the weather turning colder, moisturiser is an essential part of any skincare routine. “The cold, dry winter air only makes your skin more likely to get dehydrated, so applying creams and lotion is especially vital when the temperature drops,” says Savaş Altan, a medical aesthetic expert at Vera Clinic. And also, use lukewarm water to wash your face as very hot water can be drying. Go for some top products for winter skin. Try the eco-friendly Hydra-Repair Day Cream from Grown Alchemist (available at Elys Wimbledon). Its ingredients include geranium, which brightens; aloe tightens pores and jojoba oil mimics our skin’s natural sebum, helping keep it in balance.

Refocus

Exfoliating your skin is important to keep it clean and feeling fresh. However, it is advised to only exfoliate twice a week during the winter months as it can dry your skin. According to Dr. Johanna Ward, founder of skincare range ZENii London, “Cleansing with gentle exfoliating acid such as glycolic or salicylic acid is a good idea to get rid of cellular debris, and to send chemical signals to the deep layer of your skin to rejuvenate and regenerate.” Also, “retinoids and Vitamin A creams are clinically evidenced to support fibroblast production of collagen and elastin renewal and repair and create long-term skin health. Ensure you build these into your daily skincare routine during the colder months to combat skin dullness and dryness.”

Glow Up

Want to look radiant this winter? Ensure you are eating the right nutritious foods and getting your all-important five a day. Celebrity skincare expert and advisor for Efamol, Louise Thomas-Minns says foods to note this winter include, “Kiwi, oranges, strawberries, blackcurrants and broccoli are all easy to incorporate and are great sources of vitamin C. Also make sure that you eat fish twice a week, including one portion of oily fish, to increase good fats in your diet. You can also add walnuts, chia, and flax seeds to smoothies and salads for these good fats as well.”