Effective winter skincare at home – yes, it is possible!
By Dr. Martina Pirklova
Dip Imp Dent RCS (Eng). Level 7 Certificate in Injectable Aesthetic Non-Surgical Interventions
Confession time – who follows the same skincare routine in winter as you do in summer?
A lot of us do. But just as we change our wardrobes for the colder months, we really should introduce a winter skincare routine too that will protect and prime your skin from the damaging effects of cold weather and central heating.
Why you need a different skincare routine in winter to summer?
Your skin is a living organ and responds differently depending on the environment it finds itself in. In summer, it needs lighter, cooling, sun protecting treatments that don’t clog the pores and cause inflammation and acne. In winter, the air is colder and our skin is often exposed to cold, biting air followed by dry, hot air when we go into centrally heated buildings. Skin needs more hydration and nourishment in winter or it can quickly become dry and sallow looking. Not to mention the fact that dry, malnourished skin is thinner and ages more quickly!
What does a winter skincare routine look like?
Luckily, it’s not too difficult to give your skin some extra TLC during the colder months. I’ve set out the key steps below to give your winter skincare routine that added oomph to leave your skin looking fresh, healthy and glowing.
- Cleanse
Yes, the bathroom floor might be cold and that cleanser is going to feel super chilly on your skin but do it anyway! Just because it’s getting dark earlier and you can keep the lights dim is no excuse to skip cleansing! Always cleanse and remove all traces of make up before you dive into bed with that hot water bottle!
What to try: AlumierMD HydraBoost is a creamy cleanser that gently removes impurities, excess oils and makeup with natural cleansers. Developed for normal to dry skin, HydraBoost gives skin a surge of moisture with sunflower seed oil, argan oil and vitamin E.
- Moisturise and apply serums
In the winter your skin will thank you for using a rich, intensive moisturiser that replace all that lost hydration. Using serums is also important because they support the skin’s natural barrier and help protect it from colder temperatures and dry, indoor heating. Look for products that attract the moisture to the upper layers (dermis) of your skin. Active ingredients you should be looking out for are:
Humectants: Hyaluronic acid and glycerin are key humectants that extract water from the deeper layers of your skin and move them up to the outer layer of skin (stratum corneum).
Emollients: Similar to oils, emollients act to soften the skin by filling the spaces between skin flakes, creating a smooth surface. Not only do they create a smooth, flawless finish they make your skin feel a million dollars!
Occlusives: These are the first line of defence for your skin. Occlusives form a protective barrier on the skin that locks in moisture so your skin stays hydrated.
What to try: AlumierMD HydraCalm is a rich and restorative hydrator packed with natural calming ingredients specifically formulated to relieve redness-prone and sensitive skin. Sea whip, boswellia, aloe and honey soothe skin. An innovative low molecular weight hyaluronic acid and niacinamide provide intense moisture to all layers of the skin. A copper peptide strengthens and rehabilitates the look of skin. Antioxidants provide protection from free radical damage.
Alumier MD Ultimate Boost Serum is a lightweight serum that boosts hydration and enhances the skin’s natural hydrolipid barrier with sodium hyaluronate and niacinamide. MATRIXYL™ Synthe'6™ strengthens skin and improves elasticity, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Powerful antioxidants, including glutathione and a blend of tea extracts, neutralize aging free radicals to protect the skin from future damage. Perfect to use as a booster under moisturizer.
- Exfoliate
Dry skin really means old, dead skin cells and getting rid of those to reveal young, fresh skin cells will help keep your skin looking tip top throughout the winter months. You need to exfoliate more in winter than you do in summer. I recommend home exfoliation twice a week to my patients to keep skin in tip top condition.
What to try: AlumierMD Enzymatic Peel Enzymatic Peel is a highly effective exfoliator that combines 10% lactic acid with fruit enzymes to exfoliate dead skin cells and promote skin renewal, minimizing the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and hyperpigmentation. Aloe vera extract calms the skin and soothes redness, while sodium hyaluronate, and vitamin B5 hydrate and soften skin for a supple and radiant complexion.
Or try AlumierMD Bright & Clear Solution is a refreshing skin conditioning solution that refines skin complexion. Lactic acid, salicylic acid and Lime Pearl™ gently exfoliate dead skin cells to brighten the skin and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Superox-C™, which is high in vitamin C, provides antioxidant protection from free radical damage. Arnica and oat soothe the skin.
- Sun protection
It might feel like we barely see daylight, let alone sun at this time of year but, trust me, damage from UV rays is a year-round threat! I recommend a broad-spectrum sunscreen all year round to my patients.
What to try: My absolute favourite product from Alumier MD skincare range is their Sheer Hydration Broad Spectrum SPF 40 Sunscreen (Versatile Tint) is a silky and sheer physical sunscreen that provides powerful broad spectrum protection against harmful UVA and UVB rays. It uses a combination of zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, while moisturizing with vitamin E. This product is a 3-in-1 miracle! Broad UV protection, a daily moisturiser and a light coverage foundation to make your skin glow.
At REclinic we aren’t just cosmetic treatment experts we can advise on the most effective skincare routines and products for use at home. As authorised AlumierMD professionals we can advise and supply AlumierMD medical-grade skincare for use at home alongside our hugely-popular in clinic treatments.
Book a FREE consultation to discuss your skincare requirements and have a glowing, fresh complexion all winter long! https://www.reclinic.co.uk/contact
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