Glow this winter

Winter brings a double whammy when it comes to skincare explains Marvice, Master Skin Therapist in Vancouver. Chilly outdoor temperatures and indoor central heating combine to dehydrate the skin on your face and hands and dry out your lips leading to itching, flakiness and redness. So it’s time to rethink skincare routines as we prep for the colder months ahead. Let’s get your glow back!

Nurture your skin

“If you see flakiness and dryness it’s tempting to think you need to up your exfoliation,” says Marvice. “But exfoliating is strong and strips moisture out of your skin making it even drier. So exfoliate no more than twice a week.”

Don’t forget – you’re almost sure to need a richer moisturizer for the colder season as your summer one will struggle to cope. Pamper your skin while you sleep with an oil-rich emollient. And don’t forget the delicate skin directly under your eyes. Because it’s thinner, it’s more vulnerable to winter weather and needs special protection.

“I recommend a professional facial every few weeks during the winter months to my clients to keep their skin hydrated and the signs of premature ageing at bay.” According to the British Journal of Dermatologists, those people who moisturise their skin regularly accumulate wrinkles at a fraction of the rate of those with dry or dehydrated skin.

Winter skin care is all about deep hydration and rejuvenation. If you’d like some professional advice on the best winter moisturizer and serums for your skin book a complimentary skincare consultation and we’ll examine your skin, talk about your current routine, and recommend the right seasonal products for you.

Some like it hot (but not your skin)

Try to limit the time in hot baths and showers. Lukewarm water is a better option as the heat in the water dries the oils out of your skin – the warmer water you use, the drier your skin’s going to be explains Marvice. Once out of the shower she recommends patting your skin dry and immediately applying a hydrating body moisturizer or skin nourishing body oil. This will lock moisture into your skin – applying it to damp skin is much more beneficial, especially if your skin is dry to start with. I’m using Diego dalla Palma Professional super moisturizing cream at the moment as it nourishes and hydrates without leaving a sticky residue, adds Marvice.

Stay hydrated inside and out

Remember to drink enough fluid throughout the day to help prevent your skin from drying out and keep it looking healthy says Marvice. Obvious. But it’s easy to overlook as the temperature drops.

Regular moisturizing is also vital – especially after washing which strips the skin of its natural oils. Apply moisturizer to hands first thing in the morning and reapply throughout the day. Marvice says, “I keep a travel-size Gehwol hand cream in my bag and some next to the sink at home and work as a reminder.”

Apply a hydrating lip balm with an SPF throughout the day too, to avoid the dreaded chapping. I have jane iredale Lip Drink Lip Balm SPF 15 in all my bags.

Retinol

Are you thinking of trying Retinol to give your skin a real boost before the colder weather sets in? Retinol can deliver some amazing results, making your skin look younger, brighter and smoother.

“Retinol is an active ingredient which increases our skin’s cellular turnover”, explains Marvice. “So it’s essential to introduce slowly into your routine and slowly build up usage. And always use a good sunscreen.”

There are some key do’s and don’ts when it comes to starting a course of treatment to ensure you get the best results – so if you’re interested in adding Retinol to your routine book a free consultation and we’ll give you the right advice for your skin.

Don’t forget the sunscreen

Even when it’s cold and grey, skin-damaging UV rays still get through so don’t stop using sunscreen during the winter months. Use at least SPF 30 (one of the best sunscreen for dry skin is ELTA MD UV Facial SPF 30 or UV Daily SPF 40 with hyaluronic acid that helps bind the moisture into your skin), apply your sunscreen after moisturizing each morning and reapply regularly throughout the day. Remember those UV rays can penetrate glass so if you’re in the car or working by a window apply that sunscreen.