9 Ways to Look After Your Skin in Winter
Yes we all feel like hiding under a blanket, but we do have to venture out! It’s more important to look after our skin in Winter. Here Dr Justine Hextall, consultant dermatologist on behalf of The Harley Medical Group and independent dermatologist Dr Beibei Du-Harpur explain why.
1. Keep wearing the SPF!
”Just because it is winter, it doesn’t mean you should put away your suncream. While there is less UVB around in winter, levels of UVA (or UV-Ageing as it is known in the dermatology world) are still significant enough to age our skin. I advocate using a sunscreen.”
Sue Atkinson Aesthetics & Wellness Clinic is an official Environ Suncare Range Stockist.
Developed by Dr. Des Fernandes after treating a patient with fatal skin cancer, his research into sun safety is renowned throughout the medical and skin care industries.
RAD SPF 15 is a face and body sun protection cream with a combination of sun filters and sun reflectors to provide broad spectrum protection against both burning UVB and ageing UVA rays. Added vitamin antioxidants increase the sun protective power – equivalent to SPF 30 – within this innovative formula and assists in fighting free-radicals within the environment.
“Ageing skin is a direct result of sun-induced vitamin-A deficiency. Protect against the deficiency and you’ll have more radiant skin”
Dr. Des Fernandes, Environ Founder
Sue Atkinson Aesthetics & Wellness Clinic is an official Environ Suncare Range Stockist.
Environ RAD sunscreen is a revolutionary sun protection cream ideal for thorough sun protection.
The sun filters and sun reflectants contained in this product provide an of SPF 15 while natural antioxidant vitamins increase sun protection and fight free-radicals. This product is highly recommended for all skin types and is suitable for all ages, including babies.
The Sun newspaper’s fitness expert Nicki Waterman rates RAD as her no1 sunscreen.
2. A great time for skin treatments
”Winter is a great time of year for skin treatments. We may worry about peels and laser treatments in the summer months. With sun exposure before or after such procedures there is a higher risk of unwanted post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Autumn and winter therefore represents an opportunity.”
3. Keep hydrated
“Your skin will become drier and often more sensitive with the onset of colder weather and central heating. Make sure you keep hydrated during the day; swap your coffee for green tea which has great antioxidant effects. Gentle cleansing is a must: you need your skin barrier to be as healthy as possible so that it can retain vital moisture.”
Sue Atkinson Aesthetics & Wellness Clinic is an official Environ Skin EssentiA Range Stockist.
The new name for AVST – Skin EssentiA mild Cleansing Lotion
Environ AVST/Skin EssentiA Cleansers are designed to cleanse the skin gently but effectively, whilst maintaining the natural acid balance of the skin.
They do not contain any harsh chemicals that may damage the skin.
The AVST CLEANSING LOTION is a technically advanced formula that gently and effectively removes make up, surface impurities and environmental pollutants from the skin, whilst conditioning and assisting to maintain the natural acid balance of the skin.
This is a highly efficient non-foaming cleanser.
AVST CLEANSING LOTION is recommended for any age group, for normal, sun damaged or sensitive skins.
It can be used by both males and females. New AVST Cleansing Lotion (200ml) replaces Interactive Cleansing Cream.
This light, non-foaming cleanser gives a soft, luxurious, velvety after feel. It cleanses effectively without stripping the natural oils from the skin and maintains the natural acid balance.
Mild vegetable oil derived surfactant lauryl betaine, together with the olive derived emulsifiers and emollients dicaprylyl carbonate, hydrogenated polydecene and jojoba oil, gently remove make-up and environmental debris from the skin.
Who can use it? All skin types and ages but it is especially good for dry, sensitive skin and is safe for oily skins, with no fear of it being comedogenic.
Sue Atkinson Aesthetics & Wellness Clinic is an official Environ Skin EssentiA Range Stockist.
Softly cleanse and refresh your skin with the silky-feeling Low Foam Cleansing Gel from the expert skincare brand Environ. It effectively lifts makeup, oil, and impurities from your pores – without removing valuable natural oils.
This Environ Cleanser uses a clever gel formula to efficiently but gently exfoliate and hydrate, ensuring that your skin’s natural pH balance isn’t disturbed. It’s easy to rinse away when you’re done, and leaves your skin feeling fresh, clean, and beautifully radiant.
If you’re in search of a non-soapy cleanser to keep your skin looking bright and youthful, Environ Low Foam Cleansing Gel could be just the solution. With regular use of the Environ Cleanser as part of your daily skincare routine, you’ll soon see beautiful results.
Sue Atkinson Aesthetics & Wellness Clinic is an official Environ Skin EssentiA Range Stockist.
Environ Skin EssentiA (AVST) Dual Action Pre-Cleansing Oil is a plant-derived, oil-based pre-cleanser that acts as a sebum solvent and assists in removing environmental pollutants from the skin. Pre-Cleansing Oil leaves the skin feeling refreshed and nourished whilst maintaining the natural acid mantle of the skin.
Benefits of Environ Skin EssentiA (AVST) Dual Action Pre-Cleansing Oil:
Assists in hydrating the skin, giving a silky after-feel.
Helps to decongest clogged pores and problematic skin.
May assist in soothing an easily irritated skin.
4. Tweak your daily skincare routine
“If you are having to apply a moisturiser during the day it is likely your skin routine needs tweaking. If you're using a lotion, try swapping it for a cream, massaging it into your skin for 30 seconds to maximise its effects.”
5. Layer up at bedtime
Dr Du-Harpur says: “My number one tip is to embrace using a more occlusive, rich product, especially for the evening routine, which can help maintain the skin barrier and prevent the need for prescribed treatments. Similarly, products marketed as ‘recovery masks’ often contain rich ingredients that are great for moisturising.”
We recommend Environ Focus Care Moisture+ Alpha Hydroxy Night Cream.
6. Book in for a facial
“Winter skin is often dull, so I recommend a professional facial about every four weeks," advises Dr Hextall. "That’s how long it takes your skin to move through the full life cycle of skin cell growth. Regular facials will help to keep your skin clean, clear and hydrated while maximising your everyday skincare regime, too.”
7. Protect lips from ‘lick eczema’
“Licking sore lips will only exacerbate dryness and can cause what is referred to as ‘lick eczema’," explains Dr Hextall. "Make sure your lips are sealed with an effective ointment at all times, particularly before eating and drinking, as some foods, like tomatoes, can irritate chapped lips.”
8. Prevent dry, chapped hands
“Hands are very high risk for becoming chapped and sore in winter”, says Dr Hextall. "New mothers constantly washing hands often come and see me in the winter months. My advice is to avoid baby wipes, as they can contain preservatives that trigger hand eczema, and for everyone to wear gloves when washing.”
9. Consider a foot peel
Dr Hextall confirms that feet often become dry and cracked when the temperature drops. "Exfoliating frequently and applying an effective moisturiser always helps, but for many there just aren’t enough hours in the day. This is where the Foot Peel comes in.”
“I hope that these tips keep your skin luscious in winter! Hope to see you soon.”