Our Aesthetics and Skincare Expert, Amish Patel from Intrigue Cosmetic Clinic, shares his professional tips on how to keep your skin glowing throughout the colder months ahead in our latest article on adding a ‘wow’ to your winter skin.
Cold To Hot
Those cold winter winds and temperatures can have a drying effect on your skin, but it’s also coming in from freezing temperatures to warm environments that can tip the balance. We all love coming into a super warm house after being out in the cold but turning down the temperature just a few notches before you leave the house will help prevent a shock to your skin when you return home.
Upgrade Your Skincare
Chapped lips and dry, flaky skin are evidence that your skin is struggling to cope with winter temperatures and the drying effects of artificial heating at home. Upgrading your usual moisturiser for a thicker, more intense moisturiser could be just what your skin needs at this time of the year. At our clinic, we create bespoke skincare programmes for our clients and their summer skincare routine will look very different from their winter skincare routine. Upgrading your skincare during the cold winter months will give dry skin the moisturise it needs.
Lifestyle Love
We tend to crave sweet or stodgy foods during the winter months, but these can play havoc with your skin. Hot chocolate may be delicious and warming, but regular sugar intake is detrimental to the skin, and eating a poor diet will impact your skin’s health. Try and eat well during the colder months and keep the sugar and stodge to the minimum. Including foods such as carrots, beetroot, oranges, and coconut are all foods that will keep your skin healthy and happy during the winter. Cutting down alcohol and those hot toddies and replacing them with hot lemon water and herbal teas and water will hydrate your skin and leave it looking plumper, clear of blemishes with a natural glow.
Use Sun Protection
I am a very vocal advocate for sun protection all year round. People often don’t realise that the sun’s damaging rays are still active during the winter months, even on cloudy days! Protecting your skin daily with an SPF factor of 30 or over will help protect your skin against UV damage. Apply regularly after your morning skincare routine and reapply if you are outside for more extended periods. Don’t forget to protect your lips with sun protection too. The skin on your lips is very delicate and prone to drying out so using a lip balm that moisturises and protects against sun damage is ideal.