Winter Skin Tips….more Winter skin savers!

It’s an exciting and confusing time, many restrictions are lifted and we can get out into the world once again. More importantly we can get back to our appointments and get rid of the evidence that we missed our treatments during iso, thank goodness!

However Winter is also here so although we are allowed out now it’s not very appealing, not to mention the cold weather Melbourne has already been dishing out has our skin craving some extra TLC.

Unlike Summer, Winter doesn’t have our skin loving life and looking glowy, in fact it’s the opposite. Almost everything about winter sucks the moisture out of our skin, the cooler less humid air, indoor heating, hot showers and baths, not only do all of these factors make our skin drier but can also cause flakiness and flare-ups in conditions such as eczema, psoriasis and dermatitis. The change of season not only requires us to change up our wardrobe but our skincare routine as well. If you find your skin is a little lacklustre in Winter, never fear, here at Southern Cosmetics we have you covered.

LIFESTYLE EDITS 

Winter is the most challenging time of year for maintaining healthy habits. The cold weather has us moving less and eating more, not to mention all the delicious (and not always healthy) comfort food. There are a few simple things we can do to help maintain our skin during the cold months.

As tempting as it is to have a scorching hot shower or bath to warm up, the heat is damaging to the skin’s protective barrier, try and have warm showers to reduce the damage and exacerbation of dehydration and dryness.

Make sure you are getting Essential fatty acids(EFA’s) in your diet. EFA’s are AMAZING for skin health, hydration and anti aging. Eat oily fish such as salmon or nuts such as flaxseeds or walnuts regularly or take a supplement such as fish oil or evening primrose oil.

Keep up your water intake and don’t over do it on dehydrating caffeinated drinks.

For those who suffer from oily or acne prone skin, winter is usually a time where our skin improves, howeverWiinter is also the time for comfort eating and reaching for refined carbs may trigger breakouts. To prevent this try and stick to low GI foods, such as wholegrain rather than white bread, and to avoid the sugar spike that can aggravate our hormones.

SKINCARE:
Switch up your skincare. The cooler months here in Melbourne mean that our normal skincare products just don’t cut it in Winter. Just as we change our wardrobe we need to change our skincare as well. Winter is very dehydrating on our skin and as such we need to use richer products to keep our skin glowing and hydrated.

To help prevent winter dryness there are two options

1. Change to a heavier moisturiser

OR

2. Use a facial oil. Facial oils can be added to your current moisturiser or used on their own for an extra hydration boost They are also filled with super nourishing essential fatty acids.

We love these facial oils:

The skincare company – Hydration booster.
A deeply nourishing and fast absorbing antioxidant rich facial oil, ideal for dry, sensitive and reactive skins. This serum uses the highest quality rosehip, jojoba and almond oils to hydrate the deeper epidermal layers without leaving an oily residue.

Osmosis – Nourish facial oil 
Achieve luminosity, brilliant radiance, and a smooth complexion with this organic avocado facial oil. This face oil hydrates and rebalances deep into the dermal layer of the skin to protect from moisture loss and environmental aggressors.

Synergie Destress 
A soothing facial oil designed to moisturise, calm and protect delicate, irritated skin. Fortified with pure olive squalene, seabuckthorn and macadamia oil to hydrate sensitive skin. This non-comedogenic oil will provide instant relief for those suffering from irritated skin. De-Stress also aids in boosting the natural moisture retention ability and is ideal for rosacea, sensitive skin and following clinical treatments.

 

You can also supercharge your nighttime routine:

ASAP liquid platinum

An overnight regeneration treatment that brightens and refines skin as you sleep. This advanced treatment gently dissolves dead skin cells and stimulates collagen production while the low pH delivery system helps to increase the penetration of subsequently applied products.

The multi-action formulation also helps to:

-Lock in moisture by strengthening the skin’s barrier function

-Reduce the appearance of pigmentation, sun damage, fine lines and wrinkles

-Firm, brighten and hydrate the skin.

Universkin Universal hydrating booster serum

Universkin H serum is a unique combination of hyaluronic acid, organic silica + L-rhamnose, and a biomimetic peptide in a minimalist formula triggering three actions. It strengthens the skin’s barrier and promotes hydration, stimulates the synthesis of collagen fibers and firmness proteins and protects hyaluronic acid and firmness proteins already present in the skin via a specific biomimetic peptide that prevents its degradation.

Skinceuticals HA intensifier 
H.A. Intensifier is a multi-beneficial corrective serum proven to amplify skin’s hyaluronic acid levels. This unique formulation supports the skin’s hyaluronic acid levels and delivers surface hydration, helping improve the visible appearance of fine lines and providing long lasting hydration.

IN CLINIC TREATMENTS 

Aquapure

This non-invasive hydradermabrasion helps patients achieve clearer, more hydrated, radiant-looking skin. The treatment combines deep-cleaning, exfoliation and serum infusion to make your skin feel instantly smoother, plump and hydrated giving you that instant glow.

Chemical peels 
Alpha hydroxy acids (AHA’s) are a great way to combat the dull skin caused by winter. AHA’s are derived from sources such as citrus fruits and sugar cane are used for superficial chemical peels that have little to no down time. They are primarily used for treatment of fine lines, pigmentation, dry and dehydrated skin as they have hydrating and brightening effects.

Skinboosters
Skin boosters are an injectable hydration and rejuvenation treatment performed utilising injectable hyaluronic acid. The skin boosters are injected into the skin of the neck and decolletage, around the eyes and even the backs of hands to give the skin a plump and youthful look.

So there are many options to keep your skin supple and hydrated over Winter, whether its diet, exercise, skincare or an in-clinic treatment.

 

Tegan Alexander, Dermal Therapist.