Had enough of chilly temperatures and icy winds? Whether inside or outside, the dry air this winter is no doubt playing havoc on your skin. With another month to go before it is officially spring, now is the time to get your glow back with these 3 simple steps:
1. Exfoliate
It’s likely you have read that our skin cell turnover slows down during winter causing dry skin. This is not quite true. Our skin cell turnover slows down as we age, not because of the weather. We do experience more dead skin cells in winter, resulting in dry skin but the cause of this is actually the contrary i.e. the skin cells on the outer layer of our skin ‘die’ faster. Because there is less moisture in the air both outside due to a drop in humidity and inside due to heating, our skin cells dehydrate and ‘die’ thus leaving that tight, flaky, rough feeling. So with skin cells dying off at a faster rate than usual, winter is actually the most crucial time to exfoliate.
| How and when do I exfoliate? I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again - the very best way to exfoliate is to cleanse with a face cloth, every day. It’s that simple. In case you missed it, you can learn about 'The Easiest Skin Cleansing Routine' and the benefits here. If you still need an extra helping hand, add an exfoliating product in to your skin care routine, but no more than once or twice a week. Be sure to choose one that best suits your skin type and skin condition: |  |
- Bumpy with blocked pores – a white willow bark cleanser (a natural form of salicylic acid) coupled with a cleansing clay mask would best suit your skin.
- Tight, dry and rough in patches – try a gentle, physical exfoliator such as the Drift Melting Balm Cleanser. This is an oil rich cleansing balm (just like the cult favourite Eve Lom Cleanser) with micro sphere jojoba beads that gently roll over the skin to help lift away dead skin cells rather than cause harsh scratching which some of the natural shell and larger sized bead exfoliators can do.
2. Hydrate
You’ll notice an immediate improvement if you have dry skin when you apply a good, nourishing moisturiser. Look for hydrating ingredients that help improve the skin’s natural moisture levels such as hyaluronic acid, niacinamide (Vitamin B3) and allantoin.
 | A quick and simple winter skincare fix is to add a drop or two of facial oil to your moisturiser. This not only gives a lovely radiant glow but also feeds the skin with essential fatty acids and protects the skin from the harsh external environment. You can learn which facial oil is best suited to your skin type from 'The Facts on Facial Oils'. |
3. Stimulate
It’s not just the lack of sunshine that makes our skin look pale and dull during winter. When cold, the blood vessels in our skin constrict, resulting in less blood flow to the surface and a paler looking appearance.
| Along with regular exercise, facial massage is an excellent way to increase blood and oxygen flow which in turn delivers many benefits to your skin. It will stimulate the renewal of healthy skin cells as well as stimulate the lymphatic system to remove toxins and fluid build-up. Increased circulation will also help exfoliate, relieve congestion and improve the skins appearance through softening fine lines and wrinkles. |  |
The best way to achieve all 3 steps with no effort required is to book a Drift Facial.
If your entire body needs some TLC, try the Full Body Facial which extends the Drift Facial to include all of the body. Your skin will have its summer glow back in no time.
Feel free to post any questions or comments about which products and treatments may work best for you.
If your entire body needs some TLC, try the Full Body Facial which extends the Drift Facial to include all of the body. Your skin will have its summer glow back in no time.
Feel free to post any questions or comments about which products and treatments may work best for you.
