Winter weather is not fun for the skin! With cold weather and low humidity levels resulting in much drier air, it then steals moisture away from our skin every day. Harsh winter winds, heating and long hot showers exuberates the issue, leaving our skin feeling dry, flaky, red, itchy and even inflamed!
To counter act these effects we need to add moisture to our skin internally and externally. To keep the skin looking young and glowing in winter, we need to be using gentler skin products with moisturising/hydrating benefits.
Here are my 8 tips for this winter to get your skin back into shape.

1. DRINK MORE WATER
When our body is dehydrated, our skin is the first to show signs. When we are dehydrated our collagen production decreases, and this has a domino effect in the body. Drink at least 2litres of water per day. And more if you are exercising.

2. CLEANSE MORNING AND NIGHT
I advise to double cleanse at night, once to remove your makeup, bacteria and help remove any grime left from the day. Your second cleanse helps go into the deeper layers of the skin, softening and prepping the skin for the next step of your regime. Your morning cleanse is just as important as your night cleanse. Believe it or not but we can still pick up environmental debris while we sleep, not mention that you may sweat and touch your faces through the night. Plus, you are prepping your skin for the next phase.

3. TONE
If your skin care provider has a toner in your range, you should be using it. Toners help remove any cleanser left behind and helps balance the PH in your skin. Now toners double up as hydrating spritz that can be utilised throughout the day to moisturise your skin. Very handy at work when air-conditioning is on non-stop!

4. EXFOLIATE
For dry skin, you should be using your exfoliant 1-2 times per week. You should be using an exfoliator that has a mild exfoliant effect such as one with jojoba beads or a fruit enzyme. You are clearing away any dead skin so that your moisturiser is reaching the deeper layer of the skin. In the process smoothening and helping to awaken your tired, dull skin.

5. USE HYDRATING MASKS
It is best to use your mask 1-2 times per week also and particularly after your exfoliation. You should use a mask that replenishes and soothes the skin. You need to be using products that protect the skin from environmental factors.

6. USE A SERUM
Serums help to amplify your moisturising cream. They go under your moisturiser. Use Serums rich in active ingredients to make your skin look revitalised, smooth, hydrated and nourished.

7. MOISTURISING DAY AND NIGHT
Some over-the-counter moisturisers have allergen, toxins and petroleum-based ingredients. The ingredients in that can further dry your skin in the winter months so be sure to choose a natural, nourishing product with active ingredients. Night creams with active ingredients help your skin repair and restore during sleep.

8. GO FOR REGULAR FACIALS
Facials are not just an hour of pampering. They have huge benefits for the health of your skin. Your skin is just like the weather, seasonal. You may need to change your products to reflect the needs of your skin, your therapist can advise you on what products you should be using. Facials also help to remove milia, detoxify your lymphatic system, unclog pores, and distress your mind and skin. I would recommend having a facial every 4-6 week.

Facials and products that I would recommend over the winter period are as follows, Vital Radiance Facial from our Nahaia range. This treatment restores the skins vital energy and function, leaving the skin feeling soft, smooth and radiating natural vitality and health. Use at home Nahaias‘ Coconut-Cream Cleanser, Enzyme-Joy Exfoliant, Radiant-Light Serum, Botrix-Me Moisturiser and Intensive-C as your night cream. From our La Clinica Range the facials I would recommend are Anti-Aging Hydra Restore Treatment and Anti-Stress Sensitive Skin Facial. Both these facials will leave the skin feeling younger, restored, hydrated and calmer. For homecare, we have the sensitive and anti-aging ranges that will help restore balance over the long winter.

Sasha