Say “Hello” to winter… and the dry skin and chapped lips. But it’s not all doom and gloom. Autumn can be a very beautiful season as we observe the trees transform into a beautiful mirage of reds, oranges and yellows. Then come the frosty winter mornings, which can be just as pretty, especially when you’re the first to step foot in the crisp white winter snow that crunches underneath your shoes.
So what can we do to help our skin through the dark, cold winter months? Here’s Dr Jamie's top tips.
1. Stay Hydrated.
Everyone experiences drier skin during the colder weather, which isn’t helped by central heating. One top tip that doesn’t cost a penny is to drink more water. Staying hydrated will ultimately keep your skin and lips hydrated, which means less reaching for that lip balm to sooth dry, cracked lips. And whilst we are on the subject of dry lips, avoid licking them!! It only dries them out more.
2. Moisturise.
Having a good moisturiser is important. Finding one that can keeps your skin hydrated for a
long period of time will mean less applications - saving you time, effort and money. I would highly recommend Obagi Hydrate which contains hydromanil, the key ingredient that keeps skin hydrated for up to 8 hours without leaving a greasy residue. If you really want to treat your skin to some hydration, then try the Obagi Hydrate Luxe, a super hydrating formulation designed to soak your skin in goodness whilst you sleep, but it could be the perfect perfect answer for anyone struggling with very dry skin during the day time.
3. Wear Sun Protection.
It sounds bonkers wearing sun protection during the winter, but here’s why it is a MUST. During winter months UVB levels are reduced (which unfortunately make it very difficult to catch a sun tan). The UVA levels however, remain relatively high all year round. It's the UVA rays which are harmful and cause skin damage, leading to premature skin ageing. If you want to kill two birds with one stone during winter I would recommend the Obagi 360 HydraFactor, with a sun protection factor of 30 it also keeps your skin hydrated with the addition of the hydromanil technology used in their moisturisers for all day hydration.
4. Consider Professional Skin Treatments.
If you've ever been a sun worshipper and have recently started to notice sun spots and pigmentation damage a skin peel could help you on the way to a smoother, brighter complexion. Winter is the perfect time to show your skin some love by getting a skin peel. There are various types of peels out there, that will peel the skin at different depths. The Rejuvenation Doctors offer the Obagi Blue Peel Radiance which is ideal if you want a superficial peel that isn’t going to have your skin flaking off. I would recommend having a course of 6 peels, every 2-4 weeks for a result that is gradual and won't be noticeable until your skin is glowing.
Profhilo. If you haven’t already heard of this magical treatment – where have you been hiding? It’s very quickly become one of our most popular treatments, especially amongst those who want to rejuvenate their skin, without changing the way they look. Profhilo has been named the ‘injectable moisturiser’. Placed just under the surface of the skin, Profhilo has a runny consistency and spreads where it hydrates the skin for 4 weeks, after which a 2nd treatment is usually required. During these 8 weeks it also stimulates your skin cells to produce collagen and elastin, so as well as giving you the 'Profhilo glow' for 6-12 months, many people also notice a tightening effect on any loose, sagging skin.
Last but not least, book yourself in for a facial. Who doesn’t love lying on a luxuriously soft, heated bed, whilst someone massages the most wonderfully smelling lotions and potions into their face? The skin has a natural cell cycle of around 28 days, this is how long it takes for the bottom layer to work its way to the surface and shed off. I would therefore recommend booking yourself in for a monthly pamper during winter. Your skin will thank you for it.
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